Futures magazine is an annual publication of the Department of Defense that features articles on men and women from all branches of the Military. Reading about their experiences paints a vivid picture of military life, its rewards, and the challenges it entails. Here, on todaysmilitary.com, you can hear more from the servicemembers who shared their stories in Futures. Listen to their opinions on everything from boot camp, to military food, to flight training, and see for yourself what it takes to serve.
Futures magazine: An inside look at military life
Interviews with servicemembers featured in Futures 2008:
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Benefits
Servicemembers discuss the many benefits of a military career including salary, healthcare, and job training.
Featuring:
- Senior Airman Joshua Mills, Air Force
- Sgt. April Cashdollar, Army Reserve
- Sgt. Wayne Erickson, Army National Guard
- Lt. Duval Tyson, Army Reserve
- Staff Sgt. See Yong Cheow, Army Reserve
- Lt. Dennis Wischmeier, Navy
Boot Camp
Servicemembers share their experiences and opinions concerning Basic Training.
Featuring:
- Sgt. April Cashdollar, Army Reserve
- Sgt. Mildred Rodriguez, Army Reserve
- Lt. Duval Tyson, Army Reserve
- SSgt. See Yong Cheow, Army Reserve
- Lt. Dennis Wischmeier, Navy
Education
Many young people struggle to pay for college. See how these servicemembers are taking advantage of educational opportunities.
Featuring:
- Airman Daniel Payne, Air Force
- Senior Airman Jennifer Gayheart, Air Force
- Senior Airman Joshua Mills, Air Force
- MST2 Anicia Hokanson, Coast Guard
- SSgt. See Yong Cheow, Army Reserve
- Sgt. Jeremiah Workman, Marine Corps
Friendship
Serving together forms a strong bond between people. Hear servicemembers talk about the friends and memories that have stayed with them.
Featuring:
- Airman Daniel Payne, Air Force
- Senior Airman Jennifer Gayheart, Air Force
- Senior Airman Joshua Mills, Air Force
- Sgt. April Cashdollar, Army Reserve
- Sgt. Wayne Erickson, Army National Guard
- Sgt. Mildred Rodriguez, Army Reserve
- Lt. Duval Tyson, Army Reserve
- Lt. Dennis Wischmeier, Navy
Misconceptions
Servicemembers debunk common myths about Military Service including misconceptions about food, lodging, and training.
Featuring:
- Senior Airman Jennifer Gayheart, Air Force
- Senior Airman Joshua Mills, Air Force
- MST2 Anicia Hokanson, Coast Guard
- Sgt. April Cashdollar, Army Reserve
- Sgt. Wayne Erickson, Army National Guard
- Sgt. Mildred Rodriguez, Army Reserve
- SSgt. See Yong Cheow, Army Reserve
- Sgt. Jeremiah Workman, Marine Corps
ROTC
Students from Virginia Tech's Cadet Corps talk about the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
Featuring:
- Military food is bland and unappealing.
- Modern military meals are varied and nutritionally balanced.
Military Service Branches
Select a Service branch for more specific information.
The U.S. Military consists of five active-duty Services and their respective Guard and Reserve units. Together, they offer a broad variety of ways to serve.
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Army
As the oldest branch of the U.S. Military, the Army protects the security of the United States and its resources.
Army Reserve
The Army Reserve trains part-time near home until needed, deploying alongside the Army.
Army National Guard
Army National Guard members deploy with the Army on a part-time basis, with a special focus on homeland security and relief programs.
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Marine Corps
The smallest branch of the U.S. Military, the Marine Corps is often first on the ground in combat situations.
Marine Corps Reserve
Marine Corps reservists train domestically until needed, then deploy with the rest of the Corps.
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Navy
The Navy defends the right to travel and trade freely on the world's oceans, and protects national interests overseas.
Navy Reserve
The Navy Reserve trains servicemembers close to home until they are needed in action.
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Air Force
The U.S. Air Force protects American interests at home and abroad with a focus on air power.
Air Force Reserve
The Air Force Reserve gives servicemembers the opportunity to train and serve on a part-time basis, as needed.
Air Guard
The Air Guard trains part-time to assist in domestic disasters and international conflicts.
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Coast Guard
The Coast Guard protects America's waterways and deploys with the Navy during wartime.
Coast Guard Reserve
The Coast Guard Reserve offers a part-time Service opportunity for servicemembers to train near home.
