Ever wonder how to enlist?

 Ever sit back and wonder how to become a member of the U.S. Military Service? Many individuals learn of the benefits and advantages of becoming a soldier, but not too many know where to start. It isn't as simple as meeting with a recruiter and instantaneously becoming an active Marine, Navy Seal… etc. There are a couple of requirements that must be met first in order to enlist. Here’s the how to, to enlist into the U.S. military Service:

1.   First thing you want to do is make an appointment with a recruiter, it’s in your best interest to meet with one that deals with the same military branch you want to serve under. If you’re not sure or haven’t made up your mind, start with the closest one to home.
2. Once you have decided for yourself that this is the path you want to stay on, you will make an appointment Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to finish the enlistment process.  You will need to bring a Social Security card, birth certificate and driver's license, remove all piercings, bring  any eye wear that you may need or use to see, and most importantly get a good night’s rest.
3. At MEPS, you will first take an exam called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. This exam can take up to three hours and is multiple choice with questions ranging from Math Reading, English and Science.
4. Next you will be required to take and pass a physical examination; this is somewhat similar to what you family doctor does. Your height, weight, urine and blood samples will be taken, you will also submit to a drug and alcohol test. They will review you muscle group and joint maneuvers as well.
5. Once the above has been completed you are now ready to meet with a counselor and determine a career. I think this is the most important part, everyone has a different preference and your job will be determined in regards to the needs of the branch. They also take into consideration the availability of specialty jobs. This is also where your test score form the ASVAB comes to play. Your physical capacity and of course your preference are factors as well.
6. You will be fingerprinted and now take the Oath of Enlistment. This is undoubtedly understood as being very serious and to be adhered to. You will have to vow to defend the U.S. Constitution and obey the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

 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.

7.  Atlas you have completed the enlistment process. There are two ways in which the recruit proceeds. For recruits considered a direct ship, at this point you report to Basic Training between 2 days to two months after completing all the requirements previously stated. The recruiter will provide you with all the transportation and any additional information you may need. The second option is the delayed entry program, where the recruit commits to Basic Training but within a year time frame. All of the same information follows thereafter.

Now that you are fully informed on how to enlist all there is left to do is to decide for yourself if this is the path you want to go on. I was young when I decided to enroll and being as such I would highly recommended to fully consider the true impact of making such a life altering decision. Entering into this lifestyle will change you forever and is never the same experience for each individual. Although it is a grand opportunity in my perspective, it never hurts to be fully equipped with as much knowledge as possible.  Good luck!