by Arthur Gibson

Created on: January 30, 2009

High schools in my local area, and many areas across the United States, have career days normally once each year. These evenings offer the opportunity for area colleges, businesses, and the military services to set up information booths. Typically held in the evening, this exposition gives students and their parents the opportunity to gather information in order to start making plans for their future. Undoubtedly, there are some who would rather see military personnel not attend these functions. But, then the students might not receive some very good information.

Typically the military personnel manning these booths are either officers or senior non-commissioned officers who are recruiters in that geographical location. They are not there to strong arm anyone into signing an enlistment contract, but rather to provide information on the many and varied opportunities that the military offers. Depending on the location, small towns in particular, students would not have the opportunity to talk to military personnel without driving quite some distance.

While gathering information from colleges, tech schools, and businesses, young people have the opportunity to get their questions about the military answered by knowledgeable individuals. This could be particularly important for young people who might not have the financial means to attend college or who are uncertain about their goals following high school. Students can find out about the different career fields available to military personnel, different duty assignments and locations, as well as the GI Bill. Many young people have no idea that following one enlistment, they have access to a total of over $50,000 to pay for college, or that while on active duty they have the chance to take on-line college courses. These courses are frequently offered to active duty military personnel for free.

Some students might be interested in gaining information on how to prepare and apply for admission to one of the service academies. Young men and women who are fortunate to get selected for one of the service schools have the opportunity to gain one of the finest educations available in the United States. At no financial cost to themselves, although they do have an active duty service commitment following their graduation. Or they might be interested in finding information concerning the type training they would receive in a particular career field. Again, the military has a large selection of outstanding technical courses available to individuals who qualify for those fields.

There are times when a recruiter will arrange to set-up a display during the school's lunch period. Again, this gives them the opportunity to meet with students one-on-one in an environment that is comfortable to the individual. And again this is used as an opportunity to answer student's questions.

When military personnel show up for your school's Career Fair, you can rest assured that they have received an invitation from your school system. They are not there to invade the school or to strong-arm anyone into joining the military. Take advantage of their presence and get all of your questions answered. The military is not for everyone, but for those who do join they'll gain some experiences that last a lifetime. Whether that's technical training, travel to various assignments both inside and outside the United States, or for the GI Bill. Check it out - you might be pleasantly surprised!

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