When speaking with an Army recruiter, you need to understand what you’re getting into. Before you enlist, it’s important to ask a few questions; even if you already know the Army is for you. Here are the top 7 questions even recruit should ask their Army recruiter.
What Job Opportunities are Actually Available to Me?
Your recruiter may try to pitch you a job that isn’t available to you right now. They have the mission of bringing eligible women and men into the service and they understand the military‘s needs have to come first. However, you have to look out for yourself and your own interests.
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As soon as you take the oath and you get on the bus, you’re bargaining power is gone. Make sure you choose the type of job you want to do for the next four years or longer. Get clarification about what jobs are really available to you and what they will include once training is over.
Why do some of the jobs require a longer enlistment period and is this common for everyone entering that field?
You don’t want to get suckered into a longer enlistment period than others entering the same job as you; unless it comes with additional benefits. Make sure you ask what the standard length of enlistment is for your field and get clarification before signing on the dotted line.
Some jobs do require a longer enlistment because of the training involved. However, this isn’t the case with many jobs and you need to make sure you’re asking “why” if your recruiter asks you to enlist for five years or longer instead of four or less.
How Long is Basic Training and Where will it be?
You should know how long basic training will be and where you will go for this training. For the army, you can expect the basic training portion to last 9 weeks. They use various locations for basic training depending on your specialty.
Will I End up Stationed Overseas?
While no recruiter can tell you exactly where you will be stationed after Army basic training, they can give you an idea of what to expect. All services, including the Army, provide overseas opportunities and most require it as a part of your training for advancement. Ask your Army recruiter for specifics.
Will I Get Paid During Basic Training?
Yes, you will get paid during basic training. Just make sure you clarify how this works with your recruiter.
What Will my Pay Look Like?
The military pay scale can be a bit complicated if you’re not familiar with it. It’s best to ask your recruiter to help explain it so that you understand things like, temporary duty pay, special entitlements, hazardous duty pay, advancement pay and other pay types.
What are the Next Steps?
Once you have the answers to all of your questions you should ask your Army recruiter for the next steps in the process. They will help to create a road map for you, but make sure you get to make your own decision without pressure to join.
If you ask the right questions, you’re Army recruiter will provide the answers you need allowing you to make your decision. Maybe the Army is for you and you already know it. If so, you should still know what you’re getting into and what to expect. If you’re not sure about joining the Army, getting the answers to your questions can help you make an informed decision.
