When we speak of military, The U.S Marine Corps is probably one of the most sought-after division in the United States’ military. We bring you all the Q&A regarding joining the Marine Corps. At the moment, the Marine Corps stands as is one of the most elite fighting forces in the world. The Marines are a part of the Department of the Navy and operate in close cooperation with U.S. Naval forces at sea. The Marine Corps’ mission is unique among the services. Marines serve on U.S. Navy ships, protect naval bases, guard U.S. embassies, and provide an ever-ready quick strike force to protect U.S. interests anywhere in the world.

How to Apply if you are not a U.S. Citizen?

The US Government allows people who are not citizens to apply to the U.S MARINE CORP. The rule is that  if you are not a citizen but you must be a foreign national legally residing in the United States with an Immigration and Naturalization Service Alien Registration Card (“Green Card” — INS Form I-151/551) may apply. Applicants must speak, write and read English fluently. Apply online using this link

To perform the many duties of the Marine Corps, approximately 174,000 officers and enlisted Marines fly planes and helicopters; operate radar equipment; drive armored vehicles; gather intelligence; survey and map territory; maintain and repair radios, computers, jeeps, trucks, tanks, and aircraft; and perform hundreds of other challenging jobs.

How are the Marines different from the Army?
The Marine Corps is the nation’s 911 force. Thousands of Marines are always deployed aboard naval amphibious ships ready to respond to an international crises. This ability to mobilize quickly has allowed the Marines to become the United States’ ready-reaction force.

The Army on the other hand is a much larger force and is used in larger and longer conflicts. At times, the Army will relieve the Marines after a period of time, much like what happened in Somalia.

The Marines also consider themselves to be a self-sustaining force bringing with it to battle its own air power, artillery and logistics support. Of course, Marines have to travel on Navy vessels in order to to get to its destination.

Marines also are proud to say that ‘every Marine is a rifleman.’ In other words, regardless if you are in the infantry, the air wing or a computer technician, you will given the proper training so that, if need be, you can perform as an infantryman if called upon. It is fair to say that this mentality does not exist in all of the a U.S. Army’s support units.

What are the qualifications to join the Marine Corps?
The following are the basic requirements for joining. You must:

To enlist, you must be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
Meet exacting physical, mental, and moral standards.
Be between the ages of 17-29. Seventeen-year olds need parental consent.
Have a high school diploma.
Take and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Pass a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam.
Women are eligible to enlist in all occupational fields, with the exception of combat arms specialties: infantry, artillery, and tank and amphibian tractor crew members.

What’s the ASVAB?
This is a measure of different things; your aptitudes. It consists of ten short individual tests covering word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, general science, auto and shop information, mechanical comprehension, electronics information, numerical operations and coding speed. When you take the ASVAB prior to enlisting, not only do you receive scores on each of these individual tests, but several individual test results are combined to yield three academic composite scores: verbal, math and academic ability.

Officer candidates who did not receive a minimum score on the SAT or the ACT must take the ASVAB and score a minimum of 115 on the Electronics Repair composite.

What are some benefits of joining?
The Marine Corp presents you with Steady Income. This means that you are paid twice a month, on the 1st and 15th, every month, based on your pay grade and service requirements. There is also an easy advancement in the sense that you are promoted based on job knowledge, your performance, time in pay grade and service requirements. In the Marine, there is also a Paid Vacation where you earn 2.5 days paid vacation per month for a total of 30 days each year up to 60 days. In the Marine, you are able to choose where to Train. That is to say that you choose your career path based on your aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance, motivation and determination. Personnel of the Marine Corp are also afforded Health Care. While on active duty, you will receive complete medical and dental care at no cost.

Marine  Corp personnel get Allowances in addition to their basic salary. You may also receive additional tax-free money for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) if government housing is not available; Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), if government food facilities are not available in the area you are stationed; and a uniform allowance (for enlisted personnel only) to help maintain your uniform. Serving your country allows for Tax Advantage. Only your basic monthly pay is subject to Federal or State income tax. Also, the GI Bill will help pay for college education or vocational training. In addition to training, there is also tuition Assistance: While on active duty, you may continue your education, and may be helped in defraying the cost of college-accredited courses.

There are additional benefits which allows for exchange and commissary privileges, moving allowances, temporary lodging expenses, travel, survivor benefits, Veterans Administration home loans and more.
Is infantry the only job in the Marine Corps?
Although the Marine Corps says that “every Marine is a rifleman,” infantry units comprise no more then 15% of the service’s total force. You will be able to work in one of 35 career fields which offer over 300 different jobs.

Some specialty fields available to you:

Aircraft Defense
Aircraft Maintenance
Armor
Broadcasting
Combat Engineer
Communications
Computer Operator/Technician
Electronics
Intelligence
Supply
Use our job matcher to explore careers that match your interest.

Can certain training schools or duty stations be guaranteed to me upon enlistment?
Yes. It will depend on your term of commitment or specialty. Ask your recruiter for details.

Does the Marine Corps take people with prior service?
Yes. The Marine Corps accepts prior-service people.

What if I am not a U.S. Citizen?

