More than 1.195 million men and women are currently enlisted actively in the military, and we thank them. If you’re considering enlisting, one of the most important things to understand is how US military recruiting works.
Understanding this allows you to move forward with your military enlistment and continue your new career journey. Read on below and get ready to serve and protect our great country.
Travel to the MEPS
MEPS stands for the military entrance processing station, where you go after you decide to enlist in the military to complete the overall process. Before heading to MEPS, you’ve got to take some time to find out where your specific one is because there are several MERPS locations worldwide to make it easier for potential military enlistees to access.
After you arrive, you’ll be given a list of requirements you’ve got to meet before you’re officially able to enlist in the military. Remember, once you begin this process, it can take a few days before the entire thing is complete.
Requirements to Meet
During US military recruitment, there are several requirements you’ve got to meet before you’re able to enlist in the military. The first thing you’ve got to do is pass the ASVAB, which is the armed services vocational aptitude battery test.
This exam consists of a series of multiple choice questions that will help those looking to enlist gain a better idea of which career within the military would suit them and their skillset. These questions come from a series of disciplines, including:
- Knowledge of electronics
- Mechanical knowledge
- Science
- Language arts
- Math
You can expect to spend upwards of three hours taking the test from start to finish. While you don’t have to take this test at MERPS, you will need it before enlisting in the military.
The next step is to pass the physical exam. This is to ensure your body can handle the strenuous training routine men and women undergo in the military.
Don’t worry these requirements will be discussed with you before they happen, and you’ll know you’ve got to:
- Submit a questionnaire about past medical history
- Blood testing
- Urine analysis testing
- Hearing exams
- Vision exams
- Flexibility testing
Speak to a Counselor
After you pass all the initial testing, the next step to meeting your US military recruiting goals is to meet with a career counselor. They’re the ones that are going to help you determine what you do while you’re in the military.
They will consider the experience you enter the military with as well as the current needs of the military.
Take Your Oath
Now comes the time when you take the oath to become a member of the US military. When you take your oath, it will take place in front of an American flag, and you’ve got to vow to protect, support, and defend the Constitution at all times.
Once this happens, you’ll either “direct ship,” which means head to basic training, or enter a “delayed entry program.” The DEP is when you enter basic training within the first year after taking your oath.
US Military Recruiting & You
When it comes to US military recruiting, there are several things you’ve got to know to start the process. Remember to take your ASVAB and speak with a career counselor.
Are you ready for the next step in the process? Find a recruiter near you today.