I’VE DECIDED I WANT TO
ENLIST—NOW WHAT?
Once you’ve discussed enlistment with a recruiter and decided to move forward, you’ll
be given a date to visit a Military Enlistment Processing Station (MEPS) to complete
the enlistment process. MEPS is a two to three day event after which you may officially
enlist once you’ve met all requirements. At MEPS, you will be expected to:
1
2
Take the ASVAB. The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude
Battery) is a multiple question assessment that will help identify careers that
may suit you best. If you have already taken the ASVAB at your high school,
inform your recruiter to see if you need to take it again.
Pass the physical Exam. The physical requirements vary among
3
4
the different branches of the military (speak to your recruiter for specifics),
but you will be expected to be in good physical shape. There will also be a
medical examination similar to a regular checkup at your doctor’s office, as
well as a drug test.
Meet with a counselor. At this point, potential recruits speak
with a service enlistment counselor to go over the enlistment agreement
and discuss job placement possibilities. Be sure to consider the enlistment
agreement carefully before signing; this is a serious commitment!
Take the Oath of Enlistment. Your family will be invited to
watch you take the following vows:
I , (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the
Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey
the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers
appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military
Justice. So help me God.
After MEPS, one of two things will happen. Depending on the terms of your
enlistment, you may Direct Ship (deport shortly to basic training) or enter the Delayed
Entry Program (return home but commit to deport within a year. This is typically the
case for those who commit to enlistment before finishing high school).
ADDITIONAL MEPS INFO:
• Bring your driver’s license, birth certificate and Social Security card.
• Remove all piercings.
• If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
8% Drugs
• Eat well and get a good night’s rest the day before.
• Arrive early!
2% Aptitude
2% Dependents
1% Conduct
32 |
Winter 2016
www.potentialmagazine.com
DO YOU
QUALIFY?
DID YOU KNOW that only one in
four of all 17-24 year olds is fit to serve in
the United States military? Reasons such
as the rising levels of obesity, tattoos, and
even ADHD medications, are the reasons
that the majority are ineligible. Would
you make the cut?
• Must score a minimum 33 on Armed
Forces Qualification Test
• No tattoos on neck, face or fingers
• No ear gauges
• No ADHD medication within the past
12 months
• No felony convictions (remember,
there is no such thing as “sealed records” for the government!)
• No persistent illegal drug use
• No insulin-dependent diabetes
• Must meet height & weight
requirements
Reasons for
Not Qualifying
28% 31%
Overlapping
Medical
reasons
29%
Qualify for
Service