Think of your recruiter as a boss interviewing you for a job. You wouldn’t sign up for a job you know nothing about. Similarly, a recruiter wants to see a dedicated applicant who is motivated to learn more about the job. Some questions you can ask are “Why should I join,” Are there incentives for joining,” “What is combat training like,” and “What comes after basic training?”
Get any potential bonuses written down on paper. They should be in the contract you sign when enlisting. A recruiter’s verbal promise may not be enough to guarantee an incentive. If you want to do a specific job in the military, recruiters can help reserve spots in training schools for you. If you can’t get a guarantee you want, you don’t have to sign anything right away. Unless you really want to join a specific branch of the military, contact other branches to see what they offer. Otherwise, wait and see if the military can offer a guarantee at a later date.
Proof of citizenship, such as a green card, is needed only if you weren’t born in the country. Otherwise, bring along ID like a driver’s license and your Social Security card if you enlist in the U. S. , for example. Marriage, divorce, and birth certificates are all required to ensure you don’t have any legal distractions. You will need court documents for issues like paying child support. For education records, bring your college transcript, GED, or high school diploma. These are usually required for enlistment.
For instance, you should not stop taking medications prescribed by your doctor. These are usually important for your health. When you reach boot camp, the military provides you with any medication you need. If a recurring medical issue or mental illness impacts your ability to serve as a soldier, your application may be rejected. Ask your recruiter for a waiver to see if you still qualify for enlistment. Legal issues such as criminal convictions aren’t an automatic disqualifier. As long as these issues aren’t outstanding and you show that you’re serious about succeeding in the military, you may get in.
You can’t really fail this test, but low scores mean you may be disqualified from the job you want. Always discuss your options with your recruiter. You don’t have to rush to take the test, so study for it. If you don’t like your scores, take it again before signing up for boot camp.
Do your best during the test, but don’t fret if you don’t meet the military’s high bar. This is only a preliminary screening. You will get more of a workout in boot camp. To improve your chances of passing, get fit before you try to enlist. If you struggle a lot or display health issues, you are less likely to be accepted into the military.
The recruiter and the military will tell you what you need to bring. Usually you need nothing more than a little bit of money, personal identification, and a change of clothing. You may also ask for a delayed entry. This means you go to boot camp at a later date, usually within a year.
Arriving at training overweight or lacking strength can make you a target for drill instructors who need to work you into shape. In a worst case scenario, if you aren’t able to meet the physical demands of boot camp, you have to go through it a second time or are discharged.
The military doesn’t have an official swimming test, so you won’t get sent home from boot camp. However, you need to learn before you can complete boot camp. Many recruits learn or get better by participating in the training drills. Swimming is especially important in branches like the Navy or Marines, although members of other branches still need to know how to handle water.
While at home, fill a laundry basket with clothing, books, notepads, and other items. Dump the basket onto the floor, mix up the items, then quickly sort them on your bed in a neat fashion. This is the kind of test the military expects you to do. Also try sitting on the floor with your legs crossed, your back straight, and your hands on your knees. It doesn’t sound difficult, but in boot camp you may be required to sit still for hours at a time.
Start adjusting your sleep schedule at least 2 weeks in advance. Begin earlier in order to give yourself more time to adjust. The first 3 days of boot camp are particularly busy, so you may not get as much sleep as you like. Getting a good night’s rest can help you adjust.
You don’t need to know how to fire guns or have other specialized knowledge, although if it is relevant to your work in the military, it can help. If you want a specific military duty, studying for it can help you succeed. For instance, if you want to be a mechanic, read up and work on cars.
Contrary to what you may believe, most drill instructors don’t enjoy tearing you down in front of other recruits. It’s simply their job to be a thorn in your side so that you improve as a recruit. A good rule of thumb is to not speak unless spoken to by your superior officers.
When you arrive at boot camp, you start receiving orders. You go through processing, which involves things like getting your uniform, setting up your pay, and moving into your room. Any recruit would rather be sleeping in or talking with friends rather than fulfilling some of their duties. Remind yourself that there will be plenty of time for this later.
Unless your instructor is out of earshot, try not to ask other recruits what to do. Many times the instructor will catch you, pull you out of line, and give you an earful. If you do get caught doing the wrong thing, don’t grin, but bear the criticism all the same!
While being a leader is important, avoid alienating yourself from fellow recruits. Balance being a leader with being a good friend. Jerks may not get help from fellow recruits. Every other recruit will be in a similar position to you. A lot of what you are asked to do will not make sense at first. Boot camp is an opportunity to bond with fellow recruits, relying on each other to succeed.
Teamwork is essential, so you may notice your group getting punished even if 1 recruit fails. Help those who are struggling. They probably will help you too at some point. Avoid letting drill instructors pit you against other recruits. It’s a test. You aren’t at boot camp to achieve individual glory, so don’t make yourself stand out this way. If you have a problem with someone, talk to them after lights out.
For instance, you can’t travel anywhere without permission. Saying “I didn’t know” won’t help you. During deployment, not knowing could get you or someone else injured. When drill instructors asks you what you did, tell them and accept the consequences. Some mistakes, such as disobeying your drill instructor, reflect poorly on your unit. Other recruits may be punished with you, which will lose you friends.
The point of these tests is to break you down, then build you back up with more confidence and discipline than you have ever had before. It is tough work, but it can be rewarding. Even if you feel like you can’t succeed, give it your best shot. You don’t need to finish tests in first place to be a good recruit.
