Military

Joining the Military

Step 1: Attend an Information Session at MSHS

Representatives from each branch of the military will set up small group information sessions at Maple Shade High School. All interested students should attend these sessions. This is a quick summary that will answer any initial questions you may have. 

MEPS

MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station. Once you have gone through initial questioning phases with your recruiter and have discussed your options, your recruiter will set an appointment for you to go to the nearest MEPS. Here you will take the ASVAB, have a physical, and (if you pass) - choose your job and swear in.

Step 2: 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 exams and a computer-based version are available. The ASVAB takes approximately three hours to complete and has 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 Prescreen Internet-Based 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 3: 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 examination

   -Urine and blood tests

   -Drug and alcohol tests

   -Muscle group and joint maneuvers

   -Specialized test if required (pregnancy test for women, body fat percentage test for those who are overweight, tests  

     relating to any unusual medical history)

Step 4: 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

Step 5: 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 6: After the 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.

MEPS Visit Tips

Here are a few things you should keep in mind for the visit:

  -Bring a Social Security card, birth certificate and driver's license

  -Remove piercings, and do not wear clothing with obscene images

  -Bring glasses or wear contacts, and bring along an eyeglass or contact lens case and solution

  -Get a good night’s sleep and arrive early

You’ll officially complete the process of joining the Military once you meet all of the Service requirements assessed at the MEPS. The process typically takes one to two days, with food and lodging provided.