Our Nations Defense Forces

1. Our Nations Defense Forces Military Services

2. Why Serve? • Every day, many thousands devote themselves to protecting freedoms, maintaining peace, providing relief and supporting policy around the globe. For many young Americans, the benefits of serving can be tremendous: training, honor, education, travel, pay and self-discovery. However, military service is not for everyone. It requires self-discipline, intense physical work and time away from family and friends while protecting America and its citizens at home and abroad. For some, these commitments impose too great a burden. • Above all, know that each decision – to serve our country or not to serve – is personal, vital and honorable.

3. Turning Recruits into Service members • Basic Training – often called boot camp – prepares recruits for all elements of service: physical, mental and emotional. It gives servicemembers the basic tools necessary to perform the roles that will be asked of them for the duration of their tour. Each of the Services has its own training program, tailoring the curriculum to the specialized nature of its role in the Military. • No matter which branch of the Service a recruit chooses, Basic Training is an intense experience. However, about 90 percent of recruits make it through boot camp. The purpose of this training isn’t to “break” recruits. In fact, the combination of physical training, field exercises and classroom time makes individuals strong and capable. It’s a tough process, but a rewarding one that many servicemembers value for life.

4. The Military Officer Must have a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree

5. OFFICER • MILITARY ACADEMIES • RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS • OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL

6. MILITARY ACADEMIES • For students who would like to experience a military environment while getting a first-class education, the four Service academies – • the U.S. Military Academy (Army) in West Point, N.Y.; • the U.S. Naval Academy (Navy/Marine Corps) in Annapolis, Md.; • the U.S. Air Force Academy (Air Force) in Colorado Springs, Colo.; • and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (Coast Guard) in New London, Conn. – • offer an outstanding education and full four-year scholarships. Tuition, books, board and medical and dental care are all fully paid for all four years. The competition to get in is fierce. Admissions criteria include: • High school academic performance • Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) • Athletics and extracurricular activities • Leadership experience and community involvement • A congressional letter of recommendation (not required by the Coast Guard Academy) • Graduates of all four academies receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as officers in their respective Service branch. In all cases, there is a service obligation of a minimum of five years.

7. Senior Military Academies • Similarly, the Senior Military Colleges (SMCs) offer a combination of higher education with military instruction. SMCs include • Texas A&M University, • Norwich University, • Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), • North Georgia College & State University and the Mary Baldwin Women’s Institute for Leadership. • SMCs are among the most prestigious and famous education institutions in the world. They are private colleges but offer financial aid packages for eligible students. Every cadet must participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, but only those cadets who receive an ROTC scholarship are required to enter military service following graduation. For example, about half of Virginia Military Institute’s cadets earn commissions as second lieutenants (Army, Marine Corps, Air Force) or ensigns (Navy).

8. ROTC • Founded in 1926, ROTC stands for Reserve Officer Training Corps. • It’s a college program offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the United States that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military. • In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, cadets commit to serve in the Military after graduation.

9. Air Force ROTC • The Air Force ROTC mission is to produce leaders for the Air Force and build better citizens for America. • Headquartered in Montgomery, Ala., the Air Force ROTC commands 144 units at college and university campuses throughout the United States. Air Force ROTC offers a four-year program and a two-year program, both based on Air Force requirements and led by active-duty Air Force officers. Courses are a mix of normal college classes and Air Force ROTC curriculum, which covers everything from leadership studies to combat technique. Upon completion, a student enters the Air Force as an officer.

10. Army ROTC • Army ROTC is one of the most demanding and successful leadership programs in the country. The training a student receives in Army ROTC teaches leadership development, military skills and career training. • Courses take place both in the classroom and in the field and are mixed with normal academic studies. Additional summer programs, such as Jump School, may also be attended. Upon completion, an Army ROTC graduate is awarded officer status in the Army.

11. Navy and Marine Corps ROTC • As the largest single source of Navy officers, the Navy ROTC program plays an important role in preparing young adults for leadership and management positions in the increasingly technical Navy. Offered at more than 160 leading colleges and universities throughout the U.S., the Navy ROTC offers a mixture of military training and normal academic study. Courses take place both in the classroom and in the field. Upon completion, an NROTC graduate is awarded officer status and the ability to choose an officer career in surface warfare, naval aviation, submarine or special warfare. • Aspiring Marine Corps officers also participate in Navy ROTC. The ROTC academic curriculum for a Marine Corps-option student requires classes in national security policy and the history of American military affairs, in addition to the regular academic requirements for the student’s degree.

12. Coast Guard Student Reserve • Unlike other Service branches, the Coast Guard does not have an ROTC program. However, high school seniors, college and vocational students between the ages of 17 and 28 can enroll in the Coast Guard Student Reserve Program. • Enlistees train for two summers and serve one weekend a month during the school year. Schooling continues uninterrupted. They receive pay for their weekend service and, after training is complete, begin Reserve duty.

