Army — Today's Military (2024)

Service Branches

The Army is a powerful fighting force defending and serving 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,the Middle East and Africaas 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.

Learn more: Army

Quick Facts:

  • Full-time service
  • 461,000 active-duty service members
  • More than 200 career specialties

Strength and Camaraderie in the U.S. Army

Soldiers in the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division show why working as a unit is essential to mission success.

Length 0:59 View Transcript

Transcription

Speaker 1: The way I motivate my soldiers out here at EIB is Icontinue to work with them, Iensure that they're getting the training that they need, and Icontinue to do the training with them and ensure that they're ready and prepared to execute all tasks and good to go.In my eyes, a good leader is not only a working leader and leads by example but motivates their Soldiers and continues to go through everything withthem.

Speaker 2: Being a part of my EIBsquad -it helps make this experience better because we're all mixed and matched. Yeah, we're all from the same company but we're all different in ranks.We have lieutenants, we have sergeants, we have a corporal, we have a specialist, and we have a good amount of privates. But,among all of the ranks in our squad we all have our own strengths and weaknesses and no matter the rank we all make sure that we are all doing well in everything and we focus on each other's weaknesses and we go to others for their strengths to help us with our own weaknesses.

Strength and Camaraderie in the U.S. Army

Length 0:59 Strength and Camaraderie in the U.S. Army

Soldiers in the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division show why working as a unit is essential to mission success.

0ttvGtZ6f3I View Transcript

Speaker 1: The way I motivate my soldiers out here at EIB is Icontinue to work with them, Iensure that they're getting the training that they need, and Icontinue to do the training with them and ensure that they're ready and prepared to execute all tasks and good to go.In my eyes, a good leader is not only a working leader and leads by example but motivates their Soldiers and continues to go through everything withthem.

Speaker 2: Being a part of my EIBsquad -it helps make this experience better because we're all mixed and matched. Yeah, we're all from the same company but we're all different in ranks.We have lieutenants, we have sergeants, we have a corporal, we have a specialist, and we have a good amount of privates. But,among all of the ranks in our squad we all have our own strengths and weaknesses and no matter the rank we all make sure that we are all doing well in everything and we focus on each other's weaknesses and we go to others for their strengths to help us with our own weaknesses.

Before Serving in the Army

To enlist in the Army, you must be between 18 and 35years old (17 with parental consent).You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. A high school diploma is preferred, but a high school equivalent such as the GED may be accepted. You must also take theArmed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery testand a physical fitness exam. Some jobs may have additional requirements.

To serve in the Army, recruits must complete 10 weeks of Basic Training, commonly known asboot camp. Eligible college students can participate in their school'sROTCprogram or attend a military academy to join the Army as officers after graduation.

See more eligibility requirements

Army — Today's Military (2)

Sergeant First Class | Keith Russell Army

Army Careers

The Army offers more than 200 careeremployment opportunitiesacross various disciplines, including aviation, cyber, information technology, health care, aircraft maintenance and Special Forces. No matter your specialty, you'll receive top-notch training and the experience to handle whateverfuture career opportunitiescome your way. Find out which full-time Army opportunities are right for you or get information about part-time service in theArmy Reserveor theArmy National Guard.

Army Benefits

A competitive salary is just one of the employment benefitsof Army service. All Soldiers receive health care, housing and food allowances, as well as educational opportunities. The Blended Retirement System offers guaranteed retirement pay after 20 years of active-duty service (and reaching age 60 for Guard and Reserve) in the form of a monthly pension or lump sumin addition toretirement pay options for those who serve less than 20 years (please speak to your recruiter for more information).

Related Videos

Army Careers: Helicopter Repairer

Length 3:09

In addition to a variety of fixed-wing aircraft, the Army deploys a number of rotary aircraft, such as helicopters, that require special skills to maintain and keep in top-notch shape.

oZCgqSdj2wg View Transcript

Military Occupational Specialty.

UH-60 Helicopter Repairer.

The UH-60, known as the Blackhawk, is one of the Army’s fastest and most maneuverable helicopters, designed to move troops and cargo in Army tactical resupply missions and for medical evacuations.

