M A G A Z I N E

THE DECISION
TO JOIN
What You Should Know

BASIC
TRAINING
From Civilian to Servicemember

ELITE TRAINING
SAVES LIVES
Between Air and Water

OFF-DUTY
Change of Scene,
Change of Uniform
WELCOME
TO FUTURES
JOSE ALEJANDRO RICARDO BRANCH MELISSA ESQUIVEL ALEX FAN RAYMOND FLORES TIMOTHY
BARRETO MARTINEZ Army Marine Corps Army National Guard Marine Corps FLOREZ ADAMS
Air Force Reserve Sergeant Sergeant ROTC Cadet Sergeant Coast Guard Petty
Senior Airman Officer 1st Class

ASHLAND BENJIMAN JENNINGS CHRISTY LEYVA LAURA LUND HENRY MORGAN STACY ROMAN
HARNISHFEGER Air Force Air Force Reserve Air Force Navy Marine Corps
Army Senior Airman Senior Airman Airman 1st Class Lieutenant Junior Grade Sergeant
Specialist

CHRISTOPHER JOSHUA SWEENEY SHAWN TULP JUSTIN WASHINGTON NICOLE YOUNG

SERCENA Navy Army Reserve Coast Guard Air Guard
Army Reserve Petty Officer 3rd Class Captain Petty Officer 2nd Class Senior Airman
Captain
 Welcome to Futures magazine — an in-depth look into the lives of the people that make up today’s Military. From careers
and education to training and off-duty activities, here’s your chance to get the full picture of what it means to serve.

GETTING STARTED COOL PEOPLE

2 Your Story Starts Here 29 Dare to Have It All
5 The Decision to Join 30 Renaissance Men
8 Basic Training 31 Paying It Forward

COOL CAREERS ABOVE & BEYOND

10 Making Marines 32 A Matter of Degrees
12 Cooking Up a Storm 34 Endless Benefits
13 Candid Camera
DID YOU KNOW...
14 Women in Aviation
37 Selective Service
16 Saving Lives at Home and Abroad
39 Fast Facts
18 Elite Training Saves Lives

LIVING OUT LOUD

20 Off-Duty
26 Around the Globe

Futures is a product of Today’s Military and an authorized publication of the Department of Defense. However, contents are unofficial and not to be considered
the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, including DoD. All articles contained in this publication, including all military titles
mentioned, follow the guidelines set forth by the Associated Press.

To request additional copies of Futures, please visit todaysmilitary.com/futures.

YOUR Army
STORY
STARTS
You can find jobs that are available to you
and apply online using the Army Career
Explorer. If you choose to apply online, an
Army recruiter will contact you to determine
HERE
if you have the necessary qualifications
and will also provide guidance as you begin
to navigate your military future. These
sites also provide you with a list of sample
questions that you can ask your recruiter
Get the information you need to make sure the Army is right for you.
to take the first step.
Active Duty
www.goarmy.com
United States Military Academy
www.usma.edu
Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
www.goarmy.com/rotc
National Guard
www.nationalguard.com
Army Reserve
www.goarmyreserve.com
2 todaysmilitary.com/futures
Marine Corps
Every Marine is a rifleman, but every
Marine is also trained in a specific military
occupational specialty (MOS). Marine Corps
training will make you quickly adaptable
to any duty assignment, while your MOS
will define your area of expertise. These
websites will help you understand the
physical and mental preparedness required
to become a Marine.
Active Duty
www.marines.com
United States Naval Academy
www.usna.edu
Marine Corps Officer Candidates Guide
www.marineofficer.com
Marine Corps Reserve
www.marines.com
Information for Parents
www.parents.marines.com
Information and Stories about Parents
www.our.marines.com
 Navy
The Navy trains its personnel for hundreds
of high-growth positions in more than 60
career fields, which you can explore on
these websites. It doesn’t matter if you’re
collegebound, prefer to take college courses
at your own pace or are still in high school —
the Navy can create and customize a career
path for you.
Active Duty
www.navy.com
United States Naval Academy
www.usna.edu
Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps
https://www.nrotc.navy.mil
Navy Reserve
www.navyreserve.com
Air Force Coast Guard
Start with these websites for information on The Coast Guard will help you choose your
Air Force careers, financial aid, scholarships career path based on your aptitude, physical
and college tuition for your future. They will abilities, security clearance, motivation and
help you find out if you are eligible to join, determination. The Coast Guard offers all
provide an overview of available careers and specialties to both men and women equally
benefits and can help answer your questions — including combat roles.
about Air Force culture, Basic Training and
what you can expect when you join. Active Duty and Coast Guard Reserve
www.gocoastguard.com
Active Duty United States Coast Guard Academy
www.airforce.com www.uscga.edu
United States Air Force Academy
www.academyadmissions.com
Air Force Reserve Officers
Training Corps
www.afrotc.com
Air National Guard
www.goang.com
Air Force Reserve
www.afreserve.com
todaysmilitary.com/futures 3
There are some jobs
that will never be outsourced.
To succeed in today’s economy, you need to acquire the kinds of skills that employers value. That’s exactly what you
can do, serving part-time in the Air Guard. We’ll help you develop the high-tech abilities you need to compete, now
and in the future. You can choose from nearly 200 career specialties, with the chance to work on advanced computers,
networks and electronics, even state-of-the-art aircraft and satellites. And because you serve part-time, you can use
your skills to get ahead in your civilian career. All while receiving a steady paycheck and a wide range of benefits.
Plus, you’ll get something no other job can offer — the satisfaction that comes from serving your community and
your country. Talk to a recruiter today, and see what the Air Guard can do for you.
THE DECISION
TO JOIN
What You Should Know, Who You Should Talk To
If you’re considering the Military, your decision should be an informed one. Think about your reasons for
joining, and talk to a recruiter. Check in with family members and friends. Learn what you can online or
at the library. And if possible, talk to those who have served, and get their opinion.

Everyone has different reasons for joining the Military. Here’s what some current servicemembers have
to say about their decision to join.

todaysmilitary.com/futures 5
 Tips for Talking to a Recruiter
While the Internet offers a wealth of general information about
military service, nothing beats talking to a military recruiter.
Why I Joined….
Air Force Reserve Senior Airman Christy Leyva says,
“People ask why I serve, but I think the question
should be, why not? There are many benefits that
come with being part of the Military, aside from the

While each branch has its own recruiters, all can assess your
individual needs and achievements and help you decide if military
service is right for you. Here’s some advice on how to make your
experience with a recruiter a meaningful one.
pride and honor one gets from wearing the uniform.
I had a deep desire to continue my education, a need
for a stable income, and I longed for the opportunity
to travel.”
Army Reserve Capt. Shawn Tulp also felt a strong
calling to serve. “I knew since I was a child that I
wanted to be a Soldier. I wanted to be like my father
and wear a uniform and serve my country. I’m proud
to carry on the family tradition.”