14. United States Navy • Birthday: October 13, 1775 • Motto: Semper Fortis

15. United States Navy Mission: to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.

16. The flag of the United States Navy • consists of the Seal of the Department of the Navy in the center, • above a yellow scroll inscribed "United States Navy" in dark blue letters, against a dark blue background. • The flag was officially adopted by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on April 24, 1959. • It is used on land in offices, in parades and for ceremonial occasions, and often on a staff at the quarterdeck of ships in port. • It is never flown by ships at sea, nor on outdoor flagpoles on naval land installations, and is not used as an identifying mark of U.S. Navy ships and facilities, as is the U.S. Coast Guard ensign.

17. Navy Boot Camp • Duration: • 8 weeks • Location: • Great Lakes Recruit Training DepotGreat Lakes, Ill.

18. Navy Song Anchors Aweigh my boys Anchors Aweigh Farewell to college joys We sail at break of day day day day Through our last night on shore Drink to the foam Until we meet once more Here’s wishing you a happy voyage home!

20. United States Marine Corps Birthday: November 10, 1775 Motto: Semper Fidelis

21. United States Marine Corps Mission: "The seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and other land operations to support naval campaigns; the development of tactics, technique, and equipment used by amphibious landing forces; and such other duties as the President may direct."

22. The flag of the United States Marine Corps • (also known as a standard or battle color) is scarlet with the Corps’ emblem in gray and gold. It was adopted on January 18, 1939, although Marine Corps Order 4 had established scarlet and gold and the official colors of the Corps as early as 1925. The indoor/parade version is bordered by a gold fringe while the outdoor version is plain. It measures 55 inches on the hoist and 62 inches on the fly

23. Marine Corps Hymn From the Halls of Montezuma To the Shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.

24. United States Marine Corps • The United States Marine Corps was founded in 1775, even before our nation was officially formed. This elite group of men and women live by a strict code of integrity and ethics, producing not just strong warriors but people of exceptional character. The core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment influence everything a Marine does, on and off the battlefield. • While the Marine Corps is the smallest branch of today’s military, it plays a major role as the first force on the ground in most conflicts. Today, 184,000 Marines are stationed around the world at all times, ready to deploy quickly whenever and wherever needed. The minimum service commitment for the Marine Corps is four years, but as the saying goes “There are no retired Marines, only former Marines”.

25. Marine Crops cont… • Before Serving in the Marine Corps • To join the Marine Corps an individual must be between 18 and 28 years old (17 with parental consent) and have a high school diploma. A small percentage of GED holders are allowed to join each year, provided they score well on the ASVAB test. College students wishing to train for Marine Corps officer positions may enroll in their school’s Navy ROTC program, and should visit their local Officer Selection Office (OSO) for information. • All Marine Corps members undergo 12 weeks of Basic Training at Parris Island, S.C., or San Diego, Calif. This training is an intense mental and physical process that molds recruits to uphold and live by the core Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Only the most elite make it through, and those who qualify have earned the right to wear the uniform.

27. The United States Army Birthday:June 14, 1775 Motto: “An Army of One”

28. United States Army Mission:to fight and win our Nation’s wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant commanders.

29. US ARMY • As the oldest branch of the U.S. Military, founded in 1775, the Army is one of the most powerful fighting forces on earth. Approximately 522,388 full-time Soldiers in today’s Army defend and serve our nation by land, sea and air. Elite groups within the Army, such as the Army Rangers and Special Forces, receive specialized training for advanced combat situations. • In addition to domestic bases, the Army has permanent stations in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as troops on the ground wherever there is a conflict. Length of individual service commitment varies, and in some cases may be as little as two years. • A competitive salary is just one of the benefits of Army service. All Soldiers receive health care, housing and food allowances, and educational opportunities. After 20 years of service, retirement pay is guaranteed as well. On top of that, there are special pays for everything from deployment to medical training, depending on your job and location. • The Army offers hundreds of career opportunities across various disciplines, from aviation to information technology to Special Forces. No matter what your specialty is, you’ll receive top-notch training and the experience to handle whatever comes your way.

30. The Army Flag • The Army flag is made up in the National colors red, white, and blue, with a yellow fringe.  It is the standard size for colors: 4 feet, 4 inches hoist and 5 feet 6 inches fly.  It bears 145 streamers of ribbons representing the campaigns in which the Army has participated since its inception. • The flag is made of white silk, upon which is embroidered in blue, a replica of the official seal of the War Office. Beneath the seal is a broad scarlet scroll bearing the inscription in white letters, "United States Army".  Beneath the scroll blue Arabic numerals, is "1775", the year in which the Army was created with the appointment of General George Washington as CINC.

