Know Your Options: Military Route
By Maci England on Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Eli Lupton
Age: 19 | Hometown: Bauxite
High School: Bauxite High School
Higher Education: Lyon College
Working toward: Bachelor's degree in business administration with a military concentration
Eli wanted to join the military since he was a child. His father is a former member of the U.S. military and is a huge influence on Eli’s life. Because his parents always wanted him to pursue higher education, Eli knew that joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Lyon College was the right choice for him.
• You want to serve your country
• You want your college expenses paid for with little to no debt
• You want to earn a steady income while in school
Coming from a high school with fewer than 500 students, Eli was drawn to Lyon College’s small campus and close-knit community.
“The attention that the professors can give you at a smaller school is very beneficial to the education as a whole,” Eli said.
He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and chose this degree because it would be beneficial to his army career. He is also a member of the Lyon College men’s wrestling team.
Eli's goal is to become an aviation officer for the U.S. Army and have a long-lasting active-duty career.
“In my education, I hope to gain important skills, build a strong basis for a successful life and create solid relationships,” Eli said. “I would also like to have fun while learning.”
Eli encourages students who are hesitant about pursuing a career in the military to just try it out and join the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) or ROTC.
“The worst that can happen is it just isn’t for you,” Eli said, “but if this is something you happen to enjoy like me, it can be a great tool for your future and progress as a person.”
What You Need to Know
Do Your Research
There are a total of seven branches of the military: Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps., National Guard, Air National Guard and Coast Guard. Requirements to enlist in each individual branch are similar and there are notable differences, including age, physical ability and academic test scores.
Talk to a Recruiter
Each branch has its own website with contact information for its recruiter. Don’t be afraid to reach out through a phone call or email. Colleges with ROTC programs have recruiters you can reach out to for more information.
Study & Score High
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is offered at the Military Entrance Processing Station, your high school or through the recruiter you reached out to. Each branch requires a different score, so study hard and score high!
Get Physical
Expect nothing less than timed miles and intense pull-up, push-up and crunch routines for the physical exam at the branch of your choice. Each branch has its own specific score for the physical requirements, so make sure you train and feel prepared to ace this test.
Take the Final Steps
Visit a Military Entrance Processing Station to take care of any final requirements, report any medical history and sign your enlistment papers.
Go to Boot Camp
Get ready to be pushed to your limit at boot camp. You’ll be pushed past your breaking point while bonding with your fellow recruits—and celebrating after graduation (a huge accomplishment!).
