Your decision to join the U.S. Army will have life-changing implications. The lessons you learn in the army, about yourself and the world around you will make an indelible impression on you for life. If you’re considering joining the Army the 7 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 over these 7 Simple Steps and find out if you have what it takes.
Step 1 – Is The Army Right For Me?
Any job or career change should be viewed objectively. Consider the life style, the job, location, benefits, and opportunities.
To be a U.S. Army Soldier is to be a part of the world’s best fighting force. Soldiers spend their days training, working and serving together to protect America’s freedoms. But they also have time after work for family, friends and personal interests. From recruitment to retirement, the U.S. Army provides a unique and diverse lifestyle for Soldiers. 
Step 2 – Choose The Right Path
The U.S. Army is made of committed Enlisted Soldiers and Officers serving together to protect America’s freedoms and to preserve the peace. This kind of commitment makes each and every one of these Soldiers the embodiment of selfless service. In the simplest terms, the Army has three categories of Soldiers: Enlisted Soldiers, Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers. Each has its own specialized training, responsibilities and areas of expertise. Together, they are 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. Want to take advantage of money for your education? Need certain job skills? Your Recruiter can give you the specifics on all the Army benefits to help you make the most out of your Army career. Army recruiters are ready with the know-how to answer questions you have about the U.S. Army. And they’re right around your neighborhood.
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. In the Army you will have a job which is referred to as an MOS. MOS is an anacronym for Military Occupational Specialty. The job opportunities open to you in the Army will be determined by your score on the ASVAB.
Step 5 – Process In
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 6 – Choose Your Army Job
A job in the Army is called a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and has a number and letter code associated with it. For example, an Infantryman is also called an 11B (eleven-bravo).
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. 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 7 – Get Ready For Bootcamp
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.
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.