Do Your Research
Senior Airman Nicole Young of the Air Guard recommends doing research. “The first
thing I did was research on the Internet, so I had a general idea of what I was getting
into. Then I went to talk to the recruiter. He asked me about my goals and heard what
I had to say.”
Know Your Options
“When thinking about joining the Military, it’s important to know all of the available
options in addition to Active Duty. By joining the Guard or Reserves, you can maintain
a civilian lifestyle while also receiving valuable training, military knowledge and
exceptional benefits,” says Army National Guardsman and Reserve Officers’
Training Corps Cadet Alex Fan.
Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Washington
says, “I hadn’t planned on joining the Military. Really,
it was kind of a last-minute thing. The opportunity
just presented itself, so I decided to go for it!”
Like Justin, Army National Guardsman and Reserve
Officers’ Training Corps Cadet Alex Fan shares
that his decision to join the Military wasn’t planned.
After high school, he just felt confused about
what he wanted to do. “A friend helped me realize
that to succeed in the future, I needed to develop
discipline. I knew joining the Military would help me
with that. Not to mention there are few countries
in this world that offer as many rights and freedoms
as we do. There has to be a group of people willing
to sacrifice to uphold these rights.”

? Be Prepared to Answer Important Questions Honestly

“I spoke with a recruiter after high school, and the process moved fast because I knew
exactly what I wanted to do. The recruiter did the initial paperwork and screenings
to make sure I was eligible,” says Marine Corps Sgt. Stacy Roman. “Just know that they
will ask a lot of questions to make sure they are getting the best into the Military, and
you should be honest.”

i Make Sure to Ask Your Own Questions

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Sweeney offers this advice: “When you talk to a
recruiter about certain jobs, they like to talk about the high-speed, exciting stuff. But
you have to know that while some days are like that, it isn’t every day. Ask them about
what an average day is like in that field.”

Bring a Parent
Army Sgt. Ricardo Branch brought his mother with him to talk to the recruiter about
career choices and is glad he did. “At first, I was really interested in combat positions
because my dad was in the Military and served in combat positions. But when my mom
and I really talked about my hobbies and my strengths, we realized I’d be great as an
Army journalist.”

6 todaysmilitary.com/futures

ASVAB and MEPS — Say What?!
People joke that the Military loves to use acronyms. ASVAB and MEPS are just two of
many the average person on the street may not understand. However, if you are
considering enlisting in the Military, you should read on to find out what they mean.
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a test that most people who
want to join the Military take. Similar to the SAT or ACT, its goal is to measure your
accumulated knowledge and potential for future success. However, whereas the SAT
or ACT test results are generally applied toward college applications, the results of
the ASVAB tests are used to help determine which type of military training you will
most likely be successful in. And, based on your scores, you may qualify for training
in multiple career fields.
Army Sgt. Ricardo Branch notes that the ASVAB helped give him more options for
occupations to consider. “A higher score qualifies you for more positions.” To that point,
Marine Corps Sgt. Melissa Esquivel says, “I first took the ASVAB in high school, but
I asked my recruiter if I could take it again to see if I could get a higher score so that
I’d have more choices. I retook the test, and happily, I did perform better.”
After the ASVAB, if you decide to join, one of the next steps is going to MEPS (Military
Entrance Processing Station).
“At MEPS, they conduct things like blood tests, and they check your vision and your
hearing. I also got to speak to a career counselor,” notes Airman 1st Class Laura Lund
of the Air Force.
“Some people go straight from MEPS to Basic Training, but I got to go home afterwards.
I just had to report at the next drill weekend,” explains Air Guard Senior Airman Nicole Young.
No matter which branch of the Military you decide to join, you will recite an oath of
enlistment. “Reciting the Army oath of enlistment at MEPS was one of the most
incredible experiences I’ve ever had,” beams Army Spc. Ashland Harnishfeger. “You
just get chills.”
For more information about the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, visit asvabprogram.com.
A Matter of Opinion
The decision of what to do with your future is a serious
one. And while it rests in your hands, the opinions of
family and friends can’t help but affect you. Many
servicemembers note that while their parents were
originally apprehensive about their decision to join,
they are now supportive.
Army Reserve Capt. Christopher Sercena says, “My
mother and father were worried about the dangers
associated with being in the Military. But later, they
came to realize it’s something that is making me be
a better, stronger person and pushes me to go beyond
what I think I’m capable of.”
“My mother’s concerns about my joining the Military
were a little bit different,” adds Senior Airman
Jose Alejandro Barreto Martinez of the Air Force
Reserve. “I originally came to the United States to
study at the University of Miami, and my mother
worried that once I enlisted, I’d be immersed in
military life and wouldn’t have enough time for
my studies. But my friends knew what I was capable
of and, today, they are so impressed with me.”
For Marine Corps Sgt. Stacy Roman, her parents were
at odds with each other. “My mom was supportive of
what I wanted to do, but my dad thought it was a
terrible idea. The Marine Corps has a reputation of
being the hardest and toughest, so he was worried.
Once they came to my graduation from recruit
training and saw what I was doing and what I was
learning, they understood.”
“When I first told my parents I wanted to join the
Navy, they were very proud, but somewhat reluctant,”
notes Navy Lt. j.g. Henry Morgan. “Their life plan
for me didn’t include military service, but they’ve
supported me 100 percent.”
“I had it a bit different,” says Coast Guard Petty
Officer 1st Class Timothy Florez Adams. “My family
actually suggested I get into the Military, but I
wanted to play football in college. It got to the point
where I wasn’t enjoying the game like I used to, so I
ended up taking my family’s recommendation and
enlisting. My friends knew it would be a good choice
for me too.”
Army Spc. Ashland Harnishfeger points out that coming
from a small town and knowing she would be away
for a while made her feel nervous about keeping in
touch with her friends. “But,” she adds, “my real
friends kept in touch, and I even convinced some of
them to join!”
todaysmilitary.com/futures 7
BASIC TRAINING
A Powerful Transformation
Hollywood movies have long tried to capture the mystique of military
Basic Training, also known as boot camp or recruit training. Movie
scenes showing young people marching through mud, doing
push-ups in the rain or otherwise testing their physical limits
spring to mind. But perhaps the true mystery of Basic Training is
not about finding out exactly what they will make you do, but how
they transform you from whoever you were when you walked in, to
a better, more centered and empowered person when you walk out.
All of that being said, Marine Corps Sgt. Melissa Esquivel says a
little apprehension when you report for recruit training is normal.
“You don’t know what to expect and people are yelling at you —
everything is a shock. The drill instructors have three months to
kick every bad habit you’ve had for the last 18 or more years and
instill all of the military values, so you know it’s going to be intense.”
“You really challenge yourself,” explains Air Force Reserve Senior
Airman Jose Alejandro Barreto Martinez. “Sometimes you think
to yourself that you won’t be able to make it. But breaking through
that doubt — that is what makes it all worthwhile.”
8 todaysmilitary.com/futures
From Civilian to Servicemember
Army Spc. Ashland Harnishfeger agrees, “Basic Training is hard,
but it is definitely worth it. You learn to do many things you’ve
never done before, but that experience also leads to becoming
really close with everyone you train with.”
Marine Corps Sgt. Stacy Roman adds, “For many people, it is the
first time you’ve been away from home, so you do connect to
the people that surround you. It’s natural to create a strong bond
with the people by your side during a challenging experience like
recruit training.”
By the time you make it to your graduation ceremony, you find
yourself standing with pride among your many new friends and
before your family — transformed.
“Graduating felt so rewarding,” says Air Force Senior Airman
Benjiman Jennings. “I became a better person — much more
goal-oriented and driven. I’m grateful for that.”
MAKING
MARINES
Teaching Others the Ins and Outs of Military Life
OORAH!
For most of us — even the most physically fit — the thought of enduring three months of
military recruit training is enough to rattle the nerves. But for two sergeants stationed
at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C., the challenges of recruit train-
ing weren’t enough to keep them away from signing up to do it over and over again —
this time as drill instructors.

