Also during orientation, new recruits might: This is where new recruits adjust to their new surroundings and learn the dos and don'ts of their respective branches. The first few days at Basic Training are known as orientation (also referred to as "Processing Week," "Reception" or "00 Week"). It also helps to read about your chosen Service so you know what to expect in the weeks ahead. Starting or increasing the intensity of your exercise regimen will get your body in shape. Recruits should do everything they can to make the transition from civilian life to military life as seamless as possible. Training and Advancement Basic Training (Boot Camp)Īdvanced preparation is the foundation for a successful Basic Training experience. It also varies based on job assignment and branch of Service. It's important to note that the time between being "sworn in" and Basic Training could be as short as two days or as long as a year. Recruits entering the DEP are given further instruction, to be followed at a later time. Delayed Entry Program (DEP): Commit to Basic Training at a time in the future, generally within one year."Direct Ship:" Departure for Basic Training occurs in a matter of days versus months.During the Oath, every service member vows to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.Īfter finishing at the MEPS, recruits follow one of two options: The Oath is led by a commissioned officer and always performed in front of an American flag. When you raise your right hand and repeat the Oath of Enlistment you become a full-fledged member of the U.S. Take the Oath of Enlistment (swearing in) Meet With a MEPS Career Counselor and Determine a CareerĪlong with your ASVAB results, a MEPS career counselor will take into account service needs, any prior experience and your wishes when helping you find a career. While the physical examination varies from branch to branch, it typically includes completing a medical history questionnaire, taking basic blood, urine and flexibility tests, as well as hearing and vision exams. Your recruiter will discuss physical requirements with you beforehand. You can take the ASVAB while at MEPS, but you can also take it at your school if it's offered there, or at a Military Entrance Test (MET) site. The test lasts about three hours and is one of the factors used to determine which military specialties you'd be good at. There are questions about math, language, science, mechanical and electronic knowledge and more. The ASVAB is a multiple-choice exam that helps determine which kinds of careers an individual is best suited for. Potential recruits must do the following at the MEPS: Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Recruits officially complete the process of joining the Military once they meet all of the MEPS requirements. There are MEPS locations all over the country. Once you make the decision to enlist, the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is the place where recruits go to finish the enlistment process. The Enlistment Process Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) You'll probably talk to your recruiter multiple times before making a decision, so don't worry if you do forget something. It's also a good idea to make a list of questions beforehand so you don't forget anything. It's fine to bring a friend or parent with you for support. While no single recruiter can answer every question off the top of his or her head, recruiters will know where to find the answers. Recruiters serve one specific branch, but there are joint recruiting centers that represent multiple branches and their corresponding recruiters. Once you've done your research and have a sense of which Service branches and opportunities are right for you, it's time to talk to a recruiter who can give you detailed information about the branch he or she represents and can answer questions about your specific situation (for example, if you need a waiver, have dependent children or a physical condition that may or may not affect your eligibility). These sites below are good starting points. It is sometimes hard to tell which sources are official. The internet is also a good place to conduct research, but take what you read with a grain of salt. If you know a friend or family member who has spent time in the Military, sit down with them and hear what he or she has to say. Familiarizing yourself with the enlistment process can be helpful, as there are a few things that you'll likely go through no matter which career path you choose. Enlistment is the most common way to join the Military.