Joining the United States Military
Information and resources about joining the United States Military, including information about the enlistment process, commissioning programs, military entrance processing station (MEPS), the ASVAB test, military job descriptions, enlistment programs, basic training, and technical training.
Choosing a Military Service
All military services are not created equally. Sure, everyone gets the same basic pay and allowances. But other factors, such as enlistment incentives, quality of barracks and base housing, assignment opportunities, job opportunities, deployment rates, and promotion rates vary widely between the branches.
All military services are not created equally. Sure, everyone gets the same basic pay and allowances. But other factors, such as enlistment incentives, quality of barracks and base housing, assignment opportunities, job opportunities, deployment rates, and promotion rates vary widely between the branches.
Things to Consider Before Joining the US Military
Joining the US Military can be one of the most challenging and rewarding decisions you ever make. This being said, however, it is something you want to carefully consider before taking the plunge.
Joining the US Military can be one of the most challenging and rewarding decisions you ever make. This being said, however, it is something you want to carefully consider before taking the plunge.
Enlisted Jobs
There are more than 800 different types of jobs available in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces.
There are more than 800 different types of jobs available in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Age Requirements to Become a Military Pilot
Each of the military services have different age requirements for individuals who wish to become military pilots or navigators. Here are the requirements for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Each of the military services have different age requirements for individuals who wish to become military pilots or navigators. Here are the requirements for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Medical Waivers
The Department of Defense (DOD) sets the overall medical standards for people wishing to join the U.S. Military. If you have a medical condition or a previous medical condition which is disqualifying for Military service, you'll need a medical waiver.
The Department of Defense (DOD) sets the overall medical standards for people wishing to join the U.S. Military. If you have a medical condition or a previous medical condition which is disqualifying for Military service, you'll need a medical waiver.
A Day at MEPS Video
An on-line video produced by the United States Military Processing Station Command, which overviews what will happen when one goes to MEPS.
An on-line video produced by the United States Military Processing Station Command, which overviews what will happen when one goes to MEPS.
What the Recruiter Never Told You
The ultimate guide for joining the military. Detailed information about choosing which service to join, the enlistment process, and advantages and disadvantages about joining the United States Military, including detailed pay & benefits information.
The ultimate guide for joining the military. Detailed information about choosing which service to join, the enlistment process, and advantages and disadvantages about joining the United States Military, including detailed pay & benefits information.
Surviving Military Basic Training
All about Military Basic Training. Includes a detailed description of what you can expect in the five military boot camps, as well as a few tips to help you "survive."
All about Military Basic Training. Includes a detailed description of what you can expect in the five military boot camps, as well as a few tips to help you "survive."
Military Medical Standards for Enlistment, Appointment, or Induction
These pages list medical conditions which are disqualifying for entry into the United States Armed Forces. The information is derived directly from Department of Defense (DOD) regulations and instructions.
These pages list medical conditions which are disqualifying for entry into the United States Armed Forces. The information is derived directly from Department of Defense (DOD) regulations and instructions.
ABCs of the ASVAB
What is the ASVAB? What kind of score do you need to join the military? What's "AFQT?" What does education level have to do with the ASVAB? Answers to these questions and more.
What is the ASVAB? What kind of score do you need to join the military? What's "AFQT?" What does education level have to do with the ASVAB? Answers to these questions and more.
Ace the ASVAB
Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) will help you get the job you want.
Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) will help you get the job you want.
Active Duty from the Guard or Reserves
Information and procedures about "transfering" from the National Guard or Reserve Military Forces to the Active Duty Forces.
Information and procedures about "transfering" from the National Guard or Reserve Military Forces to the Active Duty Forces.
Are You Going to be Drafted?
In the wake of the terrorist attacks, many have been wondering if there will be a military draft.What happens during a draft? Who is likely to be drafted? How likely is a draft? Do we really need a draft?
In the wake of the terrorist attacks, many have been wondering if there will be a military draft.What happens during a draft? Who is likely to be drafted? How likely is a draft? Do we really need a draft?
Are You Ready to be Drafted?
Serious talk of a military draft is just starting to be heard in our Nation.
Serious talk of a military draft is just starting to be heard in our Nation.
