ONE OF TEN WAYS UP

Military

Nobody should sign anything without reading the fine print, so here it is honestly: the military trades years of your life for training, a paycheck, healthcare, and college money that's real. For some men from here it was the plan that made every other plan possible.

Read the fine print. Then choose. Training. Paycheck. Healthcare. College money. A teen and a trusted adult reading enlistment paperwork together at a table.
Make recruiters compete. Bring somebody you trust. Get it in writing. A teen and a mentor comparing military job cards side by side in a library.
Choose a job with a civilian twin. Medic. Mechanic. IT. Logistics. A young man facing a golden doorway showing a medic station, a jet engine, a server desk, and a supply globe.

The Plan

  1. Start with Civil Air Patrol at 12-18

    The Air Force's youth program meets at Willard Airport: leadership, aerospace, actual orientation flights. It's the closest thing to a test drive.

  2. Take the ASVAB junior year

    It's free through your counselor and tells you which military jobs you'd qualify for. High scores open the technical jobs that convert to civilian careers.

  3. Talk to more than one recruiter

    All four branches have offices on Bradley Avenue. Make them compete. Bring a parent or a coach, and get every promise in writing.

  4. Look hard at the National Guard

    One weekend a month, and the ING Grant pays your tuition at Parkland or the U of I. It's the military option that lets you stay home and go to school.

  5. Pick a job that exists outside

    Mechanics, medics, IT, logistics. Choose a specialty with a civilian twin so your discharge paperwork comes with a resume.

Where To Start, Right Here In Town

Civil Air Patrol — Champaign Squadron (IL-327)

The Air Force auxiliary's cadet program for ages 12-18: a 16-step leadership and aerospace curriculum, fitness, encampments, and orientation flights in real aircraft. This is the local uniformed youth program; area high schools don't have JROTC.

WHO Ages 12-18 COST Modest annual membership fee

Use the How To Join page on their site, then attend a meeting at Willard Airport in Savoy.

Illinois Army National Guard (Champaign & Urbana armories)

Part-time service, one weekend a month plus two weeks a year, alongside school or a job. Members are paid, and after a year of service the ING Grant below covers tuition at Illinois public colleges.

WHO Generally 17-35 with diploma or GED COST Free to join; they pay you

Call the Champaign Armory recruiting line at (217) 299-6381, and bring somebody you trust to the meeting.

ING Grant (Guard pays your tuition)

The Illinois National Guard Grant pays tuition and eligible fees at any Illinois public two- or four-year college, including Parkland and the U of I, for Guard members with a year of service. Reapply each year.

WHO ING members with 1+ year of service, enrolled at an Illinois public college COST N/A, it pays your tuition

Apply through the ISAC Student Portal; allow about 12 weeks for processing.

Recruiting stations (all four branches)

Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force all keep recruiting offices in Champaign on West Bradley Avenue. Use each branch's official recruiter-finder to set an appointment, and remember: you're interviewing them too.

WHO Enlistment generally 17 (with parental consent) to 39 COST Free

Take the ASVAB through your counselor first, then book appointments with at least two branches.