As a Marine Corps military police officer, Sgt. Stacy Roman had disciplined enough fellow
Marines that she decided to enroll in drill instructor school to influence the character of
Marines coming out of recruit training.

“When I was at recruit training, I saw the drill instructors as the epitome of what makes
a Marine. I looked up to them and wanted to be just like them,” says Stacy.

Sgt. Melissa Esquivel is currently in training to become a drill instructor because, as

she says, “I’ve seen many young recruits arrive at the recruiting station from broken
homes, and they can really use some guidance. I look forward to instilling the Marine
Corps values of honor, courage and commitment in them and training them to become
the best Marines they can be.”

Since drill instructor school only accepts the top 10 percent of Marines, it is an honor to
become a drill instructor. In order to be considered for the 12-week program, a Marine must
rank as a sergeant or above, pass a physical fitness test and mental health check, have a
clean disciplinary record and receive a recommendation from his or her chain of command.

According to Melissa, drill instructor school is like “recruit training on steroids. You
relearn everything you went through in recruit training, except this time you are learning
how to teach the drills and techniques to others.” To note, Marine Corps drill instructors
only train recruits of their own gender.

“The Marine Corps expects a lot from its drill instructors — they need the best role models
for their recruits,” says Melissa. “You need to always be on your toes because recruits
are continually watching you and trying to emulate you. By the end of recruit training,
you will notice they are walking and talking like you.”

“Being a drill instructor has been a very rewarding experience,” says Stacy. “On graduation
day, you are looking at a completely transformed group of people. They look you in the
eye, shake your hand and say thank you. It feels good to know you helped make that happen.”

Serving as a drill instructor is a three-year responsibility, after which you return to your
original Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Stacy is hoping to be stationed at Camp
Lejeune in North Carolina to resume her role as a military police officer, and Melissa
will return to California and her position as an aircraft rescue and firefighting specialist.

Top photo: Marine Corps Sgt. Stacy Roman

10 todaysmilitary.com/futures Bottom photo: Marine Corps Sgt. Melissa Esquivel
 ©2010 Paid for by the U.S. Air Force. All rights reserved.

Deploy by land, air or sea in the most remote regions of the world. Rescue a downed pilot or victims of
a national disaster. Know the meaning of “That Others May Live.” Be part of an elite group known as
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COOKING UP
A STORM
Life as a Chef in the United States Coast Guard
When Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Washington decided to become a food service
specialist in the Coast Guard, he didn’t know what to expect. With no previous
cooking or food service experience, he wondered if his culinary skills would appeal
to the palates of his fellow crewmembers.

However, when it came time to pick his occupation — referred to in the Coast Guard
as his “rating” — Justin decided he was up to the challenge of serving as a Coast
Guard chef.

With a crew of 30 at Coast Guard Station Merrimac River in Newburyport, Mass.,

Justin is tasked with serving up a variety of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner
several days a week. He alternates workdays with another food service specialist,
which means when Justin is in the kitchen, he gets to run the show. “The best part
of the job is discovering what my fellow station members like to eat and customizing
meal selections for them,” says Justin. Cooking for a smaller group also gives him
the flexibility to try new recipes, rather than having to stick to a set menu.

“My favorite meal to cook is chicken in a red wine sauce with roasted red potatoes
and sautéed asparagus with garlic,” he notes. However, for those servicemembers
who have more particular tastes, Justin offers alternatives to the main meal, such
as a salad bar, deli sandwiches or grilled cheese.

According to Justin, the experience has turned out to be more than he ever expected.

“This career has given me many opportunities outside of just cooking for my station. I have participated in military
cooking competitions, traveled to assist with admirals’ parties, change-of-command ceremonies and more.”

12 todaysmilitary.com/futures
CANDID
CAMERA:
LIFE BEHIND THE LENS

Military Journalism Goes

Behind the Scenes
Not long ago, Hawaii-based broadcast
journalist and Army Spc. Ashland
Harnishfeger found herself at the National
Football League’s Pro Bowl. She stood
face-to-face with one of her heroes —
Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“We had press passes to film the military

color guard presenting the flags. I turned
around, and there was Troy,” she exclaims.