Army & Marine Boot Camp
Armed Forces Press Article giving an overview of Army and Marine Corps Basic Training.
Armed Forces Press Article giving an overview of Army and Marine Corps Basic Training.
Asthma and ADD/ADHD Policy for Joining the U.S. Military
The Department of Defense has softened their medical qualification standards for cases of childhood asthma, and history of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The Department of Defense has softened their medical qualification standards for cases of childhood asthma, and history of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ASVAB Online Preparation Course
Online course designed to improve the ASVAB AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score. Regular price for the online course is $29.95, with a special introductory price of $19.95.
Online course designed to improve the ASVAB AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score. Regular price for the online course is $29.95, with a special introductory price of $19.95.
ASVAB Sample Questions
The ASVAB contains nine separately timed sub-tests. Here are examples of questions found in each of the ASVAB sub-test areas.
The ASVAB contains nine separately timed sub-tests. Here are examples of questions found in each of the ASVAB sub-test areas.
ASVAB Score Conversion Chart
Chart used to convert ASVAB raw scores into the overall ASVAB percentile scores, also known as the AFQT Score.
Chart used to convert ASVAB raw scores into the overall ASVAB percentile scores, also known as the AFQT Score.
ASVAB Score Minimums
Minimum required Armed Forces Vocational Appitude Battery test scores to enter the U.S. Armed Forces.
Minimum required Armed Forces Vocational Appitude Battery test scores to enter the U.S. Armed Forces.
ASVAB Study Guide Top 10 Picks
The Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the test used by the United States Military to determine eligibility to join, as well as job qualifications. Using a Study Guide to help prepare can increase ASVAB test scores significantly. Here are some of the best guides available.
The Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the test used by the United States Military to determine eligibility to join, as well as job qualifications. Using a Study Guide to help prepare can increase ASVAB test scores significantly. Here are some of the best guides available.
ASVAB Study Guides - Before You Buy
The Armed Forces Vocational Appitude Battery (ASVAB) is the test the military uses to determine whether or not one has the mental appitude to join the military, and -- if so -- what job(s) they may qualify for. There are many study guides available on the market which proport to help individuals improve their ASVAB test results.
The Armed Forces Vocational Appitude Battery (ASVAB) is the test the military uses to determine whether or not one has the mental appitude to join the military, and -- if so -- what job(s) they may qualify for. There are many study guides available on the market which proport to help individuals improve their ASVAB test results.
ASVAB Testing
Information about the Armed Forces Vocational Appitude Test.
Information about the Armed Forces Vocational Appitude Test.
ASVAB/Recruiting Assistance
Learnatest.com provides general information about the ASVAB Test and enlisting in the Armed Forces. They also sell an online practice ASVAB Test for $24.95.
Learnatest.com provides general information about the ASVAB Test and enlisting in the Armed Forces. They also sell an online practice ASVAB Test for $24.95.
Basic Training Vaccine
DoD is working to field a new vaccine designed to combat a virus that has plagued military basic training since World War II. The adenovirus vaccine is slated to become available for servicemember use in 2006.
DoD is working to field a new vaccine designed to combat a virus that has plagued military basic training since World War II. The adenovirus vaccine is slated to become available for servicemember use in 2006.
Body Fat Standards
Body fat standards and body fat measuring procedures for members of the United States Military.
Body fat standards and body fat measuring procedures for members of the United States Military.
Boot Camp Attrition Rates
Current "failure" rates for the respective military service's basic training programs.
Current "failure" rates for the respective military service's basic training programs.
Boot Camp Challenge -- The Adventure Begins
Part 3 of the Interactive challenge to make it sucessfully through military boot camp. In part 3, Private Joe finds out that the military runs on paperwork.
Part 3 of the Interactive challenge to make it sucessfully through military boot camp. In part 3, Private Joe finds out that the military runs on paperwork.
Boot Camp Challenge
Boot Camp Challenge is a continuing interactive story, which features our hero (Private G. I. Joe), who is trying his best (with your help) to make it through a fictional U.S. Military boot camp (military basic training). So, join along and see if you can give Private Joe a little help dealing with other recruits, KP duty, and the care and feeding of Drill Sergeants.
