The United States military history began when the 13 English colonies were allied against the British army during the Revolutionary War (1775 -1783) also known as the American War of Independence. From those days of a non-professional military to becoming a world power over the next 2 centuries, the U.S. today is the sole superpower of the world.

There are 5 branches of the military; Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. The chain of command is first, the President of the United States or Commander-in-Chief, followed by the Secretary of Defense and then the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff which is made of up of all the military branches. These 5 armed services are part of the 7 uniformed services of the United States. The other two branches are the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commission Corps.

The beginning of a professional armed services played a crucial role in the formation of a united country. It gave and still gives the citizens of the U.S. a sense of pride and national unity. In the past during certain times in our history the armed services used a draft to fill its ranks of soldiers and seamen. The draft has not been in force since 1972 and depends solely on volunteers of young people, brave patriots who are eager to serve their country and fellow countrymen.

In July 1930 the United States Veterans Administration was formed. This organization is a government run military system to give aid and benefits to those who served in the armed forces and also to extend those benefits to their families. The benefits available to these men and women are medical benefits, disability compensation, home loans, education, vocational rehabilitation, life insurance, survivor benefits and burial benefits.

Military schools place a huge emphasis on academic excellence. Small class sizes, extra study periods, experienced and talented teachers and constant monitoring and reports to parents almost guarantee a splendid academic outcome. Those who are falling behind are spotted quickly and given whatever extra tuition is required.

Military schools offer first class facilities for such programs as sport, outdoor education and the performing arts. Students who have a passion in one or more of these areas have ample time and resources at their disposal.

If your teen has any ability in the leadership field, it will be brought to the fore during their time in a military school. This is what they do. The discipline routines and the drills are of great benefit to all students. The ranking of staff members and the requirements of simple daily living all build self-esteem within the students and gives everyone a chance to lead.

Military schools place a high emphasis on civic pride, national duty and community involvement. Students are encouraged to attend church and community groups during weekends. Students are encouraged to help others in the local community thus developing a spirit of friendship and charitable deeds. These attitudes help make each student a better person and will go with them throughout their adult years as well.

Once it was that most military school students went on to take a career in the military. This is no longer the case although many military school graduates do indeed make a career for themselves in the military. And the recruitment officers in the military still look favorably on any young person who has graduated from a military school.

Young people in their teens need guidance and encouragement. It is these very characteristics which are prominent in every military school. They do not exist to punish students but to inspire and guide them Students are taught to be independent, to learn how to make decisions and the right ones at that. Parents want their kids to be kept out of harm’s way, to develop as excellent students and as worthwhile citizens. Those qualities are the chief goal of every military school.