The military may not be the right choice for you, especially if you're thinking about enlisting primarily because of the benefits or promises of job training.
- Consider other ways to reach your goals. Options
- Reflect on whether or not the military is the right choice. We have provided some questions and materials to help guide you. Reflection
- Hear what veterans have to say, not just people who have had good experiences. Veterans speak
Non-military options:
It's My Life: A Guide to Alternatives After High School
Are you almost out of high school? Have you been out for awhile but still not figured out what to do with your life? You're not sure what's next, but you know you're in for some changes — a temporary job, different school, even taking a year off from college or a career to explore. You may even be thinking about the military. Whatever you're thinking about doing, each choice means a choice NOT to do something else. So it's a good idea to get a big picture of the options you have before making any decisions.
"It's My Life" has information on what it feels like to make a big change, what you might consider doing as your next step and how you can start thinking "outside of the box". You can purchase the book or download it free (3MB).
Wisconsin Alternatives
10 pages of resources to help find jobs, internships, school funding and other opportunities from government, non-profit and private sources. By NNOMY.
Focus on Wisconsin - Great Jobs/Careers/Futures
37 page booklet printed by AFSC, advice & resources on jobs, school and funding, apprenticeships, careers, decision-making - focused on Wisconsin.
Americorps
AmeriCorps is made up of several different programs - AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorps NCCC - each with its own focus and structure. Members serve full- or part-time over a 9- to 12-month period, or during the summer. Americorps participants learn teamwork, communication skills, and responsibility while receiving a modest living allowance and help with college costs.
Wisconsin Technical College System
16 colleges all over Wisconsin plus online courses offer education and training that provides skills to compete in today's competitive technical job market. Get information on applying and costs, search by college or area of study.
Apprenticeships in Wisconsin
Find an apprenticeship training representative in your area of the state. Carpentry, electrical, masonry, steamfitting, plumbing, telecom, sheet metal, HVAC, bricklaying, roofing, glazing, insulating, and more. Application information and contacts.
Vocational Information Center
Explore vocational and technical careers, check out the skills employers really want, find a trade school, research technical topics and take a look at the current job market.
NorthEast Wisconsin Building and Construction Trades Council
Find details and contact information for apprenticeships in the northeastern quarter of Wisconsin.
Youth Apprenticeship Program
Part of a statewide School-to-Work initiative. It is designed for high school students who want hands on learning in an occupational area at a worksite along with classroom instruction.
Job Center of Wisconsin
Wisconsin's online job search web site for many state, county, local and private jobs. There are also several publications to help with job readiness.
Wisconsin Jobs 2016 - DWD brochure with 10-year employment projections, fastest-growing jobs, occupations in demand.
Center on Conscience & War The state of Wisconsin wants to help you find a job! Links to job and school opportunities
Alcance: A group of Latino students from different Wisconsin academic institutions who want to motivate and help students go to college. They will give presentations or provide support to students to reach their goals. (Espanol)
In-State Tuition for Immigrant Students/La Matricula Estatal para Estudiantes Inmigrantes: Information on qualifications for immigrants to receive in-state tuition in Wisconsin.
Social Work & Human Services Job & Education Resources
Lots of links to
human services career information, education programs and job boards.
Reflection - decision-making
DVD - Before You Enlist (14 minutes)
This video by AFSC features veterans and former military recruiters telling what really happens during the recruiting process and after. DVD will be included in the packet. You can watch it on YouTube.
Dou You Know Enough to Enlist? - color brochure provided by AFSC included in packet (this link just shows the B&W version). We will have some in Spanish for counselors who express a need.
Questions For Recruiters: 5x7 PDF or resize to 8-1/2 x 11 Card - with the answers they should be giving you
Your Health and the Military
Download PDF - 8-1/2 x 14", 2 sided for folding
(created by TAME, updated 2/09)
What Every Girl Should Know About the U.S. Military
Color brochure with testimonials by women veterans. (Download PDF)
Further Resources About Recruiting and the Military
Movies, videos and web sites, and the text of the disclaimer in the military contract.