Boot Camp Challenge is a continuing interactive story, which features our hero (Private G. I. Joe), who is trying his best (with your help) to make it through a fictional U.S. Military boot camp (military basic training). So, join along and see if you can give Private Joe a little help dealing with other recruits, KP duty, and the care and feeding of Drill Sergeants.
Boot Camp Challenge
Join our hero, Private G.I. Joe, in this interactive, continuing story, as he makes his way through the thrills and chills of military boot camp.
Join our hero, Private G.I. Joe, in this interactive, continuing story, as he makes his way through the thrills and chills of military boot camp.
Boot Camp Fitness
For fitness secrets, turn to Military.com's fitness columnist, Stew Smith. A Navy SEAL and author, Stew knows what it takes to be physically and mentally ready.
For fitness secrets, turn to Military.com's fitness columnist, Stew Smith. A Navy SEAL and author, Stew knows what it takes to be physically and mentally ready.
Civilian Equivalents to Military Jobs
Not every military job has a civilian equivalent. But, for those jobs that do, here is where you can find out what that equivalent is.
Not every military job has a civilian equivalent. But, for those jobs that do, here is where you can find out what that equivalent is.
College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)
The College Loan Repayment Program is an enlistment incentive. Like other enlistment incentives authorized by Congress, each of the services are free to offer the program, or not, as they see fit, in order to meet their established recruiting goals. Under the program, the military will repay a portion of eligible college loans for non-prior service enlisted military members.
The College Loan Repayment Program is an enlistment incentive. Like other enlistment incentives authorized by Congress, each of the services are free to offer the program, or not, as they see fit, in order to meet their established recruiting goals. Under the program, the military will repay a portion of eligible college loans for non-prior service enlisted military members.
Defense Language Apitude Battery (DLAB)
One of the greatest mysteries in military recruiting. What's the DLAB actually like? If you want to learn a foreign language in the military, here's what you should know about this challenging test.
One of the greatest mysteries in military recruiting. What's the DLAB actually like? If you want to learn a foreign language in the military, here's what you should know about this challenging test.
Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP)
Detailed explanation of the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP) for active duty military, as well as policies concerning discharge (release) from the DEP.
Detailed explanation of the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP) for active duty military, as well as policies concerning discharge (release) from the DEP.
DEP Privileges
Members of the Delayed Entry Program are now eligible to shop at base exchanges and take advantage of certain other Services' activities.
Members of the Delayed Entry Program are now eligible to shop at base exchanges and take advantage of certain other Services' activities.
Dormitories
The 20/20 plan, now known as the One Plus One Plan was approved in 1997. The current plan calls for all of the services to offer a single room (no roommate) to all single enlisted personnel by the year 2005. The plan will then move to the next phase, which will include giving all single enlisted personnel a two-room "suite."
The 20/20 plan, now known as the One Plus One Plan was approved in 1997. The current plan calls for all of the services to offer a single room (no roommate) to all single enlisted personnel by the year 2005. The plan will then move to the next phase, which will include giving all single enlisted personnel a two-room "suite."
Draft Registration
Almost all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service. Now, you can register online.
Almost all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service. Now, you can register online.
Drug Tests
Think you can beat a military drug test (urinalysis)? Think again. Here's how the test works, and why it's so hard to beat.
Think you can beat a military drug test (urinalysis)? Think again. Here's how the test works, and why it's so hard to beat.
Drug Tests
Detailed explanation about how the military runs their urinalysis program, including how the results can be used, and DOD minimum detection levels.
Detailed explanation about how the military runs their urinalysis program, including how the results can be used, and DOD minimum detection levels.
Employment & Reemployment Rights.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) was signed on October 13, 1994. The act provides employment and reemployment rights for individuals who leave their jobs due to military service, whether such service is active duty, the Reserves, or the National Guard.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) was signed on October 13, 1994. The act provides employment and reemployment rights for individuals who leave their jobs due to military service, whether such service is active duty, the Reserves, or the National Guard.
Employment Protection
Did you know that if you quit your job to join the military, in most cases, your employer must hire you back when you get out? The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service.
Did you know that if you quit your job to join the military, in most cases, your employer must hire you back when you get out? The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service.