Only U.S. citizens or foreign nationals legally residing in the United States with an Immigration and Naturalization Service Alien Registration Card (“Green Card” — INS Form I-151/551) may apply. Applicants must speak, write and read English fluently.

Can the Marine Corps help me obtain U.S. citizenship?
No. The U.S. military cannot assist foreign nationals in obtaining admittance into the United States.

What if I live overseas?
Regulations prohibit the forwarding of recruiting information through international mail, even to U.S. citizens living in foreign countries. Use our online form to reach a recruiter electronically.

How long is boot camp?
Boot camp is 13 weeks, followed by three weeks of either the School of the Infantry or Marine Combat Training.

Where is boot camp?
Boot camp is located at Parris Island Recruit Depot, SC on the east coast and San Diego Recruit Depot, CA for those on the west coast. All women will attend recruit training at Parris Island.

What is boot camp like?
Recruit training is rigorous, demanding, and challenging. The overall goal of recruit training is to instill in the recruits the military skills, knowledge, discipline, pride and self-confidence necessary to be a United States Marine.

In the first several days at the recruit depot, a recruit is assigned to a platoon, receives a basic issue of uniforms and equipment, is given an additional physical, and takes further assignment classification tests. Each platoon is led by a team of three Marine drill instructors. A typical training day for recruits begins with reveille at 0500 (5:00 a.m.), continues with drill, physical training, and several classes in weapons and conduct, and ends with taps at 2100 (9:00 p.m.).

Should I do anything before I go to boot camp?
Yes. Ask your recruiter if you can get a copy of Recruit Regulations. During recruit training you will use the book when told to “study your knowledge.” Pay particular attention to the list of items you cannot bring to boot camp, the 11 General Orders and the Position of Attention.

We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to prepare yourself for running and physical fitness training. It is recommended that you enter recruit training with the ability to run three miles in less then 24 minutes.

For tips on how to get yourself into shape for Boot Camp, see military fitness guru Stew Smith’s articles.

How do I become an officer?

There are a number of ways you can become an officer in the Marine Corps. In almost all cases you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Sources of commissioning:

Service Academy
ROTC
OCS
Enlisted Commissioning Program
All Marine officers will complete The Basic School (TBS) upon receiving their commission. TBS is six months and will cover leadership, land navigation, weapons qualifications, small unit tactics and communications.

What if I want to go to a service academy?
A portion of Naval Academy graduates go into the Marine Corps. While at Annapolis, midshipmen have the opportunity to see firsthand the various fields open to them.

How do I apply to the Naval Academy?

To apply, you should have competitive Scholastic Aptitude Scores (SAT) and cannot have reached your 22nd birthday. Visit our service academy info page for more info.

What is Officer Candidate School?
Officer Candidate School is offered to college graduates or those in the process of receiving their Baccalaureate degree who want to become commissioned officers in the Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps offers two programs for those who qualify — Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) and Officer Candidates Class (OCC). Training at both programs is at Quantico, VA.

PLC — For Freshmen, Sophomores, or Juniors in College. Candidates will complete either two six-week courses or the 10-week course before receiving their Baccalaureate degree.

OCC — Seniors or those who have already received their Baccalaureate degree will attend a 10-week course.

Both programs occur in the summer and do not interfere with your academic studies.

The 10 or 12 weeks of officer training is intended to measure your leadership potential, you must prove yourself. Upon graduation you decide whether to accept an appointment as a Marine Corps Officer.

How do I apply for OCS?
We suggest you contact an Officer Selection Officer (OSO). The application process includes receiving a minimum combined score of 1000 on the SAT or a 45 on the ACT or a 115 on the Electronics Repair composite of the ASVAB. You must also pass your physical given at a MEPS. Your application package will also include an essay written by you and written statements of your references. The completed package will be submitted to a board, who will select the top candidates from the packages they receive. Please visit the OCS Home Page.

What about ROTC?
You can also receive a commission in the Marine Corps by joining Naval ROTC. Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) program offers tuition and other financial benefits at more than 60 of the country’s leading colleges and universities. Two-year and four-year subsidized scholarships are offered. Participants receive a monthly cash allowance. Two-year and four-year non subsidized NROTC programs are also offered. These are referred to as college programs and provide for monthly cash allowances during the junior and senior years.

Are there promotions to officer rank?
Yes. The Marine Corps has a number of opportunities to become a “Mustang” — someone who is commissioned from the enlisted ranks.

The Enlisted Commissioning Program
This program provides the opportunity for enlisted Marines with two years of college to apply for assignment to the Officer Candidates School and subsequent appointment as unrestricted commissioned officers.

Enlisted Commissioning Education Program
The Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program provides to selected enlisted Marines (who have had no college experience) the opportunity to earn bachelors degrees by attending a college or university as full-time students. Marines in this program who obtain their bachelors degrees and subsequently complete officer candidate training are commissioned as second lieutenants.

The Warrant Officer Program
Warrant officers are technical specialists who are assigned to duties only in their area of expertise. All other officers are said to be “unrestricted” and are assigned to a wide variety of assignments during their career. The Warrant Officer Program provides for the selection and appointment to permanent warrant officer those qualified applicants who are in the grade of sergeant or above at the time of application.

