Pre-Military Guide

1. Research — Learn about branches, jobs, benefits, and lifestyle using the guides below and official websites.
2. Contact a recruiter — Visit or call. Ask questions. Bring a trusted person. Talking to a recruiter does not commit you to anything.
3. Take the ASVAB — At a school, Mobile Examining Team Site, or at MEPS. Study first — your scores determine which jobs are available to you.
4. Go to MEPS — Medical exam, ASVAB (if not already taken), job selection, and swearing in. Typically 1–2 days.
5. Enter the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) — Wait for your ship date (days to months). Stay in shape and stay out of trouble.
6. Ship to basic training — Return to MEPS on your ship date, sign your final contract, swear in, and ship out.
7. Complete basic training — 7.5 to 13 weeks depending on your branch.
8. Attend job training — AIT, "A" School, Tech School, or MOS school. Duration varies by job.
9. Report to your first duty station — Begin your military career.

Age Requirements

Reserve and Guard components may have different (often higher) age limits. Age waivers may be available depending on the branch.

Citizenship & Residency

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
• Permanent residents can enlist but cannot hold jobs requiring a security clearance until they become citizens

Education

• High school diploma: Strongly preferred — over 90% of recruits have one
• GED: Accepted with restrictions. GED holders typically need higher ASVAB scores (minimum 50 AFQT vs. 31–36 for diploma holders)
• Home school diploma: Accepted by most branches if it meets certain criteria
• College credits: Can qualify you for advanced rank at entry (E-2 or E-3)

Criminal History

• FBI background check conducted on all applicants
• Felony convictions are generally disqualifying (some waivers possible)
• Multiple misdemeanors may be disqualifying
• Drug-related offenses are taken very seriously
• DUI/DWI may require a waiver
• Full disclosure is required. The military will find out — lying is grounds for disqualification or discharge for fraudulent enlistment

Drug Testing

• Urinalysis at MEPS — a positive test means automatic disqualification
• Past marijuana use may be waivable; recent or ongoing use is disqualifying
• Hard drugs (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine): generally disqualifying, waivers are rare

Tattoo Policies

• Army: Most permissive — allows hand and neck tattoos. No face or head tattoos
• Navy: One neck tattoo (1 inch or less), hand tattoos allowed. No face or head tattoos
• Marine Corps: Strictest major branch — no sleeve tattoos, none above the collarbone, no hand tattoos (some exceptions)
• Air Force / Space Force: Hand tattoos allowed. One neck tattoo (1 inch or less). No face or head tattoos
• Coast Guard: One hand tattoo per hand, one ring tattoo per hand. No neck, face, or head tattoos
• All branches: No extremist, racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive content

Tattoo policies change frequently. Verify the current policy with your recruiter before getting new tattoos.

Other Requirements

• Must pass the MEPS medical examination and meet height/weight or body composition standards
• Single parents with custody of dependents generally cannot enlist (some waivers possible)
• Married recruits with dependents can enlist

Advanced Rank for Education or Experience

• College credits: 24+ semester hours may qualify for E-2; 48+ for E-3
• JROTC: 2+ years may qualify for E-2; 3+ years for E-3
• Eagle Scout / Gold Award: May qualify for E-2 or E-3
• Civil Air Patrol: May qualify for advanced rank
• Prior military service: May enter at previous rank (or adjusted rank)

Buddy Programs

Some branches offer "buddy deals" where friends who enlist together may receive the same basic training platoon, same first duty station, or a possible advanced rank.

Enlistment Bonuses

Bonuses range from $2,000 to $50,000+ depending on your branch, job, contract length, and current military needs. The bonus must be written into your contract to be guaranteed. If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist.

1. Take your time. This is one of the biggest decisions of your life. Don't rush it.
2. Talk to more than just recruiters. Find veterans, active-duty members, and military families to get real perspectives.
3. Research your specific job options. Don't just pick a branch — understand what your daily life will look like in a specific role.
4. Get physically ready before you ship. The better shape you're in, the easier basic training will be.
5. Get your personal affairs in order. Bills, debts, vehicle, housing, legal documents — handle it all before you leave.
6. Understand what you're signing. Read every word of your contract. If you don't understand something, ask.
7. Have realistic expectations. Military life has incredible benefits and real challenges. Both are true simultaneously.
8. If something feels wrong, trust your gut. A good recruiter respects your concerns and answers your questions honestly.
9. This is YOUR decision. Not your recruiter's, not your parents', not your friends'. You're the one who will serve.

Central / Multi-Branch

• Today's Military — Official DoD site covering all branches, eligibility, and benefits
• Military OneSource — Comprehensive support for all branches and military families
• Official ASVAB — Practice tests and career exploration tools

Branch Recruiting Websites

• goarmy.com — Army (active, Reserve, and National Guard)
• navy.com — Navy (active and Reserve)
• marines.com — Marine Corps
• airforce.com — Air Force (active and Reserve)
• spaceforce.mil — Space Force
• gocoastguard.com — Coast Guard

Service Academies

• West Point — U.S. Military Academy (Army)
• Naval Academy — U.S. Naval Academy (Navy/Marines)
• Air Force Academy — U.S. Air Force Academy
• Coast Guard Academy — U.S. Coast Guard Academy