“My dad served in both the Army and the

Marine Corps, so I was familiar with military
service. When I decided I was interested
in a military career, my dad advised me to
pick something I would enjoy doing every day.
I want to retire with memories of traveling
and meeting people, and the field of
journalism seemed like a great way to do it.”
Whether it’s covering the Pro Bowl in Honolulu
or filming a piece in Camp Zama, Japan,
Ashland has gained the ability to turn any
video footage into a story. “The Military has
taught me to be a reporter. And hearing
someone’s mom or dad is watching a video —
I strive to show them a side of their son or
daughter that maybe they haven’t seen before.”
“The most important lesson I’ve learned is that
doing the bare minimum will never accomplish
anything. No one will ever remember the
person who just did the job without adding a
little spice or imagination to it.”
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
Army Sgt. Ricardo Branch serves as a public
affairs specialist in print journalism. He was
inspired to join the Military in part by the
events of September 11, 2001, as well as
his own passion for writing.
“I graduated high school in June 2001. I did
well and had a lot of options open for my
future. But after what happened in September,
I knew I had to do something for my country,”
he explains. “At first, I talked to the Army
recruiter about combat positions. However,
after discussing my experience writing for my
high school newspaper as well as my love of
meeting new people with my mom, I told the
recruiter I wanted to be a journalist.”
Shortly thereafter, Ricardo was on a bus to
Basic Training and hasn’t looked back.
Check out page 27 to read what this journalist
had to say about his deployment to Iraq.
Top photo: Army Spc. Ashland Harnishfeger
Bottom photo: Army Sgt. Ricardo Branch

todaysmilitary.com/futures 13
WOMEN IN
AVIATION
WOMEN IN AVIATION
Soaring to New Heights
Laura Lund, Nicole Young and Christy
Leyva all have something in common: they
are women who keep America’s military
aircraft at the ready. Airman 1st Class Laura
Lund of the Air Force serves as an
aerospace propulsionist, which means
she works on multiple types of aircraft
engines. Air Guard Senior Airman Nicole
Young is an aircraft mechanic on a KC-135,
an aerial refueling tanker, while Senior
Airman Christy Leyva works as a tactical
aircraft maintainer for F-16 jet fighters in
the Air Force Reserve.
Nicole jokes that before joining the Air
Guard, she’d never even changed the oil in
her car. “I chose to go into the Military as
an aircraft mechanic because it is not
remotely related to what I do in my civilian
life. I enjoy challenges and knew that this
would be a big one for me.” Currently an
undergraduate student at Arizona State,
Nicole is majoring in biochemistry and
plans to attend graduate school to earn a
degree in veterinary medicine. “I’m happy
Airman 1st Class Laura Lund says, “I enjoy my job and the people I work with. It’s good for someone who enjoys working with their hands, and every day is definitely a learning
experience. I’ve learned how to work with several pieces of equipment that, at one time, I knew nothing about. I have knowledge on three types of engines as well as the equipment
used to service them. But one of my biggest accomplishments would be my ability to work effectively with other people — I used to like to do everything by myself!”
14 todaysmilitary.com/futures
I have such diversity between what I’m
studying in school and what I’ve been
working on in the Military. Having
experience in both realms gives me
an edge that not many others have.”
Like Nicole, Christy also enjoys a challenge.
“I fix warbirds. Not many people out there
can say that. But I enjoy it and don’t really
feel that I’ve had hard moments in the
Military. The things others may see as
difficult, I find enriching — they provide
me with the opportunity to test my limits
and grow as a person,” she says.
Outside of her Air Force Reserve duties,
Christy works for American Airlines as
a fleet service clerk, takes flight lessons
and is part of Women in Aviation
International and the Association for
Women in Aviation Maintenance. “One day
I would like to be a pilot,” she says. “That’s
the great thing with the Military; it opens
Above photo: Air Force Airman 1st Class Laura Lund
many doors and opportunities that you Below photo: Air Guard Senior Airman Nicole Young
might otherwise be unaware of.” Right photo: Air Force Reserve Senior Airman Christy Leyva
… And Beyond
…Basic Training
“I had a great time in Basic Training and
never heard any comments about being a
woman — just about being small and
needing to get stronger. People have a lot
of misconceptions about
gender in the Military.
But you are not a man.
You are not a woman. You
are a Soldier. ”
— Army Spc. Ashland Harnishfeger

…Deployment
“I feel my most important experience as a
Marine would be the time I served in Iraq.
Although I wasn’t fighting on the front lines
like some of my male
counterparts, I did what
I was trained to do to
the best of my ability and
helped save lives.”
— Marine Corps Sgt. Melissa Esquivel

…Everyday Life
“There are more males than females in
the Military, so sometimes you are
the only woman in your shop, and you
do have to work a little harder just to prove
yourself. But at the end of
the day, we are all broth-
ers and sisters,
and we are all working
toward the same goals.”
— Marine Corps Sgt. Stacy Roman

todaysmilitary.com/futures 15
SAVING LIVES AT HOME AND ABROAD
Military Medicine Gets the Job Done From Combat Medic to Health
Care Administrator
When you practice military medicine, your “office” can vary from a U.S. hospital to a Army Reserve Capt. Christopher Sercena
foreign battlefield. And the only constant is never knowing what to expect next. has always held a fascination with
medicine. For him, joining the Army
Army Reserve Capt. Shawn Tulp grew up wanting to be a Soldier, like his father, and Reserve Medical Corps was an easy
decided on a career in medicine. He could care for those protecting our country and gain decision. Since that day, Christopher has
skills that would benefit him in the civilian world. served as a combat medic, then as a
mental health specialist and, today, is a
Trained as an intensive care nurse, Shawn is experienced with combat trauma and health care administrator.
methods of care on the battlefield — which proved extremely valuable when he was
stationed in Afghanistan. “Working in the intensive care unit is fast moving and Christopher was recently deployed to
keeps me on my toes. I am learning every day, and I’m constantly challenged to Afghanistan to assist in training the Afghan
be better at what I do.” Army’s medical unit in health care
management tools and strategies. “It was
Since his Army Reserve duty currently takes up one weekend a month, Shawn’s primary interesting to understand how a foreign
career is as a civilian critical care flight nurse. In his civilian career, Shawn is responsible military’s mindset works in terms of
for maintaining an elevated level of medical care for patients being transported via combat, logistics and how they take care
helicopter from one hospital to another. of their Soldiers. I could certainly see
both the advantages and disadvantages
“The trauma training I’ve received in the Army has absolutely made me a better civilian of their ways,” he explains.
nurse. It has given me the confidence to make life-saving decisions independently and
quickly. It’s also exposed me to cutting-edge medical treatments many civilian medical While his military responsibilities take up
personnel haven’t seen yet.” part of his time, Christopher also maintains
a full-time civilian career as a middle
school resource and education specialist.

Army Reserve Capt. Christopher Sercena notes, “The training I’ve received on how to assist Soldiers with their mental health has greatly benefited my role as a
resource and education specialist. The Army Reserve has given me more patience with my students and makes me better able to adapt to their changing needs.”

16 todaysmilitary.com/futures
 ARMY RESERVE

ADD RESPECT TO
YOUR RESUME.

