What skills are needed to join the military?

Hi all, I'm considering the military path post-high school and I'd love to hear about the skills that are mostly valued or necessary before I enlist. Should I focus on physical fitness, leadership skills, or knowledge in specific areas? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

All branches of the military value physical fitness, discipline, and leadership skills. Each type of skill plays a significant role, and the degree to which they are emphasized can vary depending on the specific military branch and job specialty.

Physical Fitness: Being in good physical condition is integral to success in the military. Your physical capabilities will be tested during basic training, and ongoing fitness is a requirement during enlistment. Activities involve endurance training, strength-based workouts, and drills filled with high-intensity exercises. The fitness tests may vary among the different branches of the military, but all favor a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility.

Discipline: In the military, discipline is critical. You’ll need to follow orders, adhere to strict schedules, and accept a very structured way of life. Developing self-discipline, such as sticking to routines, maintaining orderliness, and practicing self-control, can be helpful.

Leadership: The military doesn’t just want followers, they want leaders. Whether or not you hold a leadership role, the expectations are that you demonstrate leadership traits which consist of taking initiative, showing responsibility, and having the ability to motivate others.

Additionally, particular skills could be beneficial depending on the career field you're interested in within the military. For example, having a background in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) could be beneficial for certain technical roles. It's recommended to research the specific roles you're interested in to determine if there are any special skills or knowledge areas that would be beneficial.

Lastly, it's also important to remember the mental and emotional resilience required. The military can be both mentally and physically demanding, thus resilience and the ability to handle stress are essential traits.

This is a broad overview, but be sure to reach out to a military recruiter or a mentor in the field for personalized advice. They will have the most accurate information for what the current needs and expectations are for the specific branch and role you're interested in. Good luck with your post-high school endeavors!