As an enlisted Soldier, you become an integral member of the team with unlimited possibilities in what we can achieve.
Gain Real-World Skills in The Army
Unlike many jobs where you can wait years to get firsthand experience, in the Army you’re given the training and trust to jump in on day one.
- Get hands-on training and knowledge
- Work as a professional in your field
- Get paid while you learn
Discover Your Desired Career
With more than 200 jobs ranging from medicine to mechanics, you can choose the role that interests you the most and shape the career you want to have.
There was an overwhelming sense of pride because I realized I accomplished something only 1% accomplishes ever.
My introduction to my first platoon is an everlasting memory. To this day, we meet every year.
The first time I took one of my Soldiers to the promotion board really made me proud.
The most memorable ‘first’ was becoming a platoon medic. Being called ‘Doc’ for the first time...it is unbelievable.
Jumping out of the plane in Airborne school...I felt I was part of something bigger.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Through the Army’s unique point system, you’ll have the opportunity to grow and earn your way toward a promotion. And with numerous enlisted ranks available, your ability to get ahead is always within reach.
Junior Enlisted
Learn and train in unique specialties while carrying out orders to contribute toward your team’s misison.
- Private (Pvt.)
- Private second class (Pvt.)
- Private first class (Pfc.)
- Specialist (Spc.)
Non-Commissioned Officer
Train and oversee Soldiers in their daily tasks and help them develop their skills to be used in team missions.
- Corporal (Cpl.)
- Sergeant (Sgt.)
- Staff sergeant (Staff Sgt.)
- Sergeant first class (Sgt. 1st Class)
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
As the expert in your field with more than 10 years of Army experience, you’ll help Commissioned Officers advise on missions and policies.
- Master sergeant (Master Sgt. / First sergeant (1st Sgt.)
- Sergeant major (Sgt. Maj.) / Command sergeant major (Command Sgt. Maj.)
- Command sergeant major (Command Sgt. Maj.)
- Sergeant major of the Army (Sgt. Maj. of the Army)
Become an Expert in Your Field as a Warrant Officer
As an enlisted Soldier, you have endless opportunities to advance your career and rise through the ranks. But if you aspire to become an expert in a field you’ve been trained in, while also securing your future as a highly-respected leader, the Army Warrant Officer path could be right for you.
- Demonstrate expert technical skills to be recruited to apply to Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) after two years of service
- Achieve the rank of Warrant Officer and serve as an advisor on specialized and strategic missions
Common Questions About Enlisted Soldiers
Can I become a commissioned Officer after I enlist in the Army?
Yes. The Green to Gold program has four options designed to help enlisted Soldiers go to college, earn a degree while serving, and commission as Army Officers.
What’s the difference between a Warrant Officer and a commissioned Officer?
Commissioned Officers apply their advanced skills and knowledge to plan and lead missions, as well as train and mentor teams. Warrant Officers remain single-specialty Officers with career tracks that progress within their field, allowing them to serve as experts and advisors for strategic missions.
What happens after I join the Army?
Once you’ve enlisted, you’ll join other Army cadets in the three phases of Basic Combat Training, which usually take about ten weeks depending on your chosen specialty. Once you complete Basic Combat Training, you’ll receive your assignment.
How do I know if I meet the requirements for the Army?
Every situation is unique, so it may help to reach out to a recruiter or read the requirements to join. But generally, if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, 17-32 years old with a high school diploma, you’re off to a great start.
Can I change jobs after I join?
Yes, you can work with an Army career counselor to pursue new jobs and promotional opportunities with a reclassification request.
Yes, you can join with up to four of your friends through the Buddy Team Enlistment Option. You’ll all need to enlist on the same day and agree to the same Army job. Then, you’ll attend Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training together and be stationed together when you start your job.
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.