Are there medical opportunities in the Marines?
The Marine Corps actually receives their medical support (doctors, corpsman, nurses) from the Navy.

What Reserve opportunities are in the Marine Corps?
Yes. The Marine Corps Reserve is a part-time force of specially trained people who serve with the Marine Corps one weekend a month and two weeks every year.

You will have to complete the 12 weeks of boot camp but you will have the opportunity to train for one of over 300 different jobs.

What are the qualifications to join the Reserve?
The qualifications to join the reserves are the same as joining the active duty. You must:

Be a U.S. Citizen or a resident alien.
Meet exacting physical, mental, and moral standards.
Be between the ages of 17-29. Seventeen-year olds need parental consent.
Have a high school diploma.
Take and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Pass a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam.
Women are eligible to enlist in all occupational fields, with the exception of combat arms specialties: infantry, artillery, and tank and amphibian tractor crew members.

What training will I receive?
Depending on the program, you will attend boot camp and training for your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Weekend or weekday drills are considered training. Active Duty for Training (ADT) is 12 days of active duty is required annually.

What if I have a problem getting time off from my employer to fulfill my military service obligations?
By law, as a member of the Reserve, you must, upon request, be granted a leave of absence to satisfy a requirement for military training. The Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act requires employers to provide Reservists with time away from their jobs to perform military duty. However, you must notify your employer that you intend to take military leave. You must be reemployed after completion of your military duty and return to your job within a reasonable time. You must be treated as though you had never left employment, including scheduled pay raises, promotions or credit for longevity or vacation. Your employer only has to hold a job open for 60 months if you accept voluntary orders. For additional information, see the Marine Corps Reserve Home Page.

Are there pilots in the Marine Corps?
Yes. Aviation is a key component in the Marine Corps’ Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

Qualifications:
Flight school candidates are officers who must pass a naval flight physical. Dental exam will check for cavities and other problems that may be affected by changes in air pressure during flight.

Vision requirements are also very stringent. Eyesight should be 20/20 or correctable to 20/20, no exceptions. Uncorrected visual acuity must be better than 20/200 in either eye. There are other limitations imposed based on the type and strength of the lens prescription. In addition, normal color perception, depth perception and field of vision are required.

What do Marine pilots fly?
Marines fly jet fighters, helicopters and other support aircraft. These include:

F/A-18 Hornet
AV-8B Harrier II
EA-6B Prowler
AH-1 Super Cobra
How do I become a pilot?
When applying for a commission in the Marine Corps, you can opt for a guaranteed aviation slot. This means if you complete OCS and pass your flight physical, you will be guaranteed a seat at Naval Flight School after you complete The Basic School.

Flight school will last from 18-24 months depending on the type of aircraft you are assigned. After flight school, you will then spend time qualifying on your assigned aircraft before being assigned to your squadron. Becoming a pilot takes a lot of work and dedication. Do not go down this career path unless you are serious about becoming an aviator.

Can I talk to someone in the service now?
Sure. Visit the Military.com Recruiting Discussion Board.

What should I ask my recruiter?
Marine recruiters must present an accurate picture of basic training. You should be aware of all aspects of the military lifestyle. Be sure you fully understand the enlistment contract. You should ask about:

Details and qualifications for each specialty.
The current Enlistment Bonuses.
Films or videos about training and duties.
Boot camp.
Special enlistment programs if you have completed Junior ROTC or Navy Cadet training.
Overseas assignments, remote and long duty.
Haircut and grooming standards.
Off-duty education and educational benefits.
Guaranteed training programs.
Where do I get more information?
Complete this form and we’ll get a recruiter in touch with you.

In Canada, Military Job Applications are available but there are several restrictions on these jobs. Most of the applications in the Canadian Army Recruitment are done online; which means that one has to fill forms for application into the Canadian Army online. The filled out application is then sent via mail to the Army. Citizenship is important if you are interested in joining or enlisting in the Canadian Army as a foreigner.  In cases where your application meets the criteria, you’ll then pair with an Army recruiter, who will help you complete additional forms and examinations, prepare for your interview, and enroll into the Canadian Armed Forces. With some patience and dedication, you can become part of the Canadian Army even if you weren’t born in Canada.

How to Apply for Canadian Army (Online Forms)

Click on “Start Application Now” and sign into your account. You can sign in using the same information you use for other online services (banking), or you can sign in with a GCKey user ID and password. Select the right credential option by clicking the appropriate blue button.
Visit here

Meeting the Requirements of Canadian Citizenship for Army Application

Over the years, people have expressed interest in becoming Canadian citizens. Become a Canadian citizen. To become a citizen, you must legally live in Canada for 3 consecutive years. After that, applications can be done online , copy the required documents, pay the immigration fee, and mail in your completed application. When approved, take a citizenship test, interview, take your citizenship oath, and receive your citizenship! It is understandable that the process listed herein takes a great deal of effort and time but the reality is that it is required if you want to eventually get into the Canadian Army.
You must speak both English or French fluently and be well versed in Canadian history. You will take both a language assessment and a test on your knowledge of Canada.

