Getting started in a military career

One of the first steps recommended for those who are interested in joining the military is to talk to a recruiter, and then visit a military entrance processing station, or MEPS. While the closest MEPS is in Sacramento, teens can find out more by going to the Solano Town Center where there is an Army and Air Force Recruiting Station as well as a recruiting station for Navy chaplains.

The MEPS will process and screen candidates to see if they are eligible to join the armed forces. When people visit the office, they should come prepared with a birth certificate, social security card, and driver’s license. Additionally, candidates should wear proper clothing, meaning no piercings or clothing inappropriate images.

Once all of the documents have been approved, candidates can start the next step of the recruiting process, which is taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This test determines what career would best interest the test taker, and it is offered twice a year at Armijo, in October and February.

If the results are valid, candidates will move onto the physical exam. The physical exam is very similar to a check-up with the family doctor. It generally includes getting basic information, such as one’s height and weight. Along with this, blood, drug, urine, and alcohol tests will be taken. In addition to this, there is a possibility of taking a physical training test, but this depends on the recruiter.

The next step is meeting with a counselor to determine what career the candidate would like to pursue. The ASVAB and physical exams will be factors in choosing the most appropriate career.

After choosing a career path, candidates will sign an agreement. This is to be taken seriously, as it is a commitment to the military.

Taking an Oath of Enlistment is the next step. For this, candidates will “vow to defend the United States Constitution and obey the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” according to https://www.todaysmilitary.com/how-to-join/enlisting-military.

Candidates will then be informed about when they will be enlisted. This can be Direct Ship, meaning very quickly after finishing with MEPS and reporting to Basic Training. The recruiter will inform candidates about this. An alternative is through the Delayed Entry Program. The Delayed Entry Program allows candidates to commit to a time for Basic Training in the future. Usually, the time is within a year of after completing MEPS. This is an alternative often chosen by high school students who plan to graduate and go directly into the military.