Enlistment Incentives
Part 4 of What the Recruiter Never Told You, the ultimate guide to joining the United States Military. In part 4, all about enlistment contracts and enlistment incentives such as enlistment bonuses, college fund, guaranteed duty assignment, buddy enlistment program, and more.
Part 4 of What the Recruiter Never Told You, the ultimate guide to joining the United States Military. In part 4, all about enlistment contracts and enlistment incentives such as enlistment bonuses, college fund, guaranteed duty assignment, buddy enlistment program, and more.
Enlistment Standards
Do you have what it takes to enlist in the United States Military? Find out in our special article about the general qualifications needed to enlist in the United States Armed Forces.
Do you have what it takes to enlist in the United States Military? Find out in our special article about the general qualifications needed to enlist in the United States Armed Forces.
Enlistment Waivers
This is one of the best general descriptions of the military enlistment waiver process I have seen.
This is one of the best general descriptions of the military enlistment waiver process I have seen.
Enlistment/Reenlistment Contract
Ever wonder exactly what is on that military enlistment/reenlistment contract?
Ever wonder exactly what is on that military enlistment/reenlistment contract?
False Statements on Recruiting Paperwork
It's become obvious over the past few months, based upon emails I've received and messages posted in our message forum, that there are some recruiters out there who are encouraging (and, in some cases, downright instructing) recruits to lie about their criminal or medical history. Not a smart move.
It's become obvious over the past few months, based upon emails I've received and messages posted in our message forum, that there are some recruiters out there who are encouraging (and, in some cases, downright instructing) recruits to lie about their criminal or medical history. Not a smart move.
Frequently Asked Questions
A list of questions and answers concerning questions about the United States Military that have been asked the most often in our message forum and via email.
A list of questions and answers concerning questions about the United States Military that have been asked the most often in our message forum and via email.
Getting Into a Service Academy
The service academies annually award the biggest scholarships in the country. Each cadet receives a four-year education, room and board, pay, exclusive benefits and training. These tips give you an edge in getting into one of these elite institutions.
The service academies annually award the biggest scholarships in the country. Each cadet receives a four-year education, room and board, pay, exclusive benefits and training. These tips give you an edge in getting into one of these elite institutions.
Getting Married -- Before or After Military Boot Camp?
If you are planning on joining the military and planning on getting married, there are certain advantages (as well as some disadvantages) to tying that knot before you leave for basic training.
If you are planning on joining the military and planning on getting married, there are certain advantages (as well as some disadvantages) to tying that knot before you leave for basic training.
Health Profession Scholarship Program FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Armed Forces Health Profession Scholarship Program.
Frequently asked questions about the Armed Forces Health Profession Scholarship Program.
Health Professons Scholarship Program
Offers financial scholarship incentives for health profession students who agree to enter the Armed Forces.
Offers financial scholarship incentives for health profession students who agree to enter the Armed Forces.
It's Off to MEPS We Go!
A First-Hand account of visiting the Mlitary Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in New Orleans, LA.
A First-Hand account of visiting the Mlitary Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in New Orleans, LA.
Job Selection and Basic Enlistment Process
Part 3 of What the Recruiter Never Told You, the ultimate guide for joining the United States Military. In Part 3, what you can expect during the enlistment process, and how the military services determine what enlisted job you will get.
Part 3 of What the Recruiter Never Told You, the ultimate guide for joining the United States Military. In Part 3, what you can expect during the enlistment process, and how the military services determine what enlisted job you will get.
Join the Military or Go to Jail?
Can a criminal court judge sentance a person to military service as an alternative to jail. Can a prosecuter mandate that someone join the military as an alternative to criminal prosecution?
Can a criminal court judge sentance a person to military service as an alternative to jail. Can a prosecuter mandate that someone join the military as an alternative to criminal prosecution?
Joining the Military FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about joining the United States Military.
Frequently Asked Questions about joining the United States Military.
Laser Eye Surgery Waivers
Department of Defense officials have implemented a policy allowing individuals who have had two common forms of laser eye surgery to enter the military with a medical waiver. Individuals who had corrective eye surgery were previously ineligible for military service.
