How does one enlist into the military?

I'm a high school junior interested in joining the military after graduation. Can someone explain the process of enlisting? What steps do I need to take, and how should I prepare myself to make my application more competitive?

Joining the military is a multistep process that begins with some important pre-enlistment decisions.

Firstly, you'll want to conduct an internal assessment. This involves asking yourself key questions such as: which branch do I want to join (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force)? What career field within the military am I interested in? Do I want to enlist for active duty or reserves (part time)? Identifying where your interests lie and what your long-term goals are will guide your choice of branch as well as the specific role you'll pursue.

Next, you'll have to meet certain basic eligibility requirements. The standard age range for enlistment is 17-39, although this varies slightly between branches. Meeting physical fitness and health standards is also crucial, so maintaining a regular exercise routine and staying in good health is advisable.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required by all branches. Some also have additional academic or skills-based qualifications depending on the role. And the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is mandatory for all applicants—this measures your knowledge and skills in areas such as math, vocabulary, mechanical comprehension, and more. To bolster your competitiveness, you might want to consider ASVAB prep resources and study guides.

After meeting the prerequisites, you'll contact a recruiter who will walk you through the enlistment process in more detail. This usually involves several steps, including an initial screening, completion of application forms, a formal physical examination at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), and an official swearing-in ceremony.

Lastly, after enlistment, you'll go through Basic Training (aka boot camp), which is a challenging program designed to acclimate new recruits to the military lifestyle and provide them with fundamental skills.

Do note that the process can vary slightly depending on the branch and whether you're approaching it as a high school student or a college graduate. It's important to seek advice from your school counselor or a military recruiter to custom-tailor your approach based on your personal circumstances and ambitions.