As a UH-60 Helicopter Repairer you’re a member of the maintenance team that keeps them ready for action.

Instructor describes what type of Soldier will succeed in this MOS.

After successfully completing 10 weeks of Army Basic Combat Training, you will attend 15 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Soldier discusses what attracted them to this MOS.

The Army will train you to follow technical manuals, keep proper service records, and to identify and use tools of the trade, like a ratchet to tighten control rods, multi-meters to check for continuity and voltage, micrometers to measure critical components, and torque wrenches to tighten bolts to specific values on all aircraft systems.

You’ll train to troubleshoot aircraft systems using the Blackhawk maintenance trainer, and to repair or replace parts like the main rotor head, hydraulic pump, tail rotor drive shaft, stabilator actuator, and turbine engine.

You’ll also train to perform periodic maintenance by taking oil samples from the gear boxes, checking the blade indication method on the rotor blades, and inspecting aircraft components.

Soldier describes why they enjoyed the training.

After your Advanced Individual Training, you’ll perform rewarding work as a member of an aviation unit.

Where your duties may include checking lines and hoses for wear or leaks, replacing oil and filters, and keeping detailed log books.

You’ll also move aircraft for maintenance, prepare aircraft for flight, operate the aviation ground power unit, or serve as an air crew member.

Serving as a UH-60 Helicopter Repairer can help you transition from the military to the civilian employment sector because your training will prepare you to work on civilian aircraft including fixed wing aircraft.

Soldier describes how the skills in this MOS will help them succeed within the Army and beyond. (ANP)

You can ensure the Blackhawk is in topnotch shape to meet the Army's combat needs as a Military Occupational Specialt, UH-60 Helicopter Repairer.

Petroleum Supply Specialists: The Army’s Invaluable Lifeline

Length 3:41

Petroleum Supply Specialists: The Army’s Invaluable Lifeline

Army mechanized units require fuel to fulfill their missions, and Petroleum Supply Specialists are part of the lifeline that ensures this invaluable resource reaches them wherever they’redeployed.

f1eF6BbW110 View Transcript

Narrator:
Military Occupational Specialty.

Petroleum Supply Specialist. Today’s Army requires fuel to meet its missions, and this MOS supplies it.

Soldiers will operate the Digital Training Enabler and Interactive Multimedia Instruction in order to learn how refueling systems and equipment are assembled sequentially. Through technology, Soldiers are able to gain knowledge that is self-correcting prior to conducting hands on training in the Petroleum Training and Military In The Field Facilities

After successfully completing 10 weeks of Army Basic Combat Training, you will attend X weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, Virginia..,

The Army will train you to load and unload bulk fuel, supply and store it from a variety of sources. Soldiers will perform quality surveillance, and distribute it to keep the Army in a high state of readiness. It’s crucial for the Army to operate and maintain petroleum distribution equipment for the loading and offloading of fuel from rail cars, fuel tankers, and barges to fuel our combat equipment.

You’ll also train to operate and maintain a variety of fuel pumps, repair stationary fuel storage depots, install bulk petroleum storage systems and tactical storage systems, which are major components of the Inland Petroleum Distribution System.

In addition, you’ll train to ensure product quality and equipment are serviceable daily by performing preventative maintenance checks and services.

Today’s Soldiers will learn to deploy the Modular Fuel System, Tank Rack Modules that provides a means for receipt and storage of bulk petroleum to be issued to combat forces.

Soldiers will be capable of operating the Twin Agent Unit in order to put out fires that ensures safe petroleum operations.

Testimonial
Soldier will discuss what attracted them to this MOS i.e. experience, training, college credit, and certifications for their civilian careers in Petroleum.

Testimonial
Instructor describes what type of Soldier will succeed in this MOS. Explain how Military Experience and Certifications qualify them for civilian employment as a Petroleum Professional worldwide

After your advanced individual training, you’ll perform rewarding work in the field or at a fixed location where your duties will be to record the issue of all the petroleum products under your responsibility. Your duties will include to inspect storage areas and repair them for inspections

Serving as a Petroleum Supply Specialist can help you transition from the military to the civilian employment sector because your abilities, leadership, teamwork, and problem solving skills. These values are in high demand by civilian employers for the foreseeable future.