Department of Defense officials have implemented a policy allowing individuals who have had two common forms of laser eye surgery to enter the military with a medical waiver. Individuals who had corrective eye surgery were previously ineligible for military service.
Laser Eye Surgery
With only a few exceptions, active duty soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are allowed to have their vision corrected with laser eye surgery and not worry about it affecting their careers.
With only a few exceptions, active duty soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are allowed to have their vision corrected with laser eye surgery and not worry about it affecting their careers.
Medical Forms
DOD has replaced the use of the SF 93 with the DD Form 2807-1 and 2807-2. DD Form 2807-2 is used by recruiters to "pre-screen" applicants. Any significant medical problems found by use of this form requires recruiters to get permission from MEPS before recruits can process. The DD Form 2807-1 is the medical form used by MEPS during the MEPS medical examination.
DOD has replaced the use of the SF 93 with the DD Form 2807-1 and 2807-2. DD Form 2807-2 is used by recruiters to "pre-screen" applicants. Any significant medical problems found by use of this form requires recruiters to get permission from MEPS before recruits can process. The DD Form 2807-1 is the medical form used by MEPS during the MEPS medical examination.
Meeting the Recruiter
Part 2 of What the Recruiter Never Told You, the Ultimate Guide for Joining the United States Military. In Part 2, what you can expect, and what you should be ready for when meeting the military recruiter. Also, what the military recruiter will expect from you.
Part 2 of What the Recruiter Never Told You, the Ultimate Guide for Joining the United States Military. In Part 2, what you can expect, and what you should be ready for when meeting the military recruiter. Also, what the military recruiter will expect from you.
MEPS at a Glance
MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) is a Department of Defense joint-service organization. Their job is to determine an applicant's physical qualifications, aptitude and moral standards as set by each branch of military service, the Department of Defense, and federal law. Here's an overview of what you can expect when you make that first trip to the MEPS.
MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) is a Department of Defense joint-service organization. Their job is to determine an applicant's physical qualifications, aptitude and moral standards as set by each branch of military service, the Department of Defense, and federal law. Here's an overview of what you can expect when you make that first trip to the MEPS.
MEPS Locations
Locations of the 65 Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) located throughout the United States.
Locations of the 65 Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) located throughout the United States.
MEPs
United States Military Entrance Processing Command's home page.
United States Military Entrance Processing Command's home page.
Military Career Information
A great one-stop location for information on military jobs and joining the military.
A great one-stop location for information on military jobs and joining the military.
Moment of Truth
Recruits (from all of the services) are briefed about the "Moment of Truth." This is the moment of time (usually at the final departure from MEPs to boot camp, or during boot camp inprocessing) where recruits can "come clean" about anything they lied about or failed to disclose in their enlistment documents.
Recruits (from all of the services) are briefed about the "Moment of Truth." This is the moment of time (usually at the final departure from MEPs to boot camp, or during boot camp inprocessing) where recruits can "come clean" about anything they lied about or failed to disclose in their enlistment documents.
National Guard Jobs
Searchable Database which you can search by location, key-word, and zip code to find out what National Guard jobs might be open in your area.
Searchable Database which you can search by location, key-word, and zip code to find out what National Guard jobs might be open in your area.
Oath of Enlistment
Federal law requires everyone who enlists or re-enlists in the Armed Forces of the United States to take the enlistment oath.
Federal law requires everyone who enlists or re-enlists in the Armed Forces of the United States to take the enlistment oath.
Prior Service Enlistments
Thinking of getting out of the military, working a few years in civilian life, then -- if you don't like it -- coming back in? Thinking of getting out of one military service, and trying to join a different service? It should be easy, right? After all, one would expect that the military would jump at the chance to enlist someone with prior military experience. Unfortunately, it's not that easy.
Thinking of getting out of the military, working a few years in civilian life, then -- if you don't like it -- coming back in? Thinking of getting out of one military service, and trying to join a different service? It should be easy, right? After all, one would expect that the military would jump at the chance to enlist someone with prior military experience. Unfortunately, it's not that easy.
Recruiting Goals (May 2005)
The Defense Department released May 2005 recruiting and retention statistics for all four services today, providing a departmentwide manpower picture.
