Military Readiness
Joining the Military after High School?
Joining the military after high school is a significant decision. First and foremost, thank you for your service. Military members make important sacrifices of time, freedom, and personal comfort to help ensure the safety of others.
Take time to reflect on your personal goals and consider how military service may support those goals. Your CCMR counselor is available to help you discuss the process and make an informed decision. You may also speak with military recruiters, who visit the school regularly to provide information about the different branches of service.
In addition to deciding whether to join the military, it is also important to carefully consider which branch best fits your interests and goals. The form below guides the enlistment process, and the links below provide information on careers within each military branch.
Explore Careers in the Different Branches of the Military
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements for military service can vary and may be confusing, as different standards apply to enlisted and officer pathways.
Enlisted Service:
Enlisted service members perform the hands-on work of the military. A high school diploma is typically required; however, a GED may not always be accepted.
Officer Programs:
Officers serve in leadership and management roles within the military. Most officer programs require a minimum of a bachelor's degree and are highly competitive. Many officers also hold master's or advanced degrees.
Before meeting with a military recruiter, it is important to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications for service in the U> Armed Forces. While requirements may vary slightly by branch, the following standards generally apply across all five services:
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You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
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You must be at least 17 years old (applicants who are 17 require parental consent).
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You must have a high school diploma (with limited expectations).
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You must pass a medical physical examination.
ASVAB Information
ASVAB stands for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. It is a multiple-choice test designed to help determine which military occupations (Military Occupational Specialties) may best match your skills and abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ASVAB measure?
The ASVAB measures knowledge and skills across ten different areas. It is not an IQ test; however, it helps the military determine which jobs are most suitable based on individual strengths and abilities.
How can I prepare for the ASVAB?
No formal preparation is required to take the ASVAB. However, getting a good night's sleep and arriving on time are the most important steps you can take to preform you best.
Who administers the ASVAB, and where can it be taken?
The ASVAB is typically administered in schools by federal test administrators. Schools determine when and where the test will be given. Students should contact their academic advisor for additional information. Individuals not currently in school may contact a local recruiter for testing information and location.
An unproctored version of the ASVAB, called the PiCAT, is also available and can be taken remotely.
What is the PiCAT?
The Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test (PiCAT) is an unproctored version of the ASVAB and can be completed at home. To take the PiCAT, individuals must contact a local recruiter to register and receive an access code. After completing the test, scores can be reviewed with a recruiter. If an individual chooses to enlist, the PiCAT score must be verified at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) through a short, proctored confirmation test lasting approximately 25-30 minutes.
ASVAB Preparation
As students prepare to take the full-length ASVAB, you should keep in mind that the ASVAB Testing Program does not endorse any particular method of test preparation beyond recommending that examinees take a solid core of courses in mathematics, English, and science in high school and/or college.
Such academic preparation will help with performance on the Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge, and General Science subtests. Taking technical courses will also help with performance on the Auto Information, Shop Information, Electronics Information, and Mechanical Comprehension subtests.
The following are general tips to help you to perform their best on the ASVAB.
Steps to Take In Advance of the Actual Test Day
- Prepare well in advance of the day of the test.
- Know what to expect on test day.
[Visit page: What to Expect] - Familiarize yourself with the contents of the ASVAB subtests.
[Visit page: ASVAB Subtests] - Take sample questions and review content areas in which you need to freshen up your skills.
[Visit page: Sample Questions] - Find out whether you will be taking the paper-and-pencil (P&P) ASVAB, or the CAT-ASVAB, as optimal test-taking strategies differ across the two versions.
[Note, however, that the test content is the same across both versions.] - Get plenty of rest the night before the test.
Strategies for Taking All Versions of the ASVAB
- Read the directions for each test carefully before beginning the test.
- Read each question carefully before selecting the answer.
- Pay attention to the time — don’t spend too much time on one individual question, if that means there won’t be enough time to answer later questions.
- When the answer to a question is unknown, try to rule out as many incorrect choices as possible, and then make an educated guess from the remaining answers.
- Don’t get hung up trying to answer the difficult questions — answer the easy questions first and then return to the more difficult questions.
- Answer every question. If time runs short, it is to one’s advantage to fill in random guesses for the remaining items, as there is no penalty for guessing.
- Review answers if there is time remaining.
- Make sure only one response per question is selected on the answer sheet, and erase completely if an answer is changed.
ASVAB Fact Sheet
ASVAB-Fact_Sheet.pdf
Learn more about ASVAB Scoring Here
Princeton ISD ASVAB Information:
PSHS ASVAB School Day Test: November 16
Registration Deadline: Nov 6
Registration Link
Recruiter Information
Below is the current Recruiter information that Princeton High School has. Please note that this may not be accurate if any changes are made to who our school's recruiter is, and we are not informed.
You can also visit the Armed Forces Recruiting location in McKinney at:
1620 Hardin Blvd.
McKinney, TX 75071
*Located in the strip mall area by the Dollar General behind where you can see La Madeline's from 380, and across from the Cinemark
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Air Force
TSgt James T Bacallo
1620 Hardin Blvd
McKinney, TX 75071
Office: (972) 547-9672
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Coast Guard
ME1 Zachary T. Rivera
U.S. Coast Guard Recruiting Office
2240 Market Place Blvd, Suite 100
Irving, TX 75063
Office - (972)-506-3047 ext. 1008
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National Guard
2775 S Central Expy #130,
McKinney, TX 75070
(972) 762-3420
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Marine
Sgt Pinto, Andrew C
Recruiting Sub Station Sherman, Texas
Office: 903-893-2141
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Army
SFC Quigley, Jonathan D.
1620 N. Hardin Blvd.
McKinney, TX 75071
O: (972)547-6906
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Navy
Kingsley, Ryan Eugene PO1 USN
1620 N. Hardin Blvd.
McKinney, TX 75071
972.548.1149
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US Service Academies
The U.S. service academies are four-year degree programs that require a commitment of service following graduation. Admission to a service academy requires a congressional or executive nomination from a U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. In some cases, children of active-duty or retired military personnel may seek a nomination through the Office of the President. Students are encouraged to pursue all available nomination sources to improve their chances of selection.
The application process typically begins in the spring of the junior year of high school. Students who are interested in attending a service academy and have not yet started the process should begin as soon as possible.
Applicants must apply directly to the academy of interest and secure a nomination as part of the admissions process.
Service Academy Websites:
• Air Force Academy: www.academyadmissions.com
• Naval Academy: www.usna.edu
• West Point: www.usma.edu
• Coast Guard Academy: www.cga.edu