31. Army song First to fight for the right,And to build the Nation’s might, And The Army Goes Rolling AlongProud of all we have done,Fighting till the battle’s won,And the Army Goes Rolling Along. Then it’s Hi! Hi! Hey!The Army’s on its way.Count off the cadence loud and strong (TWO! THREE!)For where e’er we go, you will always knowThat The Army Goes Rolling Along. That The Army Goes Rolling Along.

32. Army Basic Combat Training • Duration: 9 weeks • Locations: Fort Benning, Fort Benning, Ga. • Fort Jackson; Columbia, S.C. • Fort Knox; Louisville, Ky. • Fort Leonard Wood; Waynesville, Mo. • Fort Sill; Lawton, Okla.

34. The United States Air Force Birthdate: 18 September 1947 Motto: Air Force; Above All

35. United States Air Force Mission: To deliver sovereign options for the defense of The United States of America and its global interests; to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace.

36. The Air Force • The Air Force began as a subdivision of the U.S. Army and was declared an official combatant arm in 1920. It wasn’t until 1947, following World War II, that the Air Force was recognized as its own military branch. • Today’s Air Force operates in keeping with a three-part vision: global vigilance, reach and power. This vision empowers a technologically advanced force of 352,000 troops focused on air, space and cyberspace superiority. • A good salary, full health benefits and a fulfilling career – could you ask for more? For the right person, the Air Force can be a very rewarding experience, • The Air Force provides advanced, hands-on training for hundreds of careers. Pilots and flight crew are just the tip of the iceberg. The Air Force relies on mechanics, electronics technicians, air traffic controllers, medical staff and other personnel to fulfill its objectives.

37. The flag of the United States Air Force • consists of the coat of arms, • 13 white stars • and the Air Force Seal, on a blue background. • The 13 stars represent the 13 original colonies, • the three star grouping at the top portray the three Departments of the National Defense Establishment (Army, Navy, and Air Force). • The crest includes the American bald eagle, the cloud formation depicts the creation of a new firmament, • and the wreath, composed of six alternate folds of silver and blue, incorporate the colors of the basic shield design. • The Indoor/Parade version is bordered by a gold fringe while the Outdoor version is plain.

38. Air Force Song Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun;Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At 'em boys, give 'er the gun (give 'er the gun now!) Down we dive spouting our flames from under Off with one helluva roar! We live in fame or go down in flame, hey! Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

39. Air Force Recruit Training • Duration: • 8.5 weeks • Location: • LacklandAir Force BaseSan Antonio, Texas

41. United States Coast Guard Birthday: August 4, 1790 Motto: Semper Peratus

42. United States Coast Guard • Mission:to protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic interests — in the nation's ports and waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security

43. United States Coast Guard The Coast Guard Standard is white with yellow fringe and a dark blue U.S. Coat of Arms overall. The shield on the eagle's breast has a blue chief over vertical red and white stripes. Inscribed in an arc above the eagle is "UNITED STATES COAST GUARD"; below the eagle is the U.S.C.G. motto, "SEMPER PARATUS" ("Always Ready") and beneath that the numerals "1790" -- this being the year in which the service's ancestor, the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, was founded.

44. Coast Guard • The Coast Guard is an amalgamation of formerly distinct federal services: the U.S. Lighthouse Service, the Revenue Cutter Service, the Steamboat Inspection Service and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. In 1915, a congressional act combined the Life-Saving Service and Revenue Cutter Service to form the Coast Guard. The Service was placed under the control of the Treasury Department until 1967, when an executive order transferred the Coast Guard to the newly formed Department of Transportation. • Today, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and under the Navy during wartime, or by special presidential order. In addition to protecting our nation’s waterways, the 39,000 active-duty members of the Coast Guard perform search and rescue, law enforcement and environmental cleanup operations

45. Coast Guard Theme Song We’re always ready for the call, We place our trust in Thee Through howling gale and shot and shell To win our victory. “Semper Paratus” is our guide, Our pledge, our motto, too. We’re always Ready,” do or die! Aye! Coast guard, we fight for you.

46. The Coast Guard Standard is white with yellow fringe and a dark blue U.S. Coat of Arms overall. The shield on the eagle's breast has a blue chief over vertical red and white stripes. Inscribed in an arc above the eagle is "UNITED STATES COAST GUARD"; below the eagle is the U.S.C.G. motto, "SEMPER PARATUS" ("Always Ready") and beneath that the numerals "1790" -- this being the year in which the service's ancestor, the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, was founded.

47. Coast Guard Recruit Training • Duration: • 8 weeks • Location: • Cape May Coast Guard Training CenterCape May, N.J.

48. http://todaysmilitary.com/ • http://www.asvabprogram.com/downloads/ASR_Poster.pdf • http://www.asvabprogram.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=overview.test • http://todaysmilitary.com/service-branches/marine-corps