There’s a place where people go to get ahead

in life. A place where civilians become
Soldiers: the Army Reserve. There, you
can stay in your community to get an education
and build your career while also serving your
country. As an Army Reserve Soldier, you will
gain an edge in life like never before.

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong.

Learn more at goarmy.com/reserve.
ELITE TRAINING
Between Air and Water
How Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joshua Sweeney Gets His Rush
“The first time I ever helped land a helicopter
on the deck of a ship, it was the middle
of the night. It was pitch black, I couldn’t
see anything, and I had to give details to
the pilot like how quickly we were closing
in on the ship. Our lives depend on being
accurate — it was the biggest rush,”
exclaims Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class and
adrenaline junkie Joshua Sweeney.
Josh joined the Military at age 18, looking
to challenge himself while at the same time
wanting to see the world. “Growing up,
my best friend’s dad was a Navy SEAL.
Talking to him intrigued me and made me
realize I wanted to be part of something
elite and prestigious.”
Josh began his career in the Navy, building
weapons as an aviation ordnanceman.
However, after tackling his job duties and
learning as much as possible, he still felt hungry
to learn more and began investigating a
change to become an Aviation Warfare
Systems Operator.
“I saw friends that flew in helicopters and
thought that would be cool. After talking to
them about it, I put in a request packet to
18 todaysmilitary.com/futures
change fields, and now I operate sensors
in the back of a helicopter as an aircrewman
and am also a trained search and rescue
swimmer,” Josh explains. “It’s tough work.
I study a lot, and we are always being
tested to see if our gear is up-to-date and
taken care of. Especially as a search
and rescue swimmer, they test me to make
sure I stay in shape.”
The training pipeline to become a search
and rescue swimmer was particularly
grueling. “The whole process took a year
and a half and involved attending five
different schools. You needed to maintain
high scores on each test, or you failed. At
the end of it all, out of an original class size
of 20, I was one of only four who graduated.”
As part of a search and rescue team stationed
in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Josh and his crewmates
man their helicopter to assist people who
are in distress, whether their boat overturns,
they swim out too far from shore or are in
another form of danger. Pilot Lt. j.g. Henry
Morgan holds the helicopter steady in a hover
pattern while Josh jumps out of the back. Says
Josh, “My number-one goal is to save lives.”
SAVES LIVES

From Laguna Beach

to the Naval Academy
Navy Lt. j.g. Henry Morgan Pilots His Future
Lt. j.g. Henry Morgan grew up in the same
neighborhood as some of the stars of MTV’s
Laguna Beach and The Hills, but chose to
follow a very different path than that of Lauren
Conrad or Kristen Cavallari. His dream has
always been to fly, and after graduating
from the Naval Academy, he now pilots the
helicopter Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua
Sweeney jumps out of. With each dependent
on the other for success, they work together
as a team to save lives.

“Flying a helicopter is a lot of fun. It’s pretty

unique — it’s different from what people
experience flying commercially or even on a
small plane like a Cessna. In a helicopter,
I can bring us to a hover close to the water —
that’s our bread and butter,” Henry notes.
“Whether on a search and rescue mission or
shooting Hellfire missiles, there is nothing like
riding only 50 feet above the water or land at
200 miles per hour.”

todaysmilitary.com/futures 19
 OFF-DUTY
Change of scene, change of uniform. Think life in the Military is all about following orders, doing
push-ups and running drills? Don’t be fooled. There’s still plenty of time to pursue personal
hobbies outside of work! Take a look at what these servicemen and women do in their spare time.
Military service is something they all share, but their off-duty activities are all their own!

RICARDO BRANCH, Army Sergeant

Fort Shafter
Honolulu
Ricardo begins his day surfing the waves of White
Plains Beach before he’s off to work as a public
affairs specialist.

20 todaysmilitary.com/futures
LAURA LUND, Air Force Airman 1st Class
Kirtland Air Force Base
Albuquerque, N.M.

When she’s not working on aircraft engines,

you can find Laura speeding through the
desert terrain of New Mexico on her dirt bike.

todaysmilitary.com/futures 21
NICOLE YOUNG, Air Guard Senior Airman
Phoenix, Ariz.
In addition to serving as a military aircraft mechanic,
Nicole interns at an Alzheimer’s disease research lab
and enjoys jogging in her Scottsdale neighborhood
with her dog, Howie.

todaysmilitary.com/futures 23
JOSHUA SWEENEY, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class
Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Kaneohe, Hawaii
In his spare time, Josh likes to blow off steam with
free access to the gym on base. He enjoys working out
and staying fit, which is also especially important to his
duties as a search and rescue swimmer.

24 todaysmilitary.com/futures
 SIGN UP FOR THE
RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!

• Part-time jobs at competitive pay

• Great educational benefits
• Money for undergraduate, graduate, vocational and technical training

Find out how a part-time job in the Air Force Reserve can work for you
 3

1 2 4

AROUND
DEPLOYMENT SNAPSHOTS:

THE GLOBE

1 Army Spc. Ashland Harnishfeger helps welcome her fiancé’s Marine 2 “In Afghanistan, I worked very closely with the Afghan National
Corps unit home from Iraq. “Words can’t express how excited I’ve Army,” offers Capt. Christopher Sercena of the Army Reserve.
been, waiting for this moment. It was hard while he was in Iraq, but I was able to experience their culture and way of life firsthand
time apart makes the reunion that much sweeter!” and view a different side of society and humanity.”

26 todaysmilitary.com/futures
 Deployment Diary:
Life Inside Iraq
By Army Sgt. Ricardo Branch
I’m leaving Iraq with a job well done.
When I first came to Iraq in February 2007,
I was really worried. I was with a new unit
and headed to Ramadi, where small-arms
fire was common in the city. To describe
what it was like, you’d only need to think
about those Western movies where the
streets are empty just before the gun battle
at high noon.

