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tytiania
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what should i look for to go to the army as a young lady
#military #army
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1349
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
ARMY SOLDIER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ENLISTING
The Army gives you the opportunity to travel the world, define your career, and achieve greatness. But like any great job, there are some basic requirements to join. From your physical fitness to your personal background, learn what it takes to be a part of the greatest team in the world. To become an enlisted Soldier in the U.S. Army, you must:
• Show proof of your U.S. citizenship;
• Be between 17-32 years old;
• High school graduate or equivalent;
• Achieve a minimum score on the ASVAB test; and
• Meet the medical, moral and physical requirements.
ARMY OFFICER QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENLISTING
Becoming an Army Officer is different from enlisting as a Soldier. Officers are responsible for leading Soldiers and planning missions. Training and initial requirements for accepting a commission as an Officer vary, but generally, to qualify you must:
• Show proof of your U.S. citizenship;
• Be between 18 and 34 years old;
• Be a college graduate by the time you are commissioned as an Officer;
• Meet the medical, moral physical requirements; and
• Secret security clearance eligibility interview.
STEP 1) MEET WITH A RECRUITER – Your first step in the enlistment process is to meet with a recruiter. Army recruiting offices are located in all major U.S. cities. You can find them listed in the telephone book in the white pages, under "U.S. Government." You can also locate your nearest recruiter using the Recruiter Locator on the Army Recruiting Web site. The recruiter will conduct a "pre-screening" to see if you are qualified for enlistment. The recruiter will ask you about your education level, your criminal history, your age, your marital/dependency status, and your medical history. The recruiter will weigh you to ensure you meet Army accession weight standards. The recruiter will have you take a "mini-ASVAB" on a computer, which gives a pretty good idea of how you will score on the actual ASVAB test. Tytiania once you have talked to a recruiter, you’ll set a date to visit a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to finish the enlistment process. The MEPS is a joint Service organization that determines an applicant's physical qualifications, aptitude and moral standards as set by each branch of military service. There are MEPS locations all over the country. You’ll officially complete the process of joining the Military once you meet all of the Service requirements assessed at the MEPS. The process typically takes one to two days, with food and lodging provided.
STEP 2) MILITARY ENTRANCE PROCESSING STATION (MEPS) – MEPS is not owned by the Army. It’s not owned by any of the branches. MEPS is a "joint-operation," and is staffed by members of all the branches. There are 65 MEPS, located across the U.S. Usually, the MEPS process takes two days. Depending on how far the nearest MEPS is from where you live, you may have to stay overnight in a contract hotel. Unless you already have a valid Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score, you’ll usually take the ASVAB on the afternoon you arrive. The next day, the real fun begins – and it’s a long, long day. Your day will start at about 5:30 AM, and you won’t finish until about 5:00 or 5:30 that evening. Your day will include a urinalysis (drug test), medical exam, eye test, hearing test, weight check, body-fat measurement (if you exceed the weight on the published weight charts), security clearance interview, meeting with a job counselor, reviewing enlistment options and possible enlistment incentives, taking the enlistment oath, and signing the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP) contract. Oh, yeah, intermixed in between all of this you’ll fill out lots of forms and do lots and lots of waiting.
STEP 3) ARMEND SERVICE VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY (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. The Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery, more commonly referred to as the ASVAB is used by the Army primarily for two purposes: (1) to determine if you have the mental capability to be successful through basic training and other Army training programs, and (2) to determine your aptitude for learning various Army jobs. The ASVAB consists of nine subtests: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronic Information, Auto & Shop, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects. The ASVAB comes in two flavors: The pencil and paper version, and the computerized version. If you’re taking the test as part of your enlistment process into the Army, you’ll most likely take the computerized version during your trip to MEPS. The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), often mistakenly called the "overall score," is comprised from only four of the subtests (Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Math Knowledge). The other subtests are used to determine job qualifications.