Step 2
Age is also important, unless there is a parental consent, in which case one can  apply at age 17 or 16. Other than that 18 years is the required age.

Step 3
Complete up to Grade 10 at a minimum. To get started on a Canadian Armed Forces career, you must complete up to Grade 10 if not beyond. Some jobs will require higher levels of education to get the job. For example, if you want an engineering position, you must have an engineering degree.
If you live in Québec, you must complete up to Secondaire IV.

Steps in Filling Out the Application for Canadian Army

We have gone through bits and pieces of the citizenship steps. At the moment, Army applications are started online in Canada. Click on “Start Application Now” and sign into your account. You can sign in using the same information you use for other online services (banking), or you can sign in with a GCKey user ID and password. Select the right credential option by clicking the appropriate blue button.
Visit here

If you are signing in with your online service information, select your sign in partner from the listed options, including Affinity, ATB financial, Scotiabank, and Tangerine, to name a few. Type in your login number, and press “Continue.”
If signing in with a GCKey ID, you can enter your username and password or sign up for an account.

Complete the online form and review your responses before you submit. Fill in the requested information, like your name, address, education, and citizenship status. Be sure to complete all required boxes and answer all questions accurately. After it is submitted, you cannot edit your application. Press “Submit” when you are finished!

You can save your progress and finish it later if you need to. If you do not complete the application within 90 days of your last changes, it will be deleted.
After you submit, you will get an automated email confirming that your application was received. The email will also explain the next steps.

Mail in a copy of your required documents. Make a photocopy of the documents explained in your confirmation email. Put all of your copies into an envelope, and mail it back to the Canadian Armed Forces.

After filing out the form online, some important documents need to reach them by mail;  birth certificate, government issued photo ID (listing Canadian citizenship), education transcripts, trade qualifications, and professional licenses.

Your confirmation email will list what address to mail your documents to. You should also mail in any additional forms required for your particular job. Your confirmation email will detail what forms to complete.

Completing Required Forms and Tests

Complete the reliability screening forms. Screening forms ensure you are trustworthy to handle sensitive government information and equipment. Fill out the forms honestly and completely. With these forms, provide non-family references and disclose any legal obligations (such as parole, student loans, or large debts).
You may be requested to provide fingerprints as well.
The Canadian Government will check the validity of your responses.

Fill out a clearance pre-assessment about where you lived abroad. You will also receive this assessment and instructions via email. Review the email, and gather any official documents requested in the email. Once you complete the assessment and have all the documents needed, mail them back to the Canadian Armed Forces.
The email will also provide you with an address to mail in your documents.
Required documents may include copies of your passport, birth certificate, and visas. The Canadian Government may have you send additional documents if you have immediate family members living outside of Canada.
The entire process can take between 6-18 months, depending on how long it takes to retrieve documents from your home country’s security forces.

Schedule your aptitude test with a recruiter and take a practice test. After your online application is processed, you will be contacted by a recruiter. Your recruiter will schedule your aptitude test.

Complete the practice test to get a sense of what the questions on the test will be like, so you can do your best. ‘

Practice questions can be things like “VICTORY is the opposite of ____” and “Which number comes next in the following series? 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.”

Complete the aptitude test to determine your job. You have 45 minutes to answer 60 questions, testing your verbal, spatial, and problem-solving skills. Answer each question to the best of your ability. Your test results will show your strengths and weaknesses, which then help officers determine your job type.

Job types range includes artillery, combat, engineers, clerks, administration, transportation, and the list goes on.

Finish a medical and fitness examination. First, complete a medical questionnaire about your medical history. Answer questions about your current and past illnesses and any medication you take. Then, complete the physical examination with a licensed doctor. A doctor will measure your height and weight, as well as evaluate your hearing, perception, and vision.

Your recruiter will help you prepare for your examinations, find a doctor, and schedule your appointment.
If you have any unique medical conditions, this process can take a bit longer. You may have to obtain and submit official letters from specialists.

Enrolling in the Army

Prepare for your interview with a military career counselor. A military career counselor will invite you to an official job interview after they receive your test results. To prepare for the interview, review the job description, and reflect on why you want to join the Army. Be prepared to talk about your experience and education.

You can also look up practice questions on the “Application Process” section of the website.
Practice questions include things like, “What do you like about the jobs you listed on the application?” or “Why do you want to join the army as a foreigner?”

Interview for your desired job. On the day of your interview, style your hair neatly and wear professional clothes, like trousers, a button-down shirt, and a tie. You will answer questions on your knowledge of the Canadian Armed Forces and the job you applied for. Prove to them that you are the right fit for this role!

Stay calm and act confidently. You’ve done a ton of preparation for this, and now you can show them what makes you great!

Pass the reliability and security screenings. After your interview, your recruiter will contact you and let you know which documents to submit for security check. They will help you collect and mail in documents that will determine your security clearances.

Different jobs will require different levels of security clearance, and this must be finalized before you can be offered a job.
You will send in documents covering personal information, education qualifications, professional credentials, criminal record, credit history, and employment history.
Since you were not born in Canada, you may have to supply additional documents regarding your home country.