Nothing happened my first time outside One Month Later

the wire, but when I got back to the combat
outpost, things quickly picked up. I was
staying in a room just below the guard
tower and just dozing off to sleep when the
sounds of a grenade launcher made me
jump out of bed. I tossed my gear on and
grabbed my camera — the insurgents were
attacking the base! I remember grabbing
my weapon before I bolted from the room
and ran up the stairs to the guard tower.
When I looked out over the skyline, I thought
I saw Christmas lights everywhere, as if
someone had grabbed them from a tree and
thrown them up into the air. But it was
flashes of munitions lighting up the darkness
— hitting the buildings, peppering them with
holes or demolishing them before my eyes.
As I sat there, I wondered what was in the
terrorists’ mind while they shot at us.
In March, I found myself in a very different
situation, sitting in Sheikh Sattar Abu Risha’s
home. As a journalist, I felt skeptical the
first time I met him — many people believed
that Sheikh Sattar was an opportunist out
to capitalize on the upheaval in Ramadi.
However, in reality, Sattar was trying hard
to broker peace. He had united his tribe, as
well as many others, under a banner of
freedom from tyranny, oppression and in
some cases annihilation. Devout in his
faith, he was a man looking to change the
sway of the common man being influenced
by terrorists. Many people are not educated,
and they can’t read or write here, which
allows influential people to move in and take
advantage of them.
The Iraqis are trying though, and it’s the
schools in the cities and countryside that
will make the difference. Educate the people
and explain to them the differences of
other religions and cultures, and Iraq can
become a beacon of tolerance and hope for
the world.
Unfortunately for Sheikh Sattar, he didn’t
have a chance to enjoy the fruits of his
labor, because he was killed by a roadside
bomb planted outside his home. But, his
cause lives on.
Almost Home
It’s been a long and difficult ride. I’ve grown
a lot as a person and will cherish what
I’ve learned here for the rest of my life. And
if you ask me what I think about the situation
in Iraq, you won’t get your standard textbook
answer either. You will get one word from
me — hope.

3 “My deployment to Germany was great — I never would have seen 4 “My first duty station was in Okinawa, Japan,” says Marine Corps
the country otherwise, and I had some free time to experience the Sgt. Stacy Roman. “The biggest challenge for me was learning how
culture,” says Air Guard Senior Airman Nicole Young. to drive on the other side of the road — I had to take a whole new
driver’s test to get my license.”

todaysmilitary.com/futures 27
 WE’LL INVEST IN
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IN YOUR FUTURE.

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Join the U.S. Army right now and
you can get up to a $40,000 signing bonus in addition to your salary. You can
also receive nearly $82,000 in tuition assistance for college. Join the Army
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For more information call 1-888-440-0689 or visit goarmy.com/futures.

©2010. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.
 The Best of Both Worlds
Gain a Bachelor’s Degree and
Military Training with ROTC
A leadership course that is wrapped into a
student’s college curriculum, the Reserve
Officers’ Training Corps, or “ROTC” program,
is composed of classes, labs, physical training
and field training exercises. All of these
elements combine to teach students firsthand
what it takes to lead and motivate others and
to conduct missions as an officer.

Confused about what path to take after high

school, Army National Guardsman and ROTC

DARE
Cadet Alex Fan knew that in order to succeed
in any career, he needed to have discipline,
motivation and strong communication skills.
Alex felt that joining the Military would give
him exactly this experience, and he couldn’t beat
the educational benefits that are offered.

Alex decided to first enlist in the Army National

Guard and use both Tuition Assistance and the
Montgomery GI Bill to take classes at a local
community college in San Diego. After successfully
completing the two-year program, he decided
to attend the University of San Francisco to

TO HAVE IT ALL
complete his bachelor’s degree and enroll
in the school’s ROTC program.

“Coming into the ROTC program as an enlisted

member of the Army National Guard is a confidence
Military Service. College Education. Two Goals — One Path. booster, as you already have experience with
If you happen to visit Miami and meet Air Force Reserve Senior Airman Jose Alejandro Army operations, whereas most of your fellow
Barreto Martinez, you’ll notice he speaks with the tinge of a foreign accent. However, cadets do not,” he says. “Now that I am experiencing
that’s a huge departure from when Jose Alejandro first left his native country of Colombia. leadership training, I can appreciate the perspectives
of both the officer and the enlisted side.”
While he laughs about it now, Jose Alejandro says, “When I showed up at Basic Training,
Alex is majoring in marketing and international
I spoke barely any English. I mumbled. I couldn’t understand my drill instructor. And
business. When he graduates, he will be
what did he do? He made me an element leader in charge of other people in my Basic
commissioned as a second lieutenant in the
Training group — it forced me to learn the language very quickly!”
Army National Guard, where he will further his
career by completing basic officer leadership
Jose Alejandro moved to the United States with the goal of studying at the University of
courses. In the future, he hopes to pursue an
Miami. However, a college education can be very expensive, and the scholarship he received
advanced degree.
failed to cover all of his costs. By enlisting with the Air Force Reserve, Jose Alejandro can
afford to complete his education while also training in combat operations for convoys, which
is when a group of vehicles travel together for mutual support and protection.

“When you’re driving a 5-ton vehicle, you feel powerful and like no one can stop you.
We practice on courses meant for cars — it’s a challenge!”

Jose Alejandro is a management science major and loves reading to help improve his
vocabulary. He doesn’t regret joining the Military and makes mention of a quote from
Theodore Roosevelt that has always inspired him:

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to
take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray
twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”

todaysmilitary.com/futures 29
 Tech Geek, Artist, Volunteer
and Athlete
By day, Air Force Senior Airman Benjiman
Jennings works on electronic systems that
detect, destroy or divert threats to aircraft
and their crews.
“When I joined the Military, I wanted to try
the most complex job I could find,” Ben
explains. “As an electronic warfare systems
apprentice, I’ve studied the principles of
electronic circuitry, components and wiring.
Retaining the massive amount of information
that is continually thrust upon me has proved
to be my greatest challenge, but also my
greatest motivator. Every day is filled with
new challenges and new things to learn, and
the only limiting factor is how much effort I
put forth. In the Military, if you are hardworking
and honest, your opportunities are endless.
If you give and don’t hold back, it will come
back to you.”
But don’t be fooled. Ben’s day doesn’t begin
and end with a tangle of wires and circuit
cards. A talented sketch artist and backup
vocalist, he continues to pursue his love of
the arts and believes strongly in donating his
free time to good causes. Ben has helped
rebuild parks along the Gulf Coast after
Hurricane Katrina, volunteers at local soup
kitchens, provides security at local concerts
and helps direct tourists who come to visit
the famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. And
when he plays soccer, just like when he’s at
work, Ben brings his best game to the field.

RENAISSANCE
MEN
Some people say, “Life is what you make it,” and life in the Military is no different. Air Force Senior Airman Benjiman
Jennings and Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Florez Adams defy any box you might put them in.

The Damage Controlman — A Jack of All Trades

As a damage controlman in the Coast Guard, Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Florez
Adams has learned quick reflexes and a wide range of skills found across numerous civilian
professional trades. At the heart of it, he is an expert on how to keep any ship he is on
afloat. Whether that means cutting and welding metal for emergency repairs, fixing the
plumbing systems, fighting onboard fires or detecting and decontaminating the vessel in
the event of exposure to chemical, biological or radiological hazards — Timothy is your guy.

