How to Join the US Army

If you are considering to join the US Army, you’ve probably think it’s the most difficult career to get in to. This is actually not true given that a lot people before you have qualified for enlistment in the military. However, you have to go through a selection process which consist of a number of different stages that you must complete in order to enlist.

Step 1. The very first step is to meet basic qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

As with any job, a large part upon how you get qualified is meeting basic qualifications. Below is the requirements to enlist.

• You must be 17-34 years of age as a Junior or Senior in high school; if 17, you need parental consent


• Be a US Citizen or legal resident


• Have a high school diploma or GED


• Be in good medical/physical health


• You must meet height and weight standards


• You must be able to pass the ASVAB exam (minimum score of 31 required)


• No major criminal convictions (felonies or domestic violence)

Step 2. Then, you will need to contact a local armed forces recruiter.

Meet the Recruiter

If you meet the requirements listed above, the next step is to contact your local recruiter. During this initial stage you will have the opportunity to discuss the different jobs and benefits that you can receive. Also, make sure you have documentation readily available for the recruiter to start the paperwork.

Step 3. Next, they’ll take you to a testing site to take the ASVAB test.

Take the ASVAB

You will then be required to take the Armed Services Vocational   Aptitude  Battery  Test , or ASVAB as it is more commonly called. The ASVAB is the main qualification mechanism for both enlistment into the military and for determining for what type of occupations a new recruit is eligible for such as Motor Transport Operator, Military Police, Food Service, Mechanic, Engineer, Computer Technician, etc. Your occupation choices depends on how you qualify. The minimum score to pass the ASVAB test is a 31. However, in order to have the job you want, you will need to score as highly as possible (above 50).

Step 4. Next, you will be required for a full physical exam.

Your Visit to MEPS

After you’ve taken and pass the ASVAB test, you will go to MEPS for a full physical examination including a physical, hearing, vision, genital exam, urinalysis, tattoos, blood, and an exercise test. Given that you go through all these procedures, have a physician accept your medical documents, the military will want you to join. Especially after they have provided you with all these tests. Once you have cleared all the different stations, you will then be counseled by an army career counselor to create your contract and the incentives that you qualify for determined on your ASVAB exam.

Step 5. Lastly, you will sign your contract and raise your right hand.

Raise Your Right Hand

After you and the army career counselor come to an agreement in terms of an ideal job, cash bonus, and MOS. You will be told to raise your right hand to be sworn into the military.

How to Join the US Army