Seven Steps to Join the Army

Your decision to join the U.S. Army will be a life changing experience! The lessons you learn about yourself and the world around you will have a lifelong impact. If you're considering joining the Army the seven steps below will show you just how easy it is. Each of the steps are designed to help you make the best choice for your life, family and career. Joining the Army isn't right for everyone, but for some the calling is just too strong to ignore.

Read these 7 Simple Steps and find out if you have what it takes.

Step 1 - Is The Army Right For YOU?
Any job or career change should be viewed objectively. Consider the life style, the job, location, benefits, and opportunities.


Step 2 - Choose The Right Path
The Army has three basic categories of Soldiers: Enlisted Soldiers, Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers. Each has its own specialized training, responsibilities and areas of expertise. They are each critical to the Army's ability to defend our country, our freedoms and our way of life.

Step 3 - Talk To The Recruiter
Talking to an Army Recruiter is a good opportunity to ask specific questions that relate to your situation. Only by working with a Recruiter can you tailor an Army experience to meet your goals, wants and needs.

Step 4 - Ace The ASVAB
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a multiple-choice test designed to evaluate your skills in ten areas. This test will play a key role in de terming your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or job in the Army.

Step 5 - Process In
You will visit one of the 65 MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations) located nationwide and in Puerto Rico. This is where you go to enlist in the Army. Here you will find out if you qualify physically, choose a MOS and be sworn in to the United States Army.

Step 6 - Choose Your Army Job
Once you have your ASVAB scores you can choose a MOS that you qualified for. There are over 4,000 job options in the United States Army. It is a good idea to research different Army jobs ahead of time and consider your personality, interest, background, and goals for the future.

Step 7 - Get Ready For Boot camp
Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a nine-week training course (not including the "Reception" week) where recruits go through the process of becoming full-fledged Soldiers. Throughout the process, you will learn new rules, learn to trust yourself and understand what it means to be an Army of One.