How to Join the Marines Fast

This topic will inform you of what is expected in order to join the Marines or as it is commonly referred to, the Marine Corps. It's not as easy as it used to be. But with a little due diligence and pro activity on your part you will be on a bus to Paris Island to start your basic training in no time!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Social Security Card
• Birth Certificate
• Driver's License or State ID Card
• Marriage License if married
• Medical records if you have any
• High School Diploma or High School Transcripts: GED
• Children's or Dependent' s birth certificates
• Bank Account

1. 
    
   Locate a Recruiter

   If you want to join the Marines, you must first: LOCATE A RECRUITER! Try to find a recruiter by dropping by the local Marine Corps Recruiting Station. There's a good chance there won't be one there because recruiters must cover such a large territory (usually multiple counties) and always seem to have a busy agenda. Instead pick up a business card or get his/her number off the sign out front. If you still have no luck locating a recruiter call the 1-800 number and speak to a representative over the phone. The hot line is available 24/7 and can answer a lot of questions. Also they will put you in touch with your local recruiter either by patching you through to their cell phone or setting up an appointment for you to meet with them. Visit the United States Marine' s Website at www.marines.mil.

2. 
    
   Take the ASVAB Test

   Your recruiter will pre-screen you by asking you a series of questions. If you pass the current enlistment standard criteria then you will be allowed to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)test. This is basically the entrance exam into the military, whether it's for the Army National. Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines etc.

3. After you speak with the recruiter your next step is the initial interview. If you want to streamline this process, make sure you have all of your documents listed above in "things you'll need" when you go to your initial interview with the recruiter. Your recruiter may want to give you a practice ASVAB test to see where you stand academically. Hopefully you will do fine on the real test regardless of how you do on the practice. You can expect to see Algebra, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Arithmetic Reasoning.

4. 
    
   Physical

   The Physical! After you successfully pass the ASVAB you can pat yourself on the back because the hard part is over with. The physical exam is all that is left between you and your new exciting career in the Marine Corps. Your recruiter will set you up an appointment to go to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) and you will be examined by the military doctors who are looking for any sign that you may not be a suitable candidate for a soldier.

5. 
    

   That's it! You're 99.99% there. All you must do now is sign your paper contract and raise your right hand. After you repeat the Oath of Enlistment you are now officially a soldier in the Marine Corps. Congratulations!

Tips & Warnings

• Be open and honest with your recruiter. If there is something you need to tell him or her then do so up front. It will also make your enlistment process go a lot faster.
• Be sure to go over your contract before you sign the paperwork. You'd hate to find out that you're going to be a cook when you were talking with your recruiter about going Special Forces etc. Not that there's nothing wrong with being a cook, but mistakes do happen!
• If you have a medical condition that you know will cause problems later on down the road please notify the doctors at MEPS so they can make an evaluation if you will be in any serious danger by joining the military. Your life and welfare is very important. Do not lie just to be allowed to enlist.
• Try not to disqualify yourself by speaking too carelessly at MEPS. Your words will be taken seriously even if you are just joking around.

Resources

• United States Marine Website
• Deals & Coupons