Venture High School is proud to offer students to join the military while they are still in high school. Venture High School has joined up with the Michigan National Guard in offering the split option program.
Split-Option Enlistment
A second and very popular option for high school juniors is the Split Option Enlistment. As a junior in high school, you can enlist in the Army National Guard and not interrupt your high school education. You start by attending basic training the summer after your junior year. You will return home in time for school to begin your senior year in the fall. When you return, you will train one weekend per month with your local Army National Guard unit. The summer following your high school graduation, you will attend advanced individual training in the specialty you chose when you enlisted. In most cases, you will return in time to start college in the fall. If you are at least 17 years old, you can take advantage of the split option enlistment program.
Some benefits to joining now while in High School.
Education is an important key to realizing your potential.
The Guard offers lots of programs to help both you and your dependents. Take advantage of scholarships, funding programs and academic counseling.
- Montgomery GI Bill provides a monthly allowance of up to $356 for books and supplies.
- Federal Tuition Assistance can cover up to 100 percent of your college tuition and general fees, up to $4,500 per year, or $18,000 over four years.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover up to 100 percent of your tuition, depending on how long you serve. You can actually pass this benefit on to your children if you’ve already been through school, or if you don’t intend to use it for yourself. You must be a Soldier who has served at least 90 days of Active Duty service on or after Sept. 11, 2001.
- Army National Guard Kicker provides up to $350 per month in living expenses.
- State Education Programs provide additional benefits on top of federal and GI Bill benefits. These vary by state.
- Specialized Training Assistance Program provides a monthly stipend of $2,122 if you are in medical training for one of the specialties most needed by the Guard.
What you make of your own life is ultimately upto you.
Though every Guard Soldier is different, all share some important qualities. Each has chosen a path that benefits others, yet also offers amazing benefits for the Soldiers themselves. Job training, financial assistance for education and great pay are just a few of the rewards you’ll earn in the National Guard. What you make of them—and what you make of your own life—is ultimately up to you.
Explore the Soldier Stories section below to hear real Guard Soldiers speak of difficulty, triumph and inspiration. These are people who chose to make more of themselves, and more of their lives. Maybe the next Soldier story will be yours.
These benefits are available to officers or those about to receive their commission.
Retirement Benefits:
You must serve 20 years in order to receive retirement benefits. If you served in the military before joining the Guard, you will receive credit toward your Guard retirement for all active service time. Because you’re able to hold a civilian job along with your Guard service, your military retirement benefits will be paid in addition to any other retirement benefits you have coming to you. One more reason that your Guard service is a great way to build a solid future.
- Receive active service credit for all years on Active Duty.
- Your Guard benefits are not affected by any other retirement benefits you receive.
- You will receive TRICARE coverage for the rest of your life once you reach age 62.
If you are interested in this program, see your high school guidance counselor to schedule an appointment with an Army National Guard recruiter. The recruiter will schedule an appointment for you to take the ASVAB