“The bigger ship you are on, the longer you will be out to sea,” Timothy explains.“The average
time is two months, but some of us do a rotation of three months underway followed by three
months in port. When we are underway, I help make sure the crew is safe, things are where
they are supposed to be and regulations are being met. It’s a big job!”

30 todaysmilitary.com/futures
PAYING IT FORWARD
Growing up in Texas, Raymond Flores took a look around and promised himself he wouldn’t
let his past dictate his future. Now a sergeant in the Marine Corps, Raymond credits the
mentors he found along the way for helping him achieve his goal.

People Who Make a Difference

“The first person I was really inspired by was my uncle, who served in the Army,” says
Raymond. “He recommended that I research the Military as a way to better myself.
I looked at a few of the Service branches, talked to recruiters and decided the Marine
Corps was the best path for me. I liked the challenge they were offering.”

For Raymond, listening to the advice and guidance of his uncle was the first step to success.
Soon after entering the Military, Raymond found another person to inspire and help him
grow as both a person and Marine.

“I had a platoon sergeant who helped me realize the steps I needed to take to succeed in
the Marine Corps. And because of him, I was able to move up and make sergeant in only
three years.”

Inspiring Others
While serving overseas as a motor vehicle operator, Raymond drove trucks containing
everything from food to medical supplies in support of military outposts in need. At his
current duty station — Marine Barracks Washington — he’s responsible for transporting
high-ranking officials on government business around the nation’s capital. Also a part
of his current responsibilities, Raymond oversees the training of fellow Marines.

“I am in charge of training for 38 Marines in activities like martial arts and marksmanship. In
this position, I hope to serve as a mentor to these Marines and show them the path to success,
much like my platoon sergeant once guided me.”

“It hasn’t just been the Marine Corps as an organization that has made a difference in my life,”
Raymond adds. “It’s the people in the organization. I’ve made friends every step of the way,
and they’ve become a whole new kind of family to me. With their support, I can proudly say I’m
fulfilling the promise I once made to myself by becoming the person I always wanted to be.” todaysmilitary.com/futures 31
A MATTER OF DEGREES
Education benefits offered through the Military
If your dream is to graduate from high school and attend college, but you are at a loss on how to afford
expensive tuition bills, the Military offers many options to make college education an attainable and
affordable goal for all. Take a look at how these servicemembers take advantage of the diverse education
benefits offered by the Military:
“When I decided I wanted to go to college,
I was living on my own and working two
jobs. I couldn’t quit these jobs to make
time for school, as I would then have no
way to pay for school. I knew I had to
come up with another solution and joining
the Coast Guard was a perfect alternative.
Using the Tuition Assistance program,
I am now majoring in business accounting
and taking classes online with the Florida
Institute of Technology. Once my tour with
the Coast Guard is complete, I would like
to work in the banking industry, perhaps
as a branch manager or in a customer
service role.”
—Justin Washington, Petty Officer
2nd Class, Coast Guard
tty Officer
hington, Pe
Justin Was as t Gu ard
Co
2nd Class,
32 todaysmilitary.com/futures
“I left for college on what I thought was a
full-ride scholarship — yet it paid for only
a portion of my classes and none of my
books. When I finished my first semester,
I had bills, little education and no job.
After speaking to an Air Force recruiter,
I knew it was the perfect place for me.
I would have a steady income, a home,
insurance and free education. On top
of this, I felt it would be a great honor to
serve my country and be a part of something
larger than myself. “
— Laura Lund, Airman 1st Class,
Air Force
man
und, Air
Laura L Air Force
ss ,
1st Cla
“In addition to participating in drill weekends
on base one weekend every month, I go
to school full-time and have an internship
at an Alzheimer’s disease research
lab. Thanks to the GI Bill and tuition
reimbursement provided by the Air Guard,
I am about to graduate from Arizona State
University with a degree in biochemistry and
am hoping to attend veterinary school.”
— Nicole Young, Senior Airman,
Air Guard
Nicole
Young
Airma , Senio
n, Air r
Guard
 o s t- 9/ 11 G I B il l, you can go
“Now with the P yo u r e d u cation and
m e an d
to school full-ti e M ilitar y will pay for
or. Th
housing are paid f te tu it ion as long as
sive in- sta
the most expen
A Whole New Skill Set
oo l — yo u c an ’t beat that”.
it is a public sch
Military Service and the Mastery

s, N a vy
of Technical Skills

Sweeney, Petty Officer 3 rd Clas

— Joshua
Bill,
ion about the Post-9
For more informat
.gov.
please visit gibill.va
“When I first heard about the U.S. Naval
Academy at a college roundup in high
school, I was hooked. The Naval Academy
balances college education with military
service; I graduated as an officer in the
Navy and, today, am lucky enough to pilot
SH-60 Bravo helicopters.”
— Henry Morgan, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Navy
Army Spc. Ashland Harnishfeger was so convinced
she wanted to enlist in the Military that she
/11 GI
graduated high school half a year early to do so.
But her education didn’t stop the moment she
received her diploma and
put on a uniform. After
Basic Training, Ashland
traveled to Maryland to be
trained as an Army
broadcast journalist.
For Florida native and Senior
Airman Christy Leyva, her
deep desire to continue her
education carried her to Air
Force Reserve training
schools at both Luke Air
Force Base in Arizona and Sheppard Air Force
Base in Texas. “My job as an F-16 crew chief
came about from pure interest. I love aircraft, and
besides, not many people out there can say they
fix warbirds. That’s the great thing with the
Military; it opens many doors and opportunities
that one would otherwise be unaware of,” Christy
points out.

, Navy
Class
Officer 3rd
Petty
eney,
a Swe
Joshu “I’m at the point in my career
now where I’m the one doing
Navy
Junior Grade, the teaching,” says Coast
n, Lieutenant
Henry Morga
Guard Petty Officer 1st
Class Timothy Florez
Adams. “I love training others in firefighting
techniques. It feels good to know the people
I train get to the point where they can do the job
well and don’t need me anymore.”

For more information, please visit todaysmilitary.com/benefits/tuition-support.

todaysmilitary.com/futures 33
todaysmilitary.com 37
Military service offers a wide variety of benefits, ranging from the obvious: a steady paycheck, travel and education, to perhaps
the not-so-obvious: housing, health care, retail and entertainment discounts, new friendships and a sense of pride.

Life in the Military is all about give and take: It’s about what you can do for the Military and, in turn, what it can do for you.
Read on to learn about the wide variety of benefits millions of people are enjoying through the Military. For more information,
visit todaysmilitary.com or talk with a recruiter near you!

