How do I get involved with the military in high school?

[Candidate39]

I will be applying to all of the service academies, as well as some ROTC scholarships. I would like to be involved, in any way, with any military branch in my area. I’m currently in high school. I am wondering if anyone has any ideas of how I could do this? Could I attend work outs, or maybe partake in an internship? I live in southeastern PA and I don’t know if there is much military presence where I live.

Thank you for your time.

 

[prospective2019]

Consider Civil Air Patrol or perhaps ask for a tour of your local National Guard facility.

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

An internship?

It’s not the answer you are looking for.

Other than maybe a school rotc club I’d not do it. If you follow your dream and spend years in the military or pipeline you will get enough military to get plenty sick of far to much military.

Spend your time improving yourself. Get smarter and stronger. Grades especially grades in stem courses, standardized test scores, school clubs or community projects, sports. All can have a direct impact as far as admittance. And admittance is very very competitive.

Don't just do well——you need to absolutely ace these.

Are you playing sports? Almost all who attend a SA do and most are varsity types and are in team leadership positions.

 

[kinnem]

If you really feel you need a taste of it there is Civil Air Patrol, JROTC, or Sea Cadets, assuming there are chapters near you.

You neglected to mention what year of school you're in so it's hard to tell if they'll be useful at this point.

@Small Team Bacsi makes a good point. Additionally the first year of ROTC, or the first 2 years of an Academy can be done without obligation on your part. They are on the military if you decide it's not for you. You can use that as your "try out" period.