If you are thinking about serving the United States Army or you have already decided and looking for some help, then the following steps towards enlisting will make your transition into the Army easier.

STEP – 1:  Know about the Army

United States Army is the largest of all the branches of the military and has many different jobs to offer.

The Army exists to defend the nation, to fulfill national military responsibilities, to sustain global commitments, to protect vital national interests, to build effective multinational coalitions, to prevail in the war on terror, and to serve the American people. The army soldiers conduct sustained combat, prompt and stability operations on land.

STEP – 2: Eligibility criteria

1. Age – Minimum age for enlistment is 17 years and the maximum age is 35 years.
2. Citizenship – An individual must be a citizen of the United States.
3. Education – Possession of a high school diploma is desirable.
4. Dependency Status – An individual should not have more than two dependents under the age of 18.
5. Moral Character – The moral character of a person should be good.

STEP – 3: Talking to a Recruiter
You can find a U.S. Army recruiter through the yellow pages or the Internet. They are posted all over the country to help civilians with their questions about joining the army; it’s a recruiter’s job to answer any or all questions. But, don’t be surprised if a recruiter wants to talk to both the child and parents together. So, prepare a list of questions to ask the recruiter. Below are some questions to get you started–

1. Please explain the recruiting process from start to finish.
2. Why should I join the Army?
3. What is the Future Soldier Program?
4. What really goes on in basic training?
5. Can you describe a couple of jobs? I want to understand what people actually do in the Army.
6. What are the benefits?
7. What are the possibilities for overseas or remote duty stations?
8. Can I take college course or other training programs while in the military?

Your job is to be a detective, so ask plenty of questions! This will be helpful for your possible future in the Armed Forces.

STEP – 4: Ace the ASVAB
ASVAB is an abbreviation for the term Armed Services Vocational Aptitude, which is a multiple-choice test that helps you better understand your strength and is one of the things that helps identify which Army jobs are best for you. It measures your ability and knowledge in ten different areas; Electronics Information, Auto and Shop Information, General Science, Coding Speed, Word Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning, Numerical Operations, Paragraph Comprehension, Mechanical Comprehension, and Mathematics Knowledge. This test is usually given in schools by test administrators from the Federal Government. No one fails or passes the ASVAB. However, to be considered for enlistment in the Army, you need to score at least 31.

STEP – 5: Visit to MEPS
MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) is a department of defense joint-service organization, which is staffed with civilian and military professionals. They determine your moral, aptitude standards and physical qualifications. Your physical examination consists of –

1. Vision and hearing examinations.
2. Weight and Height measurements.
3. Alcohol and drug tests.
4. Blood and Urine tests.
5. Joint maneuvers and muscle group, in underclothing.
6. Complete physical examination.
7. Interview.
8. Other specialized test if required.

Medical questions asked at MEPS; Do you now have or have you ever had following (Yes or No) –

1. Periods of unconsciousness.
2. Double vision.
3. Wheezing, asthma, or inhaler use.
4. Rheumatic fever.
5. A dislocated, painful or swollen joint.
6. Epilepsy, convulsions, seizures, or fits.
7. Neck, back or foot pain.
8. Any surgery.
9. Severe or frequent headaches, sleepwalking, fainting spells or passing out.
10. Any heart problems.

The main job of MEPS, under federal law, policies, and military regulations, is to determine whether you are qualified to serve in the United States Army or not.

Once you get done with the physical and medical test, it’s time to pick your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code). It is a nine character job code, which is used in the United States Army to identify a specific job. A MEPS counselor will assist you in selecting MOS. So, be sure to tell the counselor exactly what jobs you want, and do not pick a job based on which one has the bigger bonus.