Enroll in the Canadian Army within 10 days if you are offered a job. After all steps are completed and processed, you will be offered a job if the Army wants you! The military career counselor will contact you to offer you the job. Once you receive the job offer, you have 10 days to accept or refuse the offer.

You will then be mailed joining instructions and information about your enrolment ceremony as well as basic training.

Swear into the Canadian Armed Forces at your enrollment ceremony. Your joining instructions will provide you with detailed information regarding when your ceremony will take place and how to invite your friends and family. This is when you make your commitment to the Canadian Army. Congratulations!

If you are signing in with your online service information, select your sign in partner from the listed options, including Affinity, ATB financial, Scotiabank, and Tangerine, to name a few. Type in your login number, and press “Continue.”
If signing in with a GCKey ID, you can enter your username and password or sign up for an account.

Complete the online form and review your responses before you submit. Fill in the requested information, like your name, address, education, and citizenship status. Be sure to complete all required boxes and answer all questions accurately. After it is submitted, you cannot edit your application. Press “Submit” when you are finished!

You can save your progress and finish it later if you need to. If you do not complete the application within 90 days of your last changes, it will be deleted.
After you submit, you will get an automated email confirming that your application was received. The email will also explain the next steps.

Mail in a copy of your required documents. Make a photocopy of the documents explained in your confirmation email. Put all of your copies into an envelope, and mail it back to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Documents to mail in include your birth certificate, government issued photo ID (listing Canadian citizenship), education transcripts, trade qualifications, and professional licenses.

Your confirmation email will list what address to mail your documents to. You should also mail in any additional forms required for your particular job. Your confirmation email will detail what forms to complete.

Completing Required Forms and Tests

Complete the reliability screening forms. Screening forms ensure you are trustworthy to handle sensitive government information and equipment. Fill out the forms honestly and completely. With these forms, provide non-family references and disclose any legal obligations (such as parole, student loans, or large debts).
You may be requested to provide fingerprints as well.
The Canadian Government will check the validity of your responses.

Fill out a clearance pre-assessment about where you lived abroad. You will also receive this assessment and instructions via email. Review the email, and gather any official documents requested in the email. Once you complete the assessment and have all the documents needed, mail them back to the Canadian Armed Forces.
The email will also provide you with an address to mail in your documents.
Required documents may include copies of your passport, birth certificate, and visas. The Canadian Government may have you send additional documents if you have immediate family members living outside of Canada.
The entire process can take between 6-18 months, depending on how long it takes to retrieve documents from your home country’s security forces.

Schedule your aptitude test with a recruiter and take a practice test. After your online application is processed, you will be contacted by a recruiter. Your recruiter will schedule your aptitude test.

Complete the practice test to get a sense of what the questions on the test will be like, so you can do your best. ‘

Practice questions can be things like “VICTORY is the opposite of ____” and “Which number comes next in the following series? 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.”

Complete the aptitude test to determine your job. You have 45 minutes to answer 60 questions, testing your verbal, spatial, and problem-solving skills. Answer each question to the best of your ability. Your test results will show your strengths and weaknesses, which then help officers determine your job type.

Job types range includes artillery, combat, engineers, clerks, administration, transportation, and the list goes on.

Finish a medical and fitness examination. First, complete a medical questionnaire about your medical history. Answer questions about your current and past illnesses and any medication you take. Then, complete the physical examination with a licensed doctor. A doctor will measure your height and weight, as well as evaluate your hearing, perception, and vision.

Your recruiter will help you prepare for your examinations, find a doctor, and schedule your appointment.
If you have any unique medical conditions, this process can take a bit longer. You may have to obtain and submit official letters from specialists.

Enrolling in the Army

Prepare for your interview with a military career counselor. A military career counselor will invite you to an official job interview after they receive your test results. To prepare for the interview, review the job description, and reflect on why you want to join the Army. Be prepared to talk about your experience and education.

You can also look up practice questions on the “Application Process” section of the website.
Practice questions include things like, “What do you like about the jobs you listed on the application?” or “Why do you want to join the army as a foreigner?”

Interview for your desired job. On the day of your interview, style your hair neatly and wear professional clothes, like trousers, a button-down shirt, and a tie. You will answer questions on your knowledge of the Canadian Armed Forces and the job you applied for. Prove to them that you are the right fit for this role!

Stay calm and act confidently. You’ve done a ton of preparation for this, and now you can show them what makes you great!

Pass the reliability and security screenings. After your interview, your recruiter will contact you and let you know which documents to submit for security check. They will help you collect and mail in documents that will determine your security clearances.

Different jobs will require different levels of security clearance, and this must be finalized before you can be offered a job.
You will send in documents covering personal information, education qualifications, professional credentials, criminal record, credit history, and employment history.
Since you were not born in Canada, you may have to supply additional documents regarding your home country.

Enroll in the Canadian Army within 10 days if you are offered a job. After all steps are completed and processed, you will be offered a job if the Army wants you! The military career counselor will contact you to offer you the job. Once you receive the job offer, you have 10 days to accept or refuse the offer.

