If you are thinking about enlisting in the military, be prepared before you walk into a military recruiting office. There are questions you must make sure to ask your recruiter, and there are several things your recruiter needs to know about you. There is a lot of information associated with joining the military, so have a list ready. Here are the areas you need to discuss with your recruiter:
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB will dictate what you actually do in the US Military, and you want to be as prepared as possible before you take it so you can score as high as possible. Ask your recruiter about when you might be ready for this test. This is an important question when it comes to military recruiting because what you do in the military is dependent on this test. Not everyone is ready to take the test right away, and you should ask your recruiter to give you an ASVAB practice test, which will help anticipate how well you might do. If your score is low, you will likely want to spend some time preparing for the test.
Basic Training
If you join the military, this doesn’t mean you will be leaving for basic training right away. First, you’ll need to qualify for the military through testing and passing a physical. Once you’ve completed those two requirements, you and your recruiter will decide when you are able to leave for basic training. Obviously, you probably want to get your military career going as soon as possible, but if you are a student, for instance, you won’t be available for basic training until after the end of the school year. So be sure you discuss this with your recruiter.
Assignment
Depending on the branch of service for which you are being recruited, job assignments are handled differently. Discuss with your recruiter what job you are being assigned and when it departs for basic training.
Necessary Documents
When you meet with your recruiter, you’ll get a list of the documents you’ll need to process your enlistment into the military. These could include a government-issued ID or driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate or adoption documents, high school diploma, college transcripts, marriage license, medical documents, or court documents. Keep in mind that it could take extra time to obtain these documents if you cannot immediately locate them.
Legal and Medical History
Recruiters do not seek this information to disqualify you. Rather, they want to try to help you particularly if there is something in your records that could disqualify you. Be honest upfront about anything in your past; full disclosure is the best way to go. Don’t turn your military recruiting experience into a waste of time by not being upfront from the start.
Remember that your recruiter is there to inform you about a major life decision. Write you’re your questions and go over everything with your recruiter.