I'm 16 now and thinking about enlisting in the military next year when I turn 17. What are the specific requirements or steps I need to be aware of for enlisting at this age?
The desire to serve in the military is a significant commitment and it's important to understand the requirements. Here they are specifically for enlisting at the age of 17:
Parental Consent: Since you're under 18, you would need parental consent to enlist. This involves your parents (or guardians) signing some paperwork for you to enlist.
High School Status: You would need to be either a high school graduate or in some cases, you can enlist while still in high school as part of the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). In the DEP, you would enlist now but not leave for basic training until after you graduate high school.
ASVAB: You must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. It measures your aptitude in various areas and helps determine what jobs (Military Occupational Specialties) you would be most suited for in the military.
Physical/Medical Exam: You would need to pass a military entrance medical exam. This is to ensure you're physically fit and capable of serving.
Height and Weight Standards: Each branch of the military has its standards, but generally, they require you to be within certain height and weight limits.
Moral Standards: The military review your record for any criminal history or drug/alcohol issues. While some issues might not automatically disqualify you, they're still considered during the enlistment process.
Remember, enlisting in the military is a big decision and should be thoroughly discussed with your parents, school counselors, and other trusted individuals. You also need to decide which branch of the military aligns best with your personal interests and career goals: The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force. Contacting a recruiter and asking them specific questions based on your interests and career goals can also be very helpful.
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