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JBSA News
NEWS | Sept. 7, 2022

Split Training Option allows high school juniors to get a head start toward a career

By Capt. Memory Strickland U.S. Army Recruiting Command Public Affairs

The Army Split Training Option allows 17-year-olds, with parental consent, to join the Army Reserve as a junior in high school. The junior attends weekend drills once a month and attends Basic Combat Training after completion of the school year.

During their senior year, the Soldier will continue to attend weekend drills and once the senior graduates from high school, they will attend Advanced Individual Training and train for their job in the Army Reserve.

This presents a unique opportunity for juniors to start their career while earning credit toward Army promotions, education benefits for college, as well as earning a paycheck and receiving training for a future job.

Once the future Soldier completes their first drill weekend, they will start receiving pay, along with receiving access to education benefits once they graduate from high school and complete AIT.

Some of these benefits include: $4,000 a year for college tuition, medical and dental insurance coverage plans, and tax-free shopping benefits on military installations.  

For more information about career opportunities and benefits in the U.S. Army, visit www.goarmy.com.