The Defense Department released May 2005 recruiting and retention statistics for all four services today, providing a departmentwide manpower picture.
Recruiting Violations
Despite the fact that the number of new recruits who joined the military service has declined from fiscal year 2004 to fiscal year 2005, the number of reported recruiting violations has increased by more than 50 percent, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which was released on August 14.
Despite the fact that the number of new recruits who joined the military service has declined from fiscal year 2004 to fiscal year 2005, the number of reported recruiting violations has increased by more than 50 percent, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which was released on August 14.
Secrets to Visiting a Recruiter
Recruiters are generally honest and trained professionals, but they need you to sign up to meet their goals. Print these 10 secrets and take them with you.
Recruiters are generally honest and trained professionals, but they need you to sign up to meet their goals. Print these 10 secrets and take them with you.
Security Clearance Approval/Disapproval Guidelines
Under Executive Order (issued by the President of the United States), the military services must use certain factors when determining whether or not to approve a security clearance.
Under Executive Order (issued by the President of the United States), the military services must use certain factors when determining whether or not to approve a security clearance.
Security Clearance Questionaire
Standard Form (SF) 86 - Security Clearance Questionaire. This is the form one must complete in order to qualify for a security clearance.
Standard Form (SF) 86 - Security Clearance Questionaire. This is the form one must complete in order to qualify for a security clearance.
Security Clearance Secrets
Personnel Security Investigations (PSIs) and security clearances are key elements in protecting the security of the United States. What is a security clearance? What do they look at? What can keep me from getting a security clearance? How far back to they investigate? How long is a security clearance valid? This article answers those questions, and more.
Personnel Security Investigations (PSIs) and security clearances are key elements in protecting the security of the United States. What is a security clearance? What do they look at? What can keep me from getting a security clearance? How far back to they investigate? How long is a security clearance valid? This article answers those questions, and more.
Separation & Reenlistment Codes
Reenlistment Eligibility Codes & Separation Codes determine whether or not one may reenlist or enlist at a later time in another military service.
Reenlistment Eligibility Codes & Separation Codes determine whether or not one may reenlist or enlist at a later time in another military service.
Services Meet FY 2004 Recruiting Goals
All of the U.S. Military services, with the exception of the Army and Air National Guard met their recruiting and retention goals for Fiscal Year 2004 (which ended on September 30), according to Department of Defense (DOD) recruiting documents.
All of the U.S. Military services, with the exception of the Army and Air National Guard met their recruiting and retention goals for Fiscal Year 2004 (which ended on September 30), according to Department of Defense (DOD) recruiting documents.
The 2nd MEPS Experience
Most people who enlist on active duty make two trips to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The first trip is for initial qualification determination, and enlisting in the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP). The second trip is for actually enlisting on active duty, and shipping off to basic training.
Most people who enlist on active duty make two trips to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The first trip is for initial qualification determination, and enlisting in the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP). The second trip is for actually enlisting on active duty, and shipping off to basic training.
The ASVAB Just Got a Little Harder
The Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), the basic test used for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces, just got a little harder. Well, not really -- the questions aren't any harder than before -- what's changed is the method used to compute the overall ASVAB score.
The Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), the basic test used for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces, just got a little harder. Well, not really -- the questions aren't any harder than before -- what's changed is the method used to compute the overall ASVAB score.
The Defense Language Institute (DLI)
Interested in a military "language job?" Check out the "been there, done that" article about the DLI by Trish, a member of our message forum.
Interested in a military "language job?" Check out the "been there, done that" article about the DLI by Trish, a member of our message forum.
The Perfect University
The perfect university has high academic standards, moral discipline, free tuition, free meals, and free room and board. Impossible? Nope. The United Statres Military Service Academies fit the bill perfectly.
The perfect university has high academic standards, moral discipline, free tuition, free meals, and free room and board. Impossible? Nope. The United Statres Military Service Academies fit the bill perfectly.
The Perfect University
The perfect university has high academic standards, moral discipline, free tuition, free meals, and free room and board. Impossible? Nope. The United Statres Military Service Academies fit the bill perfectly.