STEP 4) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION – The largest portion of your day at MEPS is taken up by the medical examination. You’ll start by completing a detailed medical history. Your blood and urine will be taken and examined for this and that (including drugs and blood-alcohol level). Your eyes and hearing will be checked. You’ll have to do some stupid-sounding things, such as walking while squatting (this is commonly called the "duck-walk.") Medical Standards for enlistment are set by the Department of Defense, not the Army. The doctors at MEPS will medically disqualify you if you fail to meet any of the standards. There are two types of disqualification: temporary and permanent. A temporary disqualification means you can’t join right now, but may be able to, at a later time. For example, if you just had an operation the week before. A permanent disqualification means that you failed to meet the published standards, and that won't change with time.
STEP 5) SECURITY INTERVIEW – Many Army enlisted jobs and assignments require a security clearance. To obtain a security clearance, one must be a U.S. Citizen. You can still enlist without U.S. Citizenship, but your job choices and assignments will be limited to those which do not require a clearance. Of course, nobody can tell for 100 percent certain whether or not a security clearance will be approved, and the process can take several months. It is where the Security Interviewer comes in. He/she will ask you a whole bunch of questions about your past (drug use, alcohol use, mental health treatment, finances, criminal history, etc.), and is pretty good at making a prediction as to whether or not you’re a good candidate for security clearance approval. It, in turn, will affect which Army enlisted jobs you are eligible for.
The Army has more than 200 enlisted jobs to choose from. The Army is unique among all of the active duty services, in that every single enlistment contract includes a guarantee for training in a specific MOS (job). The other services have "guaranteed jobs," as well, but also enlist many recruits into "guaranteed fields," in which they won't find out their specific job until basic training.
Good luck with your Army career Tytiania
Bring a Social Security card, birth certificate and driver’s license
Remove piercings, and do not wear clothing with obscene images
If you wear either eyeglasses or contact lens, bring them along with your prescription
The Army gives you the opportunity to travel the world, define your career, and achieve greatness. But like any great job, there are some basic requirements to join. From your physical fitness to your personal background, learn what it takes to be a part of the greatest team in the world. To become an enlisted Soldier in the U.S. Army, you must:
• Show proof of your U.S. citizenship;
• Be between 17-32 years old;
• High school graduate or equivalent;
• Achieve a minimum score on the ASVAB test; and
• Meet the medical, moral and physical requirements.
ARMY OFFICER QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENLISTING
Becoming an Army Officer is different from enlisting as a Soldier. Officers are responsible for leading Soldiers and planning missions. Training and initial requirements for accepting a commission as an Officer vary, but generally, to qualify you must:
• Show proof of your U.S. citizenship;
• Be between 18 and 34 years old;
• Be a college graduate by the time you are commissioned as an Officer;
• Meet the medical, moral physical requirements; and
• Secret security clearance eligibility interview.
STEP 1) MEET WITH A RECRUITER – Your first step in the enlistment process is to meet with a recruiter. Army recruiting offices are located in all major U.S. cities. You can find them listed in the telephone book in the white pages, under "U.S. Government." You can also locate your nearest recruiter using the Recruiter Locator on the Army Recruiting Web site. The recruiter will conduct a "pre-screening" to see if you are qualified for enlistment. The recruiter will ask you about your education level, your criminal history, your age, your marital/dependency status, and your medical history. The recruiter will weigh you to ensure you meet Army accession weight standards. The recruiter will have you take a "mini-ASVAB" on a computer, which gives a pretty good idea of how you will score on the actual ASVAB test. Tytiania once you have talked to a recruiter, you’ll set a date to visit a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to finish the enlistment process. The MEPS is a joint Service organization that determines an applicant's physical qualifications, aptitude and moral standards as set by each branch of military service. There are MEPS locations all over the country. You’ll officially complete the process of joining the Military once you meet all of the Service requirements assessed at the MEPS. The process typically takes one to two days, with food and lodging provided.
