Help Your MilTeen Prep for Success

Is your MilTeen getting ready to apply for jobs and scholarships or starting to explore career paths? Check out these tips and resources to help your teen build professional skills and prepare for success.

Preparing to be a professional series

View the video and download these tip sheets, developed by 4-H agents from the University of Georgia Extension, to help your teen learn basic professional skills:

• How To Dress Like a Professional video — Learn how to dress appropriately for the occasion. Download the How To Tie a Tie Tip Sheet with step-by-step photos and instructions.
• Professional Communication 101 Tip Sheet — Find out how to make a phone call, write an email or request a recommendation.
• Elevator Speech Template and Interviews 101 Tip Sheet — Learn how to prepare for an interview, ask and answer questions, and make a great first impression.
• Mailing a Thank-You Note — Use this template to learn how to address and send a thank-you note.

Find out more about 4-H Military Partnership, a collaboration between military and land-grant university partners. Research-based programs and resources help military-connected youth develop skills and succeed.

Leadership opportunities through the Joint Service Teen Council

In 2025, the War Department reestablished the Joint Service Teen Council to give military-connected teens a voice and strengthen communication with military leaders.

Teens start by participating in their installation’s youth center, getting involved in their local teen council and working on community projects.

Programs such as Joint Service Teen Council help teens build confidence, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills. They connect teens with peers who understand military life. This gives warfighters peace of mind knowing their children are supported by strong, caring communities wherever they serve.

Each year, military services select teen representatives to attend a multiday Joint Service Teen Council Summit in Washington, D.C. There, teens share ideas and feedback that help improve programs and services for military families.

Learn more about the Joint Service Teen Council and other teen leadership opportunities offered through military youth programs.

More resources

Explore these Military OneSource resources to help your teen prepare for future success:

• Youth Employment — Find information on filling out job applications, polishing resumes, exploring internships, finding mentors and more.
• College Scholarships for Military Teens  — Learn about college scholarships available to military-connected teens.
• School Liaisons and Geo-Dispersed Families — School liaisons can assist with all your pre-K through Grade 12 education needs, including helping teens prepare for college, technical school or the workplace. Contact your local school liaison for assistance.
• Military Parent Resource Center — The youth and teens section provides resources for parenting through the teen years, teen relationship support, helping teens manage money and more.
• Military Youth and Teen Programs — From homework support and special-interest classes to workforce development programs, your installation youth center can connect teens to a wide variety of programs to help them prepare for success.

Still have questions or need help locating resources? Military OneSource consultants are available 24/7 to answer your questions and connect you with information and services. Call 800-342-9647, view overseas dialing options or log in to start a secure live chat.