Military

Enlisting involves voluntarily joining the military to serve your country. It requires committing to a period of service, usually ranging from a few years to several years, depending on the branch of the military and the specific job chosen.

Consider which military branch best aligns with your interests, skills, and career goals. Each branch has its roles, missions, and culture, but they are all committed to serving and protecting the United States and its interests.

United States Army (USA):

Mission: The Army is primarily responsible for land-based military operations. It defends the nation and its interests, conducts peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, and supports national defense strategies.
Roles: Infantry, armor (tanks), artillery, engineers, aviation, special operations (e.g., Rangers, Special Forces), and various support roles.
Core Values: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

United States Navy (USN):

Mission: The Navy operates on and under the sea, protecting maritime interests, projecting power globally, and providing humanitarian assistance. It ensures freedom of navigation and conducts operations worldwide.
Roles: Surface ships (e.g., aircraft carriers, destroyers), submarines, naval aviation (e.g., fighters, helicopters), special operations (e.g., Navy SEALs), and support personnel.
Core Values: Honor, courage, commitment.

United States Marine Corps (USMC):

Mission: The Marines are known as the "tip of the spear," focusing on amphibious assaults, rapid deployment, and combat operations in support of naval campaigns. They are often first responders in crisis situations.
Roles: Infantry, reconnaissance, artillery, aviation (e.g., attack helicopters), special operations (e.g., Marine Raiders), and expeditionary forces.
Core Values: Honor, courage, commitment.

United States Air Force (USAF):

Mission: The Air Force is responsible for air and space operations, including air superiority, global strike capabilities, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and space exploration.
Roles: Fighter jets, bombers, transport aircraft, drones (UAVs), space operations, cyber operations, and special operations (e.g., Air Force Special Operations Command).
Core Values: Integrity first, service before self, excellence in all we do.

United States Coast Guard (USCG):

Mission: The Coast Guard is a maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement organization. It protects U.S. ports and waterways, conducts environmental protection missions, and supports military operations.
Roles: Maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, port security, icebreaking, environmental protection, and defense operations.
Core Values: Honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

Resources:

Albuquerque, NM Military Entrance Processing Station

Army: Contact an Army recruiter
Navy: Contact a Navy recruiter
Air Force: Contact an Air Force recruiter
Marines: Contact a Marines recruiter
Coast Guard: Contact a Coast Guard recruiter

The NM Army National Guard (ARNG) is a unique component of the U.S. military that serves both state and federal roles. Contact an ARNG recruiter

The Air National Guard (ANG) is a component of the U.S. Air Force that operates alongside the active-duty Air Force and the Air Force Reserve. It plays a crucial role in both national defense and state-based operations. Contact an ANG recruiter

ASVAB

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a test used by the military to determine your strengths and potential for various military careers. It's like a career test that helps match your skills and interests with military jobs.
Career Guidance: Even if you're not sure about joining the military, the ASVAB can give you a better idea of what kinds of careers might suit you based on your abilities and interests.
Structure: The ASVAB tests your knowledge of science, math, reading and writing, electronics information, auto and shop information, mechanical and physical principles, and problem-solving skills.
Preparation: To learn more about the ASVAB and how to prepare for it, please visit the ASVAB program website.

Service Academy Appointment

A service academy appointment is an offer of admission to one of the United States service academies, which are prestigious military educational institutions that prepare students for careers in the U.S. Armed Forces. These academies include:

Key Aspects of a Service Academy Appointment:

Invitation to Attend: An appointment is an official invitation to attend one of these academies. It signifies that the candidate has met the rigorous selection criteria and has been chosen for admission.
Competitive Process: The appointment process is highly competitive. Candidates must meet strict academic, physical, and character standards, and they typically need to secure a nomination from a member of Congress or other designated sources.
Commitment: Acceptance of an appointment comes with a commitment to serve as a commissioned officer in the respective branch of the military upon graduation. This includes a service obligation that typically lasts five years.
Comprehensive Training: Service academies provide a comprehensive education, including military training, leadership development, and academic coursework. Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles in their respective branches of the military.
Financial Benefits: Students at service academies receive a full scholarship, including tuition, room, and board, in exchange for their service commitment. They also receive a monthly stipend.
Nomination Requirements: Candidates usually need a nomination from a U.S. Senator, Representative, or other authorized individuals. The nomination process involves a separate application and selection process. New Mexico Service Academy Nomination Process

Receiving a service academy appointment is a significant honor and achievement, reflecting both academic excellence and a strong commitment to military service.

This page was last updated on: July 29, 2024.