For more information please contact your ADVISER

Take the ASVAB

(Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)

The ASVAB is a multiple-choice exam that helps determine the careers for which an individual is best suited. Both traditional pen-and-paper exams and a computer-based version are available.

The ASVAB takes approximately three hours to complete and has questions about standard school subjects like math, English, writing and science. Each Service uses a custom combination of ASVAB results to produce scores related to different career fields.

Alternatively, recruits may take the PiCAT, or Prescreen Internet Based Computerized Adaptive Test, which is an untimed, unmonitored version of the ASVAB that can be taken online.

Pass the Physical Examination

A recruiter will discuss physical eligibility requirements with you beforehand. The physical is a regular medical exam, similar to what you would receive from a family doctor. Some recruiters may conduct a short physical training (PT) test with potential recruits as well.

Examinations include:

Height and weight measurements
Hearing and vision examinations
Urine and blood tests
Drug and alcohol tests
Muscle group and joint maneuvers
Specialized test if required (pregnancy test for women, body fat percentage test for those who are overweight, tests relating to any unusual medical history)

Meet With a Counselor and Determine a Career

At this point, a service enlistment counselor meets with you to find the right job specialty.

A few different factors contribute to career selection:

Needs of the Service
Job availability
ASVAB score
Physical requirements (for example, a recruit needs normal color vision for some careers)
Recruit preference

Take the Oath of Enlistment

Once your career has been determined, you are ready to take the Oath of Enlistment. In this statement, you vow to defend the United States Constitution and obey the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Family members are invited to watch and take photos.

After the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)

You’ll do one of two things, depending on the terms of your enlistment:

Direct Ship: Report to Basic Training shortly after completing MEPS testing requirements. (It varies based on job assignment and branch.) A recruiter will provide instructions on transportation to Basic Training at this time.

Delayed Entry Program (DEP): Commit to Basic Training at a time in the future, generally within one year. Most recruits enter DEP before shipping, including those who enlist before completing high school. Recruits enrolled in DEP may return to their homes until the time comes to report for duty.