Important Information Regarding Enlistment

Enlistment in America’s Armed Forces, regardless of branch, requires the ability to meet the highest standards of moral, mental and physical strength.  Despite what popular culture may indicate, the branches of the U.S. military aren’t just taking anyone they can get

Military service is not just a job, it’s a commitment to an entirely different way of life and a pathway to a career.  To be successful though, you need to be able to visualize the goals you have for your future and see how the military might help you get there.  Keep in mind, many positions within the military may not seem like military “jobs” (For example, the Defense Department has about 6,000 musicians on active duty).  This is why you need to have an idea of where you want to go in your career, and be ready to discuss this with your recruiter(s) to find the best fit for you. 

Regardless of the branch of service you are interested in, the first step is to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).  The ASVAB exam is a series of 10 mini-tests addressing the following subjects:

• Word knowledge

• Paragraph comprehension

• Mathematics knowledge

• Arithmetic reasoning

• General science

• Mechanical comprehension

• Shop information

• Automotive information

• Electronics information

• Assembling objects 

After taking the exam, you will receive a composite score as well as individual scores from each section.  These scores help to determine the armed services position(s) for which you are best qualified.  

Your next step would be to speak to a recruiter in the branch that interests you.  Luckily, in Lancaster the four major branches (Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy) are centrally located within the Armed Forces Career Center (1534-1540 River Valley Circle S.).  Speaking to a recruiter at the Armed Forces Career Center does not enlist a person, it is a pre-screening step in the process towards enlistment.   

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENLISTMENT CHECKLIST