Hey folks, I'm seriously considering a military career after high school, but I'm a little confused. Do the graduation requirements change at all for someone like me who's considering military service? Are there any special classes or prep I should be taking right now in junior year?
While high school graduation requirements are typically set by your state and local school district and don't change based on post-graduation plans, there are certainly things you can be doing now to prepare for a military career.
Firstly, make sure you are meeting all state-required courses for graduation. This is necessary to gain a high school diploma which, in turn, is typically a prerequisite for military enlistment.
Next, taking certain classes can better equip you for military service. For instance, physical education classes can help prepare you for the physical rigors of military service. Coursework in fields like government and economics can provide helpful background knowledge. Foreign language classes could be beneficial depending on your specific military ambitions.
Alternatively, you may want to check if your school offers JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps)—it's a program sponsored by the military that could give you a taste of military-style instruction and can help in career preparation.
In addition, developing good personal health and wellness habits can be useful in any military career. This could mean eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, or avoiding drugs and alcohol.
Lastly, if you're leaning toward an appointment to a service academy like West Point or the Naval Academy, you'll need to exhibit top-notch academic and leadership skills, as these institutions are as selective as top colleges and universities. You should strive for strong grades, become involved in extracurricular activities, and seek out leadership opportunities where possible.
Hope this helps you align your high school journey with your future military aspirations!
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