Enlistment & Eligibility Guide
Your Complete Roadmap From Deciding to Serve Through Your First Duty Station
Follow these 8 steps from initial decision through arriving at your first duty station
Decide to Join
Research branches, career fields, and benefits. Consider your goals, interests, and how Mil service aligns with your future plans.
Tips:
- Talk to family and friends who have served
- Research different branches online
- Consider your career goals and education plans
Talk to a Recruiter
Meet with recruiters from branches you're interested in. They'll explain options, answer questions, and help you understand the enlistment process.
Tips:
- Meet with multiple branch recruiters
- Prepare a list of questions
- Ask about bonuses and incentives for specific jobs
Take the ASVAB
Complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. Your scores determine which Mil jobs (MOS/Rating/AFSC) you qualify for.
Tips:
- Study with practice tests beforehand
- Get a good night's sleep before test day
- Higher scores open more career options
Choose Your MOS
Based on your ASVAB scores and branch needs, select your Mil Occupational Specialty. This determines your career path and training.
Tips:
- Research civilian career equivalents
- Consider jobs with enlistment bonuses
- Look at jobs with transferable skills
MEPS Processing
Visit a Mil Entrance Processing Station for medical exam, background check, and to officially enlist. You'll take the oath of enlistment. Most enlistees then enter the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) to ship at a later date — usually within 365 days.
Tips:
- Bring all required documents (birth certificate, SSN, ID, transcripts)
- Be honest about medical history — concealment is grounds for separation
- MEPS now uses MHS Genesis to pull your full medical record automatically
- Most males 18-25 must be registered with Selective Service
Ship to Basic Training
Report to basic training (boot camp). Duration by branch: Army (10 weeks), Navy (10 weeks), Air Force / Space Force (8.5 weeks), Marines (13 weeks), Coast Guard (8 weeks). Recruits not initially meeting ASVAB or fitness standards may attend the Future Soldier Prep Course (Army, Fort Jackson) or Future Sailor Prep Course (Navy, Great Lakes) first — both have helped tens of thousands enlist since 2022-2023.
Tips:
- Start a fitness routine 60-90 days before shipping
- Practice running, push-ups, plank, sit-ups (replaced by plank in some branches)
- Mentally prepare for the challenge
- Resolve any debt or legal issues before ship date
AIT / Job Training
Complete Advanced Individual Training (AIT) or technical school specific to your MOS. Duration ranges from a few weeks to over a year depending on the job.
Tips:
- Focus on learning—this is your career foundation
- Take advantage of additional certifications offered
- Network with instructors and peers
First Duty Station
Report to your first permanent duty station. Begin your MilCareer, continue training, and start building experience in your field.
Tips:
- Research your duty station location
- Set up financial goals early
- Get involved in your unit and community