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5 Steps to Join

imgIs the Army Right for You? Are You Right for the Army?

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Any job or career change should be viewed objectively. Consider the life style, the job, location, benefits, and opportunities.

Serve in Active Duty as an Enlisted Soldier and you begin at Basic Training with the rank of Private.

You must be between the ages of 17 and 34, be a USCitizen or Permanent Resident Alien, be healthy and in good physical condition, and be in good moral standing.

Step One: Ask questions and consider carefully if the Army is the right choice for you. Talk to an Army recruiter. Some questions you might want to ask are:

  • What are the terms of service?
  • What are the benefits and pay scale?
  • Where will I serve and will I be able to bring my family with me?
  • What are the enlistment options? For example Active Army, Army Reserve, ROTC. What is the difference between these types of service?
  • What type of training will I receive?

Formulate a plan. Just as a business needs a plan to succeed, you as an individual will need obtainable goals and a concrete plan for reaching those goals.

Step Two: See if you qualify. Take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), a multiple choice test designed to help identify your strengths and personal characteristics. The objective of the test is to determine which Army jobs (Military Occupational Specialty – MOS) will best suit you. ASVAB Test Design. Tips for taking the ASVAB. How is the test scored?

Step Three: Visit one of the network of 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 and choose a MOS. The MOS may impact where you are stationed for Basic Training. This is also where you will be sworn in to the United States Army.

Step Four: Choose a MOS. There are over 4,000 job options in the United States Army. The training you receive in the Army will be of great value to you for the rest of your life. Consider your personality, interest, background, and goals for the future.

Step Five: Put your best foot forward. Tackle Basic Training with a positive attitude and a will to succeed. Give it your best and you will walk away from the nine weeks physically fit with the skills you need to survive and succeed.

To enlist as an Active Duty Soldier in the U.S. Army you must be:

– Between the ages of 17 and 34
– A U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien
– Healthy and in good physical condition
– In good moral standing

Active Duty Enlistment Requirements and Benefits
Age Requirements Be between the ages of 17-34 years.
Length of Service 2-6 year commitment/Serve a total of 8 years in the military
Retirement May Retire after 20 yrs. of qualifying service
Job Choices 200 jobs to choose from
Medical / Dental Benefits Medical and dental benefits
Job training opportunities Specialized job training (AIT)
Location of duty May be stationed at home or on foreign soil
Work Schedule Serve 5 days a week
Vacation & Leave 30 days military leave per year (paid vacation)
Social & Recreational Programs Unlimited access to all military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities or programs
Education Benefits Educational benefits
Commissary Privileges Unlimited post exchange and commissary privileges
Physical Requirements Physical training 3-4 times a week

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Basic Training
 
Officers Training Program
 
National Guard
 
Reserves
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Do you have prior military experience? If so the Army Reserves wants to talk to you!

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The ASVAB Test

ASVAB Basics
ASVAB Test Design
How the Test is Scored
Test Prep & Tips
ASVAB Scores for Careers
Dos and Don’ts

You can reach an Army Recruiter by calling toll free, 800.USA.ARMY. Let them know you started your career search at MilitarySpot.com.

Call the U.S.Army
1-800-USA-ARMY
1-800-872-2769


Enlistment topics of interest.

  • Basic Training
  • Officers’ Training
  • National Guard
  • Reserves

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