You will then be mailed joining instructions and information about your enrolment ceremony as well as basic training.

Swear into the Canadian Armed Forces at your enrollment ceremony. Your joining instructions will provide you with detailed information regarding when your ceremony will take place and how to invite your friends and family. This is when you make your commitment to the Canadian Army. Congratulations!

Some Military Jobs seem cool but the reality is they have their downsides. Army recruiters, particularly, the U.S Army Recruiters, are likely to tell you that these cool Army Jobs are right for you without explaining the downside to you. In this post, we shall give you the downside of at least 5 Army Jobs that people think are cool but have some crappy downside.

How to Apply for U.S Army Jobs

Before we move on to these jobs, we shall run you through how to apply for US Army Jobs wherever you are and whichever interest you may have. This link has details on such applications

Here are eight awesome jobs that sometimes, unexpectedly, suck:

1. Mortarmen lob bombs but carry insane weight

You may have heard of Mortarmen and Lob Bombs but the reality is that Mortar Soldiers, for example, with the 77th Armored Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, work around the clock in the Army to fire a 120mm mortar round to provide indirect, suppressive fire for infantry Soldiers during a squad live-fire exercise November 3, 2016 at Udari Range near Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

A recruit is likely to think that being handed rifles to bomb enemies via mortar  shells is cool, however, what most enlisted men fail to let recruits know is the weight of these shells. Imagine a Mortarman who has to get close to his firing point and thence has to carry a mortar weighing  20-40 pounds in addition to mortar shells that weigh about 4 pounds each. That is incredibly difficulty and even impossible when some Mortar systems go high up as 81mm.

2. Wolfhound operators 

Anyone told you that these servicemen are literally nerds? Oh yes, that is the fact and U.S. Army Sgt. John Leslie, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., cited as an example, completes system setup for the Wolfhound intelligence gathering system during the fielding and training class at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, January 25, 2014.

You really have learn a whole lot if you decide to go this way because there’s a class of soldier that can detect the location of enemy transmissions and then listen in on them, translating them instantly if they’re a linguist or have one nearby. But, unless the carrier is an infantryman who can absolutely destroy on the Expert Infantry Badge course, they’re going to be derided as a nerd. The basic point with this category is that there is a never ending learning process and most of the stuff are geeky stuff.

3. Public affairs

In war times, Public Affairs are literally tourist. Cool? May be not!! One would expect to see some action in the army. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brendan Mackie, photojournalist with the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, photographs from the back of a Stryker fighting vehicle during Operation Buffalo Thunder II in Shorabak district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, June 27, 2012. That is certainly not an easy one and no one really tells you that for a fact.

For the efforts of patrol and hitting buildings, clearing obstacles for combat and literally doing the dirty job, you are still regarded a tourist if you are in this service. You have to learn bits and pieces of every place and apply.

4. Cav scouts 

Imagine being the ears and eyes of your units and yet being underrated. That is the exact feeling of U.S Army Soldiers who are Cav Scouts. One time, U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Multinational Battle Group-East’s Forward Command Post cleared a building during a training exercise in Gracanica, Kosovo, May 10, 2017.

From crawling in mud to being regarded as weird, Cav Scouts go through some of the toughest times in gathering information for the Military.

5. Medics 

Ever heard thought of being a Medic in the Army? Maybe it is not as cool as the others. Even worse is the kind of stuff they see; the craziest endings of war go through Medics. California Army National Guard Soldiers from the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade prepare simulated casualties to be evacuated by a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from Company F, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment, 40th CAB, at a tactical combat casualty care lane at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, February 23, 2016.

Most enlisted men contract all sort of diseases when they are away fro home and Medics have to deal these diseases. It is not easy the kind of things they see.

If you ever have to leave the military, one of your scariest moments would be the realization that it is the end of an era; an era where people will not respect you based on the uniform. More often than not, the major worry is securing a job worth your experience. We have compiled a list of some of the jobs that fit right for a military veteran.

SEE ALSO:

Apply Now: 4 Ways to Become U.S Army Officer

Customer Service 

You may not have thought of this job in connection to military veteran but they actually have something in common; tolerance.  Entry level in this job is not very good but it certainly is a job one can consider after retiring. The patience of wielding so much power and yet being reserved does not come often. If you made it through the military, you can make it through the Customer Service sector.

Mechanic

Most military men are handy. That is to say that they can do many things with the hand because of the training they go through. This kind of training allows for the veteran to apply some of his handy nature on a job. Certainly, a few months training or diploma will polish the veteran to be a better mechanic.

CDL Driver/Operator

The isolation from numerous operations in the military leaves many veterans with PTSD. Some veterans would rather get a job that gives them that isolation. A CDL Driver/Operator is certainly worth considering because it gives you the alone time.

Construction

Still on the handy nature of military men. Jobs in construction is merely a transfer of the skills from military. Servicemen learn to build and do everything on their own. As a veteran, being into construction will be perfect and not much change will be felt.