Laura
Lund,
Airma
n 1st C
lass, A
ir Forc
e

Reserve
, Air Force
Leyva, Senior Airman
Christy

Timothy Fl
orez Adam
s, Petty Offi
cer 1st Cla
ss, Coast G
uard

“I’ve accomplished a lot in the Co

ast Guard,” says Petty Officer lst
Timothy Florez Adams. “I’ve learne Class
d to work with different kinds of
from different places to beat bot people
h timelines and expectations.”

34 todaysmilitary.com/futures
 ar ac cident
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Air Force Senior Airman Benjiman Jenn

Senior Airman, Air Force

Benjiman Jennings,

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vy
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and discounted s Jo s h u a S w eene y. to ecaus bo th
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Alex
Fan. ROTC ional
Cadet

todaysmilitary.com/futures 35
 NATIONALGUARD.com

One mOment, yOu’re answering a prOfessOr’s

questiOn. the next, yOu’re answering
a cOmmunity’s cry fOr help.
The National Guard is about achieving more, expecting more
and being more. Visit the Guard online today to see how you can
serve your country and community part-time while you work or
attend college full-time. And check out the education benefits that
could help you pay for college —all of it.

• Attend college full-time while you serve part-time

• Serve your community as well as your country
• Get up to a 100% scholarship* and other benefits
• Gain valuable career skills

* Up to $4,500 per fiscal year (1 Oct – 30 Sep)

WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
REGISTERING WITH SELECTIVE SERVICE
Q: What is Selective Service?
A: The Selective Service System is a government
agency whose job is to provide untrained
manpower for the Armed Forces in the
event of a national emergency.
Q: What is Selective Service registration?
A: By registering, you add your name to
a list of all the men in the nation, ages 18
through 25. This list would be used to
identify men for possible military service
in case of a national emergency.
Q: What happens if there is a draft?
A: There has not been a draft since 1973. If
there were an emergency sufficient for
Congress and the President to order another
draft, Selective Service would conduct
a birth date lottery to decide the order in
which to call men. Those who turn 20
during that calendar year would be called
first in a sequence determined by the
lottery. If more men were needed, those
who are 21 to 25 years old would be called
first, beginning with the 21-year-olds.
Q: Who is required to register?
A: The law says all 18-year-old men, including
U.S. citizens living abroad and noncitizen
immigrant males 18–25 residing in the U.S.,
must register. The only young men exempt
from registration are noncitizen males
who are in the U.S. temporarily as tourists,
diplomats and their family members,
foreign exchange students, incarcerated
or institutionalized men, men on active
duty in the Armed Forces and students at
U.S. military academies.
Q: Why don’t women have to register?
A: Our nation only registers men. This has
always been the case. Selective Service law
as it is presently written refers specifically
to “male persons” in stating who must
register and who could be subject to a draft.
Therefore, Selective Service procedures
don’t apply to women. In order for women
to be required to register with Selective
Service, Congress would have to change
the wording of the law.
Q: What if I don’t register?
A: You’re breaking the law. If prosecuted, you
could be sent to prison for up to five
years and fined up to $250,000. In addition,
if you fail to register, you can’t qualify for
federal student grants or loans for college,
job training benefits, and many state and
federal jobs.
Q: Is registration hard?
A: No. In fact, it’s never been easier. A young
man can register with Selective Service in
less than two minutes online at www.sss.gov.
You can also register by going to your
local post office and completing a registration
form. It’s as simple as filling in your
name, address, telephone number, date
of birth and Social Security number.
Registration forms should be available in
your local recreation or social service
center school’s guidance or registrar office,
or you may receive a form in the mail.
Simply complete the form and mail it to
Selective Service.
Q: When should I register?
A: Within 30 days of your 18th birthday. If you
can’t register on time because you’re
hospitalized or in prison, you have 30 days
in which to register after you are released.
If 30 days have already passed since
your 18th birthday, register immediately,
either online or at your post office.
Although Selective Service will accept a
late registration, the longer you wait,
the longer you’re breaking the law and
jeopardizing your future benefits.
Q: How do I prove I registered?
A: When registering online, you will receive
your Selective Service number immediately.
That number is your proof of registration.
For safekeeping, jot down that number.
You’ll receive a Selective Service card in
the mail confirming that number. If you
don’t get your card in the mail within 90
days, write to:
Selective Service System
Registration Information Office
P.O. Box 94638
Palatine, IL 60094-4638
Register online at www.sss.gov
todaysmilitary.com/futures 37
be a part of one of
the most elite . . .
. . . and Exclusive Groups
In Our Nation’s History.
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New Opportunities
for Women to Serve
on Submarines!

navy.com
1-800-USA-NAVY
FACT #1
Historically, women have not been allowed to serve on submarines. In 2010, the Navy lifted this ban,
and it's expected that women will serve on nuclear submarines by the end of 2011.

FACT #2
Air Force satellite vehicle operators, or space pilots,
protect space assets by maneuvering satellites around
FACT #3
some 20,000 identified objects in orbit.
In order to help Soldiers make sense of data from
drones, satellites and ground sensors, the Army now
uses the iPod Touch.
FACT #4
Between Facebook and Twitter, the Army Reserve has 10,000 combined
fans and followers — a number that continues to grow every day.

FACT #5
A favorite expression at West Point is that
much of the history we teach was made by
people we taught.

FACT #7
FACT #6 Approximately 2,400 working dogs are employed by
the Military and are currently serving our country
The United States Marine Corps Band is known as all around the world.
“The President’s Own.”

FACT #8
More than 850,000 people serve
FACT #9
in the Guard and Reserve.
Law enforcement and maritime defense may be the
missions of all Coast Guard cutters, but red hulls are
built specifically for icebreaking.

todaysmilitary.com/futures 39
 Boatswain’s Mate (BM)

eserv
Gunner’s Mate (GM)

Operations Specialist (OS)

Damage Controlman (DC)

Electrician’s Mate (EM)

Electronics Technician (ET)

Information System Technician (IT)

Intelligence Specialist (IS)

Machinery Technician (MK)

Food Service Specialist (FS)

Health Services Technician (HS)

Marine Science Technician (MST)

Public Affairs Specialist (PA)

Save Lives.
Storekeeper (SK)
Protect the Environment.
Yeoman (YN)
Defend your country.
Investigator (IV)

Port Security Specialist (PS)

AreMaritime
youEnforcement
Ready? Specialist (ME)

Serve part time in your community.

Earn extra income, money for school,
and get medical and dental coverage.
Make a difference in the Coast Guard Reserve.