Serving the country is always an attractive option for the youth. The patriots are always amazed to join the armed forces to serve the nation and humanity by fighting against the opponents and the enemies of humanity. The armed forces are the best career option for the people with courage and enthusiasm.

The minimum age to get enrolled in the United States defense services is 17 years with the prior permission of the parents. At this age, the aspirant has to participate in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). The applicant is given the opportunity to participate in locally sponsored military related activities ranging between sports and completions led by recruiters or other military liaisons. The prospective service members are recruited from high school and college, the target age is between 18 and 28 years old. Currently, when the economy is stumbling, and the spirit of patriotism is high, the opportunities in military with their benefits are attracting the youngsters to join the services. The military recruiters on the campus are offering competitive entry-level salaries. There is no racial or color discrimination in the military services and even the African-Americans are given the equal salaries and similar opportunities for growth.

What all you need to be able to join the military services is courage and determination. There is a vast scope for promotion and salaries hike in the services and numerous other benefits are given by the authorities to the defense personnel. Today, the U.S. military is the second largest after the China and has its troops deployed all around the globe. More recently in early 2007, the Secretary of Defense has proposed to the President to increase the staff strength of military by 92,000 troops over a span of five years. The U.S. military budget is the highest of any country in the world. The disciplined and multifaceted work environment in the forces improves and refines the lifestyle of its personnel and their families.

The military services of the United States are structured into five branches namely:

• U.S. Army
• U.S. Marine Corps
• U.S. Navy
• U.S. Air Force
• U.S, Coast Guard

All branches of the military services are part of the United States Uniformed Services and are operated under the civilian control of the President serving as commander-in-chief. All branches except the Coast Guard are part of the Department of Defense under the authority of the Secretary of Defense, who is again a civilian. The category - Coast Guard, falls under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security. Just like any other military, the members of the U.S. Armed Forces hold a rank, either an officer or enlisted and are promoted accordingly.

There are approximately more than 1,426,000 personnel currently active in the military with additional more than 1,259,000 personnel in the seven reserves. Women cannot serve in the combat specialties but they are allowed to serve in non-combat specialties.

Apart from the combat services, there are many other ground services such as logistics, transportation, administration, medical, engineering, accounting, public relations, and so on. Further, there is always a big demand of the aspirants to join any of these services. Many of the former defense personnel are now well settled in their life even after the retirement. Moreover, the benefits which they get even after their leaving the services are enough to attract anybody to join the military services. So, you can also apply to the services of your choice and serve the nation with proud and dignity.