Literally Anything!!!! When we say anything, we mean it!! What most people don’t realize is that being in the military is a source of pride and preparation for everything this world has to offer. As such, once you are out, you qualify for anything this world has to offer.

The British Army has over the years allowed for persons from countries they colonized(Commonwealth countries) to join her Army. The amazing part of the British Army application is the comfort of applying from your home country and ONLINE. At the moment, the U.K Island boasts of over 81,500 troops and plan to increase the army size by relying on member of the Commonwealth.

How to Apply for the British Army Recruitment Online:

The whole application procedure is online and until you are selected for basic army training, there will be no need to be physically present in the U.K. Follow this link to proceed with the application.

Between the ages of 16 and 32, soldiers are accepted by the British Army and for Commonwealth applicants, medicals must be passed before applications will be accepted.

Applicants to the British Army who are not citizens are required to be legally present at the U.K on their own; the army will not facilitate or be directly involved to get you in the U.K validly for the period of your basic training.

However, if one is enlisted and decides to naturalize for the U.K, he will go through the process and it is expected to be easier. Even so, the enlisted non-citizen will pay for filing fee etc on their own. The British government attempts to take out any incentive of citizenship off the table in such cases.

Salaries of UK ARMY:

The following is the salary of the various ranks in the UK army.  These are merely estimation for persons hoping to apply.

Military                                                      Average Salary

Infantryman                                         £18,979 per year
Corporal                                                  £25,883 per year
Junior Soldier                                       £15,008 per year
Commander                                            £32,156 per year

Countries who can Apply:

Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei Darussalem, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland (eSwatini), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Zambia.

By far, the United States of America has the most powerful and populous army in the world.  In modern days, the world has not seen a government that invests so much in its army like the U.S does. With this said, there is always recruitment going on in the U.S Army and persons who enlist get to have all the benefits the U.S Army jobs offer.

How to Be an Army Officer in the U.S Military

1. the U.S Military Academy

The US Army  Military Academy  is one of the easiest ways to become an army officer. It was founded in 1802 and has become the oldest of the 5 service academies. It is locate at West Point and does training for officers who end up in the army.

Over the years, persons who get through the rigorous training and studying at West Point’s undergraduate degree requirements are commissioned . These cadets receive the gold bar of a Second Lieutenant and serve in the Army as Active Duty Soldiers.

At the moment, West Point maintains a strong requirement because the level cadets are enlisted into after graduation. To get into West Point, the applicant must not have child or obligation to take care of one. Must not b blow 17 and above 25.  More importantly, he must be a US Citizen with congressional nomination or service nominated. Education plays a major rol and as such, applicants must have higher tests score in their SAT.

2. The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

The The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is available in over 1,100 colleges in the United States and offer leadership training that is not matched to any other in the world. Wherever you find yourself, being it High School or College, The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) has advisors who can help you make a decision on joining the ROTC. It comes with scholarships and other opportunities that can help build your future in the Army.

3. Direct Commission Officers

There is also the option where you do not have to go through the school system of the army as in West Point or enlist through ROTC. Direct Commission would require a background in Medical health, Chaplaincy and Legal. Ranks in these fields would be determine by the branch one enlist to.

4. Officer Candidate School (OCS)

West Point may have age cuts that is not realistic for applicants with degree. This is where OCS comes in. Officer Candidate School (OCS) is the U.S. Army’s main training academy for prospective Army Officers. At the moment, it is the U.S. Army’s main training academy for prospective Army Officers and offers 12 weeks of training for applicants who have four year’s degree. The commissioning age is between 18 and 33.  Lt is located at Fort Benning, Georgia.

US Military jobs are opened to nationals of others countries who are qualified and have the right documentations. Applications for such army jobs allow for the US Military to work on defending the United States of America against enemies both within and without. Admittedly, foreign nationals who apply for the US Army are unable to take certain key roles/ranks/positions in the US Army. Clearly a number of specialist army jobs are available for new recruits.

READ ALSO: Apply Now: Online British Army Recruitment for Africans

How to Apply for U.S Army as a Non-Citizen

The US Military allows for applications to be started online and done carefully whiles going through training etc. Follow this link to begin your application if you have the right documentation.

Apply Now: U.S Army Recruitment for Non-Citizens ($700,000 Pension Pay)

Based on security clearance, Africans and nationals of other countries close to 8,000, holding valid resident permit (green cards) are enlisted in the US Army every year. Admittedly, there are some federal laws that may not be in the favor of a non citizen who enlists; to becoming a commissioner or warrant officer. The United States of America provides an option to file for citizenship ones applicants are enlisted in the army.

3 Options Available:

Apply Now: Canadian Army Recruitment for Non-Citizens

Green Card: Generally,  have the resident permit in the US gives you a certain level of recognition in areas of Military Jobs application. You are almost treated as a citizen and if your application is successful, you get a US passport after Basic Combat training. Of course this is usually after accepting to naturalize for the US.