STEP 2) MILITARY ENTRANCE PROCESSING STATION (MEPS) – MEPS is not owned by the Army. It’s not owned by any of the branches. MEPS is a "joint-operation," and is staffed by members of all the branches. There are 65 MEPS, located across the U.S. Usually, the MEPS process takes two days. Depending on how far the nearest MEPS is from where you live, you may have to stay overnight in a contract hotel. Unless you already have a valid Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score, you’ll usually take the ASVAB on the afternoon you arrive. The next day, the real fun begins – and it’s a long, long day. Your day will start at about 5:30 AM, and you won’t finish until about 5:00 or 5:30 that evening. Your day will include a urinalysis (drug test), medical exam, eye test, hearing test, weight check, body-fat measurement (if you exceed the weight on the published weight charts), security clearance interview, meeting with a job counselor, reviewing enlistment options and possible enlistment incentives, taking the enlistment oath, and signing the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP) contract. Oh, yeah, intermixed in between all of this you’ll fill out lots of forms and do lots and lots of waiting.
STEP 3) ARMEND SERVICE VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY (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. The Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery, more commonly referred to as the ASVAB is used by the Army primarily for two purposes: (1) to determine if you have the mental capability to be successful through basic training and other Army training programs, and (2) to determine your aptitude for learning various Army jobs. The ASVAB consists of nine subtests: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronic Information, Auto & Shop, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects. The ASVAB comes in two flavors: The pencil and paper version, and the computerized version. If you’re taking the test as part of your enlistment process into the Army, you’ll most likely take the computerized version during your trip to MEPS. The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), often mistakenly called the "overall score," is comprised from only four of the subtests (Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Math Knowledge). The other subtests are used to determine job qualifications.
STEP 4) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION – The largest portion of your day at MEPS is taken up by the medical examination. You’ll start by completing a detailed medical history. Your blood and urine will be taken and examined for this and that (including drugs and blood-alcohol level). Your eyes and hearing will be checked. You’ll have to do some stupid-sounding things, such as walking while squatting (this is commonly called the "duck-walk.") Medical Standards for enlistment are set by the Department of Defense, not the Army. The doctors at MEPS will medically disqualify you if you fail to meet any of the standards. There are two types of disqualification: temporary and permanent. A temporary disqualification means you can’t join right now, but may be able to, at a later time. For example, if you just had an operation the week before. A permanent disqualification means that you failed to meet the published standards, and that won't change with time.
STEP 5) SECURITY INTERVIEW – Many Army enlisted jobs and assignments require a security clearance. To obtain a security clearance, one must be a U.S. Citizen. You can still enlist without U.S. Citizenship, but your job choices and assignments will be limited to those which do not require a clearance. Of course, nobody can tell for 100 percent certain whether or not a security clearance will be approved, and the process can take several months. It is where the Security Interviewer comes in. He/she will ask you a whole bunch of questions about your past (drug use, alcohol use, mental health treatment, finances, criminal history, etc.), and is pretty good at making a prediction as to whether or not you’re a good candidate for security clearance approval. It, in turn, will affect which Army enlisted jobs you are eligible for.
The Army has more than 200 enlisted jobs to choose from. The Army is unique among all of the active duty services, in that every single enlistment contract includes a guarantee for training in a specific MOS (job). The other services have "guaranteed jobs," as well, but also enlist many recruits into "guaranteed fields," in which they won't find out their specific job until basic training.
Good luck with your Army career Tytiania
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Hector Morales
Data Analyst
50
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Hector’s Answer
First of all, do you have any idea about the Army? It is strict, disciplined and if you like it, go for it. if not, then pick another option
There are also different branches, there is Army, Marines and Air Force
get documented about them and then decide what you like the most.
There are also different branches, there is Army, Marines and Air Force
get documented about them and then decide what you like the most.
Keith Rudd
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Keith’s Answer
The US Army is a very large organization. There are as many opportunities as you have the aptitude for. You join up to serve America, and that service may require you to give up your life.
Carefully consider all the advice others have given you. Most people who join have the opportunity to spend 20 years and get a form of retirement. It may cost you some health problems later in life - I’ve met many fellow veterans at the VA clinic who can attest to that.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the best people America can put together and gain knowledge & attitude to speed you into the 2nd half of your working life.
Write down all that you dream of, and demand only what you desire - and get it in writing before taking that oath. After the enlistment papers are signed, you will do as you are ordered for the next 8 years. You give up your freedom to protect ours, and if you are wise and hard working, you might realize all those dreams.