The perfect university has high academic standards, moral discipline, free tuition, free meals, and free room and board. Impossible? Nope. The United Statres Military Service Academies fit the bill perfectly.
Top 10 Books About Joining the Military/Basic Training
Joining the military and/or graduating from military basic training is no longer a simple matter. A smart candidate will prepare him/herself not only to see a recruiter, but before leaving for boot camp. In addition to the information you can find right here in our About.com U.S. Military pages, here are the books we recommend.
Joining the military and/or graduating from military basic training is no longer a simple matter. A smart candidate will prepare him/herself not only to see a recruiter, but before leaving for boot camp. In addition to the information you can find right here in our About.com U.S. Military pages, here are the books we recommend.
Top 10 Lies (Some) Recruiters Tell
Let's face it. Some military recruiters lie. It's been going on for decades. It happens because military recruiting is a numbers-game. Meet your recruiting goals and you're a sucessful recruiter. Fail to make your goals and your career can be damaged.
Let's face it. Some military recruiters lie. It's been going on for decades. It happens because military recruiting is a numbers-game. Meet your recruiting goals and you're a sucessful recruiter. Fail to make your goals and your career can be damaged.
Top Books About Becoming an Officer
There are several ways to become a commissioned officer in the United States Military, including the academies, ROTC, and OCS/OTS. Here are our top picks for books and guides about the process of becoming a United States Military Commissioned Officer.
There are several ways to become a commissioned officer in the United States Military, including the academies, ROTC, and OCS/OTS. Here are our top picks for books and guides about the process of becoming a United States Military Commissioned Officer.
Twenty Questions to Ask a Recruiter
Once you decide to talk to a recruiter, you should arm yourself with as much information as possible, develop some idea of what you want and know the questions that you want answered.
Once you decide to talk to a recruiter, you should arm yourself with as much information as possible, develop some idea of what you want and know the questions that you want answered.
Two Year Enlistments
Congress wants all of the military services to offer a shorter active duty enlistment program. As such, Congress passed a requirement as part of the FY 2003 Military Appropriations Act which requires all of the services to develop a shortened enlistment program by October 1, 2003.
Congress wants all of the military services to offer a shorter active duty enlistment program. As such, Congress passed a requirement as part of the FY 2003 Military Appropriations Act which requires all of the services to develop a shortened enlistment program by October 1, 2003.
Unconventional Recruiting
To passersby, a $150,000 custom-built motorcycle might not have much to do with the Air Force, but recruiters beg to differ. The motorcycle may not have a military function, but it has a social one - it is a bridge, an icebreaker, something that drew NASCAR Pepsi 400 racegoers to the Air Force display here at grounds of Daytona International Speedway on July 2.
To passersby, a $150,000 custom-built motorcycle might not have much to do with the Air Force, but recruiters beg to differ. The motorcycle may not have a military function, but it has a social one - it is a bridge, an icebreaker, something that drew NASCAR Pepsi 400 racegoers to the Air Force display here at grounds of Daytona International Speedway on July 2.
Understanding Service Commitments
Military commitments are generally the price you pay for the good deals that come along with military service -- the better the deal the bigger the commitment.
Military commitments are generally the price you pay for the good deals that come along with military service -- the better the deal the bigger the commitment.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations given to members of the United States Military in Basic Training, routine immunizations throughout the career, and special vaccinations for alert forces and deploying forces.
Vaccinations given to members of the United States Military in Basic Training, routine immunizations throughout the career, and special vaccinations for alert forces and deploying forces.
Vision Requirements for Military Pilots & Navigators
One question that I'm often asked is what the vision requirements are to become a pilot or navigator in the United States Military. Each of the services have their own standards.
One question that I'm often asked is what the vision requirements are to become a pilot or navigator in the United States Military. Each of the services have their own standards.
What's in an Oath?
Should there be consequences for breaking your oath of enlistment?
Should there be consequences for breaking your oath of enlistment?
Yet Another MEPS Experience
My good friend, Courtney Elmore, recently completed her first trip to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) as part of her enlistment into the United States Air Force. Here is a great article about her experience.
My good friend, Courtney Elmore, recently completed her first trip to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) as part of her enlistment into the United States Air Force. Here is a great article about her experience.