What is the process to enlist in the U.S. military?

I'm interested in joining the military after high school but have no idea where to start. How does the enlistment process work? Are there specific steps or requirements I should be aware of when enlisting?

Enlisting in the U.S. military involves several steps to help determine your fitness for service and to identify the job that best suits your skills and interests. Here's a general breakdown of the process:

1. Research the branches: The U.S. military has six branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Each service branch has different specialties, missions, and benefits, so it's important to do your homework to find which one aligns best with your interests and career goals.

2. Meet with a recruiter: Your next step would be to meet with a recruiter for the service branch you're interested in. They'll provide more specifics about job opportunities, education benefits, pay, and other aspects of life in the military. They can also help answer any questions you might have.

3. Pre-Qualification: The recruiter will run through a pre-qualification checklist to ensure that you meet the basic enlistment requirements, which typically include being between the ages of 17 and 35, being a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder, and having completed (or being on track to complete) high school.

4. Take the ASVAB: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a series of tests used to determine your qualifications for specific military jobs. It covers areas like language comprehension, problem-solving, and mechanical knowledge.

5. Attend a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS): At the MEPS, you'll undergo a physical examination and discuss your potential military job options based on your ASVAB scores. This is also where you'll take your oath of enlistment.

6. Choose your job and sign an Enlistment Contract: Your contract will stipulate your job, your terms of enlistment (which can range from two to six years), and any enlistment bonuses you may receive.

7. Attend Basic Training: Your final step, after formally enlisting, will be to attend basic training, also known as "boot camp". It is an intensive process that teaches the necessary skills to succeed in the military.

These steps provide a general guide to the enlistment process. But remember, each branch will have unique procedures, so it is best to start by contacting a recruiter who can walk you through the specifics of the process for the branch you are interested in joining.