Carefully consider all the advice others have given you. Most people who join have the opportunity to spend 20 years and get a form of retirement. It may cost you some health problems later in life - I’ve met many fellow veterans at the VA clinic who can attest to that.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the best people America can put together and gain knowledge & attitude to speed you into the 2nd half of your working life.
Write down all that you dream of, and demand only what you desire - and get it in writing before taking that oath. After the enlistment papers are signed, you will do as you are ordered for the next 8 years. You give up your freedom to protect ours, and if you are wise and hard working, you might realize all those dreams.
Meighan Middleton
Former College Advisor and Admissions Professional/Surface Warfare Officer
38
Answers
Newport, Rhode Island
Updated
Meighan’s Answer
Thanks for considering military service! It is a big decision, and not one to take lightly.
I would recommend that any young person (not just young woman) considering joining the military find a mentor to talk over what military life is really like. As a woman in the military, I have had some unique experiences both positive and negative. Find someone who will discuss those experiences with you openly as you weigh your decision.
I also linked another answer below you may find helpful as you explore this path.
Best of luck to you!
Review my answer of an overview of joining the military here: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/320388/what-do-i-need-to-study-to-get-in-to-the-military
Talk over your decision with a trusted adult, mentor, or family member
I would recommend that any young person (not just young woman) considering joining the military find a mentor to talk over what military life is really like. As a woman in the military, I have had some unique experiences both positive and negative. Find someone who will discuss those experiences with you openly as you weigh your decision.
I also linked another answer below you may find helpful as you explore this path.
Best of luck to you!
Meighan recommends the following next steps:
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Tytiania,
Hi! As one who went into law enforcement when it was much more male-dominated than it is today, I want to encourage you to stop thinking of yourself as "A young lady." No offense. In the military, there are no races. There are no sexes. It is a "green team." Everyone bleeds green. Everyone is challenged. Everyone must prove him or her self to their peers, to earn the respect of the team. There is a certain way of thinking that you will learn, basically, there is no such thing as quitting. No bad days. You need to be able to perform at your best, at all times.
Having said all that. . . as a young lady, you can expect to encounter people who still believe women don't belong in the military, or in combat. You will learn to deal with these people. You will learn when it is necessary to report them, and when to just "blow them off."
As a young person going into the military, you will want to consider your career choices, which will be governed by your scores on the ASVAB test (explained above, by John), and what openings there are. Consider something that is marketable in the civilian world, which could be anything from underwater welding to radiology to administrative support. GET THE CAREER CHOICE IN WRITING, do not take ANY verbal promises. (Re-read the previous sentence -it is extremely important!) Once you are in, seek out sound advice on saving and investing money, as well as on furthering your education. Have some fun, but, have something to show for it when it's over!
Thank you for your interest in being of service to our country!
Kim
Hi! As one who went into law enforcement when it was much more male-dominated than it is today, I want to encourage you to stop thinking of yourself as "A young lady." No offense. In the military, there are no races. There are no sexes. It is a "green team." Everyone bleeds green. Everyone is challenged. Everyone must prove him or her self to their peers, to earn the respect of the team. There is a certain way of thinking that you will learn, basically, there is no such thing as quitting. No bad days. You need to be able to perform at your best, at all times.
Having said all that. . . as a young lady, you can expect to encounter people who still believe women don't belong in the military, or in combat. You will learn to deal with these people. You will learn when it is necessary to report them, and when to just "blow them off."
As a young person going into the military, you will want to consider your career choices, which will be governed by your scores on the ASVAB test (explained above, by John), and what openings there are. Consider something that is marketable in the civilian world, which could be anything from underwater welding to radiology to administrative support. GET THE CAREER CHOICE IN WRITING, do not take ANY verbal promises. (Re-read the previous sentence -it is extremely important!) Once you are in, seek out sound advice on saving and investing money, as well as on furthering your education. Have some fun, but, have something to show for it when it's over!
Thank you for your interest in being of service to our country!
Kim