If you’ve made up your mind to join the US Army, and haven’t met a reliable army recruiter, yet … there’s some information on the sequential stages of the US Army enlistment process that you should know.
Pass the basics
For US Army enlistment, you’ll need to be no more than 17 years, or older than 34 years of age; a US citizen, or a permanent resident alien; possess a high school diploma, or equivalent; have no more than 2 children if you are married; be physically fit; have no drug or other related addictions; and be free from any serious health issues or communicable diseases.
Learn the Acronyms
There are a few military-specific, acronyms which relate to US Army enlistment. It’s important to understand these terms and their meanings, well before you apply for an army career or job.
MEPS – Military Entrance Processing Station
The US Military has a nationwide network of 65 such stations as well as in Puerto Rico. MEPS, is where you will undergo a comprehensive physical and medical test; take and ASVAB exam; as well as opt for a MOS.
ASVAB – Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
An ASVAB is a comprehensive, test that you’ll take at MEPS, one that will determine whether or not you qualify for an army career or job. This test measures and evaluates aptitude covering a broad spectrum of career and job fields. All military branches have their own criteria for awarding ASVAB test scores.
MOS – Military Occupational Specialty
A MOS describes individual job specialties, each of which can be identified by their pre-assigned, numerical and alphabetical codes. On passing your ASVAB test, you can choose the MOS that interests you and be trained for it later.
The road through MEPS, ASVAB, MOS, Enlistment, and Basic Training is tough and challenging. However, if you do your homework well … there’s nothing to stop you from success … but you!
