In the class of 2025, some graduates from Poway High will head into the military as their post-high school journey begins.
Military service comes with a lot of benefits such as free college tuition, a steady paycheck, and travel opportunities. Service also allows students a way to learn life skills.
Senior Amanda Flores is joining the Marine Corps. Workouts they do include cardio, strength training, and HIIT workouts as well as the required specific training.
“Waking up before sunrise and going on mile runs while others sleep is a part of training that most people underestimate,” Flores said.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery also known as ASVAB is a test all recruits must take to identify their military job options.
The multiple choice test measures abilities in areas such as math, science, reading, and technical skills.
It will determine which jobs recruits qualify for, and the options of being Military Occupational Specialty or Air Force Specialty Code known as AFSC depending on the branch.
It is not a pass or fail test, but scoring higher will open more options for the future.
Students often take ASVAB prep courses to get them ready and prepared.
A first step for enlistment is to meet with a recruiter. Mostly recruiters will visit high schools to show what they offer and to talk to students that are wanting to join.
They also have offices nearby and help students start the process of joining, understand the job roles, and explore the benefits like college tuition.
Senior Aiden Marshall was inspired to join the Marine Corps by his mom who served 22 years as a judge advocate.
“Her dedication made an impact on my decision. Both my parents were Lieutenant Colonels. My father was in the Army for 26 years and my mom in the Marines,” Marshall said.
On the other hand, Flores is the first person in her family to join the military.
“I hope to rank up as much as I can during my enlistment, aiming for a job in administration because it’s a role that allows me to travel and gain professional experience that can help me long term in life,” Flores said.
Senior Flor Vega has slightly different plans.
“I never planned to join the academy in my future plans but as I got older I became interested. I want to go into the navy because I want to travel by sea,” Flor Vega said.
Joining the military consists of hardwork and dedication. It can be an inspiration to students for what they want to do with the rest of their life.