You can still live life to the fullest in the Army. Here are real-world experiences from Soldiers to prove it.
SGT. KAYLEIGH CAMPBELL
HOMETOWN: Lumberton, N.C.
Sgt. Kayleigh Campbell is a Cannon Crewmember at Fort Drum. She helps the Army win missions by handling ammunition, operating weapons systems, and calculating targets.
- JOB: Cannon Crewmember (13B)
- ROLE: Enlisted Soldier
- AGE: 21 years old
- TIME IN SERVICE: 3 years
- LOCATION: Fort Drum, N.Y.
WORKDAY
5:15 a.m.
Wakes up and prepares for the day
1:00 p.m.
Takes lunch with friends
6:30 a.m.
Goes to workout with team as part of daily PT (physical training)
4:00 p.m.
At work, conducts layouts and gunners training while teaching team members different positions
8:00 a.m.
Returns home for breakfast then heads out for field artillery work
6:30 p.m.
Eats dinner and uses free time to play video games, volunteer at the animal shelter, or paint with roommate
CAREER PATH
Set Goals
Began to pursue becoming a Non-Commissioned Officer along with earning Soldier of the Month and Year honors.
Became a Sergeant
Earned the rank of Sergeant before second contract by leveraging the Army's job training support.
Exploring Career Opportunities
In the process of becoming a Staff Sergeant and considering job changes to add more skills.
Perception vs. Reality
I won’t be able to see my family and friends.
Not only can they visit you on base, but you can come and go in your free time, too.
PFC. JASON YU
HOMETOWN: Sacramento, Calif.
As a Unit Supply Specialist, Pfc. Jason Yu is the expert on Army supplies and equipment—responsible for supervising it, maintaining it, inspecting it, and more. He also takes the lead on safely controlling the weapons and ammunition in security areas.
- JOB: Unit Supply Specialist (92Y)
- ROLE: Enlisted Soldier
- AGE: 18 years old
- TIME IN SERVICE: 4 months
- LOCATION: Fort Gregg-Adams, Va.
WORKDAY
5:00 a.m.
Wakes up and takes on PT (physical training) with team members
3:00 p.m.
After class, spends free time playing video games or watching YouTube videos
6:30 a.m.
Eats breakfast in the dining facility (DFAC)
6:00 p.m.
Cooks dinner
7:00 a.m.
Completes room inspection and gets ready for class as part of Army Reserve initial training
8:00 p.m.
Checks in with family and calls parents
CAREER PATH
CAREER TRAINING
Currently completing Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to be an unit supply specialist.
PLANS TO PURSUE COLLEGE
Plans to leverage Army benefits to go to college and then change careers to Army Aviation.
BECOME A WARRANT OFFICER
Plans to use the college degree to become a Warrant Officer in order to pilot aircraft for the Army.
Maintain Your Individuality
Pursue your interests and the things you find meaningful. Joining the Army doesn’t mean giving up all the things you love—you’ll still have the time and opportunity to follow your passions beyond service.
MARTIAL ARTS
Find discipline and learn the art of self-defense with leaders of the U.S. Army.
There was an overwhelming sense of pride because I realized I accomplished something only 1% accomplishes ever.
My introduction to my first platoon is an everlasting memory. To this day, we meet every year.
The first time I took one of my Soldiers to the promotion board really made me proud.
The most memorable ‘first’ was becoming a platoon medic. Being called ‘Doc’ for the first time...it is unbelievable.
Jumping out of the plane in Airborne school...I felt I was part of something bigger.
A BALANCED QUALITY OF LIFE
There’s more to Army life than work. While experiences and workloads may vary, you’ll generally have daily tasks and job duties, but you’ll also have a community and downtime to enjoy what you love.
Feel at Home
The Army is committed to community, providing you dedicated support in both the U.S. and around the world whether you live on or off base. The range of housing options available will grow over time as your career and life accelerate forward.
Connect with Family and Friends
When you join the Army, you and your family will have the ongoing support of a tight-knit community and the ability to stay connected both inside and out of an Army base.
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.