I'm really interested in the Marines and considering enlisting after high school. Can anyone share what the whole process looks like from start to finish? Also, any tips on what I should prepare for in advance would be appreciated.
The enlisting process in the Marines, like other branches of the military, is composed of several steps.
Right off the bat, it's worth noting that it's a good idea to get fit and learn about Marine Corps life and values. You could begin by connecting with the local recruiter, who can guide you on the requirements and process.
1. Initial Meeting with a Recruiter: The first step is usually meeting with a recruiter who will explain what life as a Marine is like and what you need to do to meet the requirements. This is a good time to ask any specific questions you have about the Marines.
2. ASVAB Test: Next, you'll take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. It determines your qualifications for enlistment and helps identify your job specialties. It assesses your knowledge in areas like mathematics, science, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, and mechanical comprehension.
3. Medical and Moral Screening: The recruiter will have you complete a medical pre-screening and a background check. They will ask about your medical history, criminal history, and drug usage.
4. MEPS: If everything clears, you will then go to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for a medical examination and a job classification session. This involves physical tests, mentor sessions, and your final military entrance processing.
5. The Enlistment Contract and the Oath: After MEPS, you'll sign your enlistment contract and take the Oath of Enlistment, in which you'll pledge to defend the Constitution and obey the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Your contract will include details about your service, including your initial term of service and your minimum service obligation.
6. Boot Camp: After all these steps, once you're equipped with a state of readiness, you're off to a 13-week Marine Corps Recruit Training – also known as boot camp.
As for the preparations, in addition to getting physically fit, it would be good to familiarize yourself with Marine Corps history, rank structure, and general orders. This is an effort to start off strongly at boot camp. It's also a good idea to start practicing good discipline and adaptability, as both will certainly be tested during your training.
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