Military

Step 1: Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The ASVAB is a multiple-choice exam that helps determine the careers for which an individual is best suited. Both traditional pen-and-paper (also referred to as paper-and-pencil) exam and a computer-based version are available. The computerized ASVAB takes approximately one and a half hours to complete, the pen-and-paper version takes about three hours to complete, and each have questions about standard school subjects like math, English, writing and science. Each Service uses a custom combination of ASVAB results to produce scores related to different career fields. Alternatively, recruits may take the PiCAT, or Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test, which is an untimed, unmonitored version of the ASVAB that can be taken online.

In addition, some high schools offer and administer the ASVAB test to their students. If you have taken the test already, you should inform your recruiter and see if your results are still valid.

Step 2: Pass the Physical Examination

A recruiter will discuss physical eligibility requirements with you beforehand. The physical is a regular medical exam, similar to what you would receive from a family doctor. Some recruiters may conduct a short physical training (PT) test with potential recruits as well.

Examinations include:

• Height and weight measurements

• Hearing and vision examinations

• Urine and blood tests

• Drug and alcohol tests

• Muscle group and joint maneuvers

• Specialized test if required

Step 3: Meet With a Counselor and Determine a Career

At this point, a service enlistment counselor meets with you to find the right job specialty. 

A few different factors contribute to career selection:

• Needs of the Service

• Job availability

• ASVAB score

• Physical requirements (for example, a recruit needs normal color vision for some careers)

• Recruit preference

The service enlistment counselor will also go over the enlistment agreement. It is important to understand this fully before signing. When you sign this agreement, you are making a serious commitment to the Military.

At this time, you will also be fingerprinted for your file, which is required for background checks and security clearances.

Step 4: Take the Oath of Enlistment

Once your career has been determined, you are ready to take the Oath of Enlistment. In this statement, you vow to defend the United States Constitution and obey the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Family members are invited to watch and take photos.

I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

Step 5: After MEPS

You’ll do one of two things, depending on the terms of your enlistment:

• Direct Ship: Report to Basic Training shortly after completing MEPS testing requirements. (It varies based on job assignment and branch.) A recruiter will provide instructions on transportation to Basic Training at this time.

• Delayed Entry Program (DEP): Commit to Basic Training at a time in the future, generally within one year. Most recruits enter DEP before shipping, including those who enlist before completing high school. Recruits enrolled in DEP may return to their homes until the time comes to report for duty.

Remember, a recruiter can answer any additional questions you may have about the enlistment process.

In general, the length of active duty service commitments in the U.S. military varies between branches, but the standard enlistment contract usually lasts four years with an additional four years in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). That being said, they may have options for shorter active duty enlistments.

In the U.S. Army, for instance, enlistment contracts can range from 2 to 6 years of active duty service, followed by an obligation to the IRR. Shorter enlistment periods, however, might limit the job opportunities available and could affect eligibility for certain benefits, like the GI Bill which typically requires a minimum active duty service duration.

The U.S Air Force, U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Marine Corps, typically require four to six years of active duty service. The Coast Guard generally has a minimum active duty obligation of four years.

Keep in mind that these details could change at any time based on the needs of the military and national defense requirements. Always make sure to have a clear understanding from your recruiter about the specifics of any enlistment contract before you agree to it.

The choice between enlisting or commissioning as an officer makes a significant impact on the type of experience and training a new recruit receives.

Enlisted

All enlisted jobs require a high school diploma, although with certain exceptions a GED is acceptable. While enlisted careers do include infantry roles, most jobs involve hands-on training for mechanical, transportation, human service or office fields that transfer well to the civilian world.

Good to know: The Services assign careers to where each individual’s skills are most needed, so there is no guarantee service members will receive their first choice for a career. However, the Services do make an effort find the right fit for each service member.

Officer

Almost all officer positions require a four-year degree or equivalent.  Officers are the managers of the Military, acting in leadership roles that require planning, directing operations and making critical decisions. Officer positions also include careers that require advanced degrees, such as law and medicine.

Good to know: In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets commit to serve as officers in the Military after graduation.