Military Information

We often have recruiters from different military branches visit OHS during lunches and at the college fair. If you would like to speak to a military recruiter, please let us know so that we may connect you to the right person!

Oxford High School offers the ASVAB to any student who is interested in the Armed Services. See your school counselor or check back here for more details on how and when to sign up. We also host recruiters from all branches periodically during lunch-time, so feel free to seek them out for more information or any questions you may have.

Be sure to utilize Master Chief Youngsman and Master Chief Kay, from the NJROTC program, when researching this option as they have first-hand experience with the Armed Services and have a lot of helpful connections!

Remember, enlisting in the Military is a HUGE decision and commitment so make sure that it is a well thought out and planned one. A decision like this should not be made alone, so make sure you talk to your family about it and include them in your decision making process. It is important that you are well informed and that you fully understand what a commitment like this entails. Here is some basic information that might be helpful in your research process:

Visiting a Recruiter - Once you have done your research and have a sense of which Service branch and opportunity is right for you, it's time to talk to a recruiter. A recruiter can give you detailed information about the Service Branch he/she represents (such as enlistment bonuses, service lifestyle and potential careers) and can answer any questions about your specific situation (for example: if you need a waiver, have dependent children or a physical condition that may/may not affect your eligibility). Recruiters serve for one specific brand; however, there are joint recruiting centers that have multiple branches and corresponding recruiters represented. While no single recruiter can answer every question off the top of his/her head, recruiters will know where to find the answers.

It is fine to bring a friend or parent to the recruiters. It is also a good idea to make a list of questions beforehand so you don't forget anything. You will probably talk to your recruiter many times before making a decision, so don't worry if you do forget something.

Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) - Once you make the decision to enlist, the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is the place where recruits go to finish the enlistment process. There are MEPS locations all over the country. Candidates officially complete the process of joining the Military once they meet all of the requirements at the MEPS. This process may take up to three days.

Potential recruits must do the following at the MEPS:

Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) - The ASVAB is a multiple-choice exam that helps determine which kinds of careers an individual is best suited for. There are questions about math, language, science, mechanical and electronic knowledge and more. The test lasts about three hours and is one of the factors used to determine which military specialties you would be good at.

Pass the Physical Examination - Your recruiter will discuss physical requirements with you beforehand. While the physical examination varies from branch to branch, it typically includes completing a medical history questionnaire, taking basic blood, urine and flexibility tests, as well as hearing and vision exams.

Meet with a MEPS Career Counselor and Determine a Career - Along with your ASVAB results, a MEPS career counselor will take Service needs, any prior experience and your wishes into account when helping you find a career.

Take the Oath of Enlistment (swearing in) - Led by a commissioned officer and always performed in front of a United States flag, the Oath of Enlistment is when you raise your right hand, repeat an oath and become a full-fledged member of the U.S. Military. During the Oath, every service-member vows to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

What Happens After the MEPS?

After finishing at the MEPS, candidates follow one of two options:

• • Direct Ship - This means that a candidate will leave for Basic Training in a matter of days, versus months

  • Delayed Entry Program (DEP) - This means that a recruit is committing to Basic Training at a time in the future, generally within one year. Candidates entering the DEP will be given further instruction, to be followed at a later time.

It is important to note that, depending on which option you choose, the time between being "sworn in" and Basic Training could be as short as two days or as long as two years. It also varies based on job assignment and branch of Service.

Basic Training (Boot Camp) - Advanced preparation is the foundation for a successful Basic Training experience. Recruits should do everything they can to make the transition from civilian life to military life as seamless as possible. Starting or increasing the intensity of an exercise regimen will get your body in shape. Reading about your chosen Service is also helpful and can help you know what to expect in the weeks ahead. This checklist can also help you prepare what you will need to bring.

The first few days at Basic Training are known as orientation (also referred to as "Processing Week," "Reception" or "00 Week"). This is where new recruits adjust to their new surroundings and learn the do's and don'ts of their respective branches.

Starting at orientation, the actual training begins. This varies from Service to Service and lasts between eight and twelve weeks. When recruits successfully complete Basic Training, they are prepared for all elements of service: physical, mental and emotional. As Military personnel, they will go on to receive additional training, such as Advanced Individual Training or Technical Training to develop the skills needed to do their specific jobs. Once finished, they transfer to their next duty stations. This is where members of the Services put all their training to use by carrying out their assignments, performing their jobs and serving our Country.

Advanced Opportunities for Enlisted Personnel - There are several ways an enlisted servicemember can advance up the ranks. Two possible routes are becoming a noncommissioned officer or transitioning from enlisted to commissioned officer:

Becoming a Noncommissioned Officer - Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) are higher-ranking enlisted personnel who play a crucial rose in day-to-day military operations and are often referred to as the "backbone" of the Armed Forces. Serving as the liaison between commissioned officers and lower-ranking enlisted personnel, they are responsible for providing advise and guidance to officers as well as leadership and training to lower-ranking enlisted personnel. To become a noncommissioned officer, a servicemember must rise up through the enlisted ranks. A servicemember can only be appointed to noncommissioned officer if he/she is promoted by a higher-ranking officer.

Transitioning from Enlisted to Officer - Some enlisted servicemembers make the transition into officer roles. Enlisted servicemembers with the right qualifications (such as having over 90 hours of college credit) may be recommended by their commanding officers for Officer Candidate School (OSC) / Officer Training School (OTS). Most Services also have transitional programs that help servicemembers make the move.

For more information, please visit: (http://www.myfuture.com/military/articles-advice/enlisting-in-the-military)

Army: http://www.goarmy.com,

Navy: http://www.navy.com,

Airforce: http://www.airforce.com,

Coast Guard: http://www.gocoastguard.com,

Marines: http://www.marines.com/#hps02,

National Guard: http://www.nationalguard.com/