DACA PROGRAM: One can enlist via the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). What DACA does is to provide person who came into th United States as kids/children from deportation. Under DACA, these non-citizens are eligible to seek relief via application/enlisting in the US Army. Originally, people under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) were protected because the program sought to address the failure of the DREAM Act legislation to pass both houses of Congress. As such, what President Obama did was to  initiate the immigration policy known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in 2012 to help these immigrants. It is, however, unclear the state of the program now.  If one finds himself qualified under DACA, he can enlist into the army without problems.

MAVANI: The United States values intelligence and will not forsake quality skills in the army because one is not a citizen. The Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest makes sure that individuals who have skill set that is of interest to national security of the US are enlisted even if they are not citizens and do not have the right documentations. Person who are enlisted through MAVANI usually get US Citizenship after Basic Combat training. For example, if you have a language skills like Pashto and Farsi, you are highly qualified under MAVANI if you exhibit skills in engineering and medical health. This is because the US Army needs forces with such skills in Afghanistan.

A person who enlists in the army comes as a Private and upon completion of basic training, is recruited to Private First Class. From this point, a Non commissioned Officer  is the next notable advancement. The US Army has the five-star General as the highest rank.  The rank is reserved for wartime use and at the moment, it is not active. Most people call it the “five-star general”.

Processing of Military Applications

For the United States, military applications are usually accessed on site at the US Military recruitment base.  Usually, if the applicant has the right documentation and physical as well mental state, the rest is dependent on the military’s needs at the time of application. For a example, if the military needs people with training in medical unit and one proves to have those skills, it is likely they will have a better position than  other ones.

The US MILITARY HISTORY:

The US ARMY has been in existence since 1789 and over this period, it has become one of the greatest armies the world has ever seen. At the moment, it is made up of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.

Air Force: It is the youngest branch and handles the aerial battles of the US Force. The members of the Air Force are called airmen and they are part of the U.S Department of Defence. Like other branches, it has a reserve; the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

The Army: More often than not, when we refer to the US military, most people think of only the army. At the moment, it is the largest branch and handle ground combat. Service members are called soldiers. The branch is part of the Department of Defence .

The Coast Guard: This is not part of the Department of Defence, it is part of Department of Homeland Security. Coast Guard Reserve is the reserve of this branch. This branch deals with maritime issues; battles and trafficking on the coast.

Marine Corps: Although this branch deals with Maritime issues, it is not a branch of Department of Homeland Security, but a component of Department of Defence. It goes beyond Maritime to give support to other branches. This branch handles classified documents and U.S Embassies around the world. Servicemen are called Marines.

The  Navy: Navy’s primary mission to guard waterways outside the jurisdiction of the  Coast Guard. Servicemen are called Sailors.

Salaries of US ARMY:

Military Rank                                                      Average Salary

E-1 No Insignia Private PVT Enlisted Soldier $1,600 per month

E-2 Private Second Class PV2 Enlisted Soldier $1,793 per month

E-3 Private First Class PFC Enlisted Soldier $22,630 – $25,510 per year

E-4 Specialist SPC Enlisted Soldier $25,067 – $30,427 per year

E-4 Corporal CPL Noncommissioned Officer $25,067 – $30,427 per year

E-5 Sergeant SGT Noncommissioned Officer $27,338 – $38,794 per year
E-6 Staff Sergeant SSG Noncommissioned Officer $29,840 – $46,220 per year
E-7 Sergeant First Class SFC Noncommissioned Officer $34,502 – $62,010 per year
E-8 Master Sergeant MSG Noncommissioned Officer $49,633 – $70,787 per year
E-8 First Sergeant 1SG Noncommissioned Officer $49,633 – $70,787 per year
E-9 Sergeant Major SGM Noncommissioned Officer $60,631 – $94,136 per year
E-9 Command Sergeant Major CSM Noncommissioned Officer $60,631 – $94,136 per year
E-9 Sergeant Major of the Army SMA Noncommissioned Officer (Special) $60,631 – $94,136 per year
W-1 Warrant Officer 1 WO1 Warrant Officer $35,597 – $61,510 per year
W-2 Chief Warrant Officer 2 CW2 Warrant Officer $40,554 – $67,687 per year
W-3 Chief Warrant Officer 3 CW3 Warrant Officer $45,828 – $80,392 per year
W-4 Chief Warrant Officer 4 CW4 Warrant Officer $50,184 – $93,478 per year
W-5 Chief Warrant Officer 5 CW5 Warrant Officer $89,233 – $116,770 per year
O-1 Second Lieutenant 2LT Commissioned Officer $36,418 – $45,824 per year
O-2 First Lieutenant 1LT Commissioned Officer $41,958 – $58,068 per year
O-3 Captain CPT Commissioned Officer $48,560 – $79,002 per year
O-4 Major MAJ Field Officer $55,231 – $92,218 per year
O-5 Lieutenant Colonel LTC Field Officer $64,012 – $108,752 per year
O-6 Colonel COL Field Officer $76,784 – $135,936 per year
O-7 Brigadier General BG General Officer $101,257 – $151,283 per year
O-8 Major General MG General Officer $121,860 – $175,676 per year
O-9 Lieutenant General LTG General Officer $172,224 – $186,998 per year
O-10 General GEN General Officer $15,583 per month
O-10 General of the Army GA General Officer $15,583 per month