Does anyone know approximately how many high school graduates enter the military annually? I'm searching for stats on this matter and haven't found much. I'm thinking about the military as an option after high school myself and it might be good to understand the trend.
The percentage of high school graduates who join the military varies year to year, depending significantly on geopolitical and economic factors. However, on average, about 150,000 to 200,000 high school graduates join the military each year in the United States. This number represents all branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) and includes those who directly enlist as well as those who might start off in a post-secondary ROTC program.
Doing a more detailed search would possibly involve military recruiting statistics which are usually managed in separate sectors for each branch. If you're interested, the Defense Manpower Data Center collects statistics regarding military enlistment and could be a helpful resource.
You say that you're considering the military after high school, and knowing these stats could definitely help to guide you by offering a trend and pattern. Remember to also consider other factors like your own career aspirations, physical and mental preparedness, and the commitment level required by different military paths. It's a significant decision, so take your time to research and think it through. Weigh the pros and cons and possibly seek advice from military veterans or career counselors if you can.
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