How to Enlist into the Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard
Enlistment in the U.S. Army, Army reserves or Army National Guard can provide you with a sense of honor as well as provide you with a steady income and educational opportunities. Members of all three branches can be called to duty by the federal government; the National Guard can also be called into action by the governor of the state. The enlistment procedure is the same for all three branches, although the National Guard has a separate application.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Locate a recruiter in your area. The GoArmy website provides a search tool to help you find a recruiter in your area (see Resources).
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2
Visit with the recruiter. Make an appointment or just stop in. Take your parents or spouse with you. Ask as many questions as you can think of, as this is your opportunity to make sure you fully understand what joining the Army means.
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3
Complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, test. The ASVAB test is multiple choice and tests your aptitudes and strengths. The test results determine whether you qualify for enlistment as well as which military occupational specialty, or MOS, you are best suited for in the Army, Army Reserves or National Guard.
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4
Apply online (see Resources) or at the recruiting center. You must complete an official application which includes basic information such as your contact information, educational background and employment history.
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5
Make an appointment with the Military Entrance Processing Station, or MEPS. At MEPS you take the ASVAB if you have not already done so, complete a medical evaluation, sign your enlistment agreement and provide your fingerprints for the required FBI background check.
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