Testimonial
Soldier describes why they enjoy training.

Testimonial
Soldier describes how the skills in this MOS will help them succeed within the Army and beyond.

Petroleum Supply Specialists play a critical role in keeping the Army on the go. So join us in Military Occupational Specialty, Petroleum Supply Specialist.

Types of Military Service

The U.S. Military consists of six active-duty Service branches and their respective Guard and Reserve components. Together, they offer a broad variety of ways to serve.

Army — Today's Military (6)

  • Army
  • Army Reserve
  • Army National Guard

Army — Today's Military (7)

  • Marine Corps
  • Marine Corps Reserve

Army — Today's Military (8)

  • Navy
  • Navy Reserve

Army — Today's Military (9)

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Reserve
  • Air National Guard

Army — Today's Military (10)

  • Space Force

Army — Today's Military (11)

  • Coast Guard
  • Coast Guard Reserve
Army — Today's Military (2024)

FAQs

What is the Army slogan people first? ›

Our Soldiers, Civilians and their Families deserve to work and live in safe, healthy environments where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. People First is our top priority.

Can I watch my son swear in at MEPS? ›

During the Oath of Enlistment ceremony, parents, family, and guests are welcomed to watch and take pictures.

What is the most needed MOS in the Army 2024? ›

What Army MOS are in demand? In-demand Army MOS positions include Intelligence Analyst (35F), Cyber Operations Specialist (17C), and Medical Laboratory Specialist (68K).

What does mission first people always quote? ›

One must always take care of people if the mission is to be achieved. Mission First, People Always.

What is the Army's battle cry? ›

"Hooah" is the war cry of the United States Army, the United States Air Force, and the United States Space Force. "Oorah" is the war cry used by United States Marine Corps.

What is the Army's motto? ›

But the motto of “This We'll Defend” lives on as the official motto of the modern US Army.

Can I wear a bra to MEPS? ›

All female applicants must wear bras (no sports bras) and “regular” undergarments.

Can you leave military after swearing in? ›

The short answer is yes, it is possible to back out of a military enlistment contract, but it comes with consequences. When an individual signs a military enlistment contract, they are committing to serve in the military for a certain period of time, usually between two and six years.

Why do you swear in twice at MEPS? ›

On the date when a person is scheduled to report for basic training, they will normally be instructed to return to the MEPS and swear in a second time while they sign the last sheet of the military enlistment contract (blocks 20, 21, and 22 of the DD form 4/3 ) which states that the person wishes to be discharged from ...

What MOS sees most combat? ›

The Infantry Branch comprises the main combat force on the ground. Its assignment: defeat enemy ground troops. Recruits are assigned MOS 11X as enlistees, and are designated as Infantryman (11B) or Indirect Fire Infantryman (11C) during training.

Which MOS is hardest to get into? ›

Special Operations Forces (SOF)

What MOS gets the most combat? ›

Infantry will likely see the most combat during a traditional conflict. However, for combat during times of relative peace (example, our country isn't officially at war), special forces will still likely see combat in remote areas to accomplish very specific goals.

What is the mission first mentality? ›

The phrase “Mission first, people always” is a common mantra in the military, and it is often borrowed in leadership studies. It's a vision of success that invests in the success of those around you, a sense of shared mission (the why), no matter your specialty or job.

What is the first infantry division quote? ›

Always the first to thirst for a fight. No foe shall challenge our right to victory. We take the field, A grand sight to see. Pride of the Infantry.

What are famous Army sayings? ›

No Man's Land” The phrase “no man's land” refers to the empty region between opposing army trenches on the battlefield. If a soldier was caught in the middle, it meant he was vulnerable and was caught in “no man's land.”

What is the Army's first general order? ›

1st General Order

"I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved."

What is the 1st infantry motto? ›

For nearly 100 years, in many missions all over the world, the 1st Division and its soldiers have remained true to their motto: “No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great – Duty First!

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