Join the Military | USAGov (2024)

FAQs

Why do you want to join the military answers? ›

I wanted to see new places, travel, make some money and defend this great country.” “I wanted to follow in my family's footsteps, serve my country and pursue a new challenge. I also wanted to do my part, become an effective leader and make a difference, while accomplishing/ overcoming new challenges.”

“I, ____________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the ...

The United States military has been all-volunteer since 1973. But an act of Congress could still reinstate the draft in case of a national emergency. The Selective Service System is the agency that registers men and is responsible for running a draft.

Overwhelmingly though, when enlistees were asked why do people join the Army, they answered for pay and job opportunities. In other words, most people who are enlisting now are in it for the money and less because it is a call to serve.

It can be a dangerous job

Depending on where you're stationed and the position you hold within the military, you could potentially be exposed to highly dangerous situations—even if you're not in active combat.

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but moral waivers or felony waivers are available in some cases.

The number of young Americans wanting to enlist is near a record low, a deficit not seen in almost half a century. In 2022, for example, the US Army fell short of its recruitment target by 25 percent. Other notable down trends were recorded for the Navy and Air Force.

The ideal height requirement for men in the military is between 60-80 inches / 152-203 cm. Anyone above or below this requirement is likely to get rejected.

ENLISTED. You must be 17–39 years of age, a U.S. citizen and have a high school diploma, GED with 15 college credits or GED.

Can you quit basic training? ›

After you arrive at boot camp, your fate still isn't sealed. Even though you're now on active duty, Army command can let you go without penalty during your first 180 days of service. The official term for this is entry-level separation.

Thank you for your service to this country. Your bravery, sacrifice, and strength do not go unnoticed, and we will always be indebted to you and your family for all that you have given to the country. I would like to thank you very much for your service! Thank you for your time, bravery, and sacrifice for this country.

Intangible qualities like leadership, comraderie, discipline and determination are perhaps the most rewarding of all military benefits. Still, it's nice to know that service in the Military comes with tangible benefits too, including education, medical/dental care, 30 days of paid vacation, travel discounts and more.

Whether the economy is doing well or not, the military is a great option for your loved one to choose as a career. You can have a sense of pride and security knowing they are serving their country and are taken care of as service members.

It is undeniable that military service changes you for good and makes you want to be the person your society, colleagues, friends, and family members can be proud of.

How hard is basic training? ›

It's a tough process, but a rewarding one that many service members value for life. To succeed in boot camp, you should prepare yourself physically and mentally. Daily cardio, weight training, pushups and situps are a must. You should also practice arriving early on a regular basis and sticking to a strict schedule.

There are plenty of on-base entertainment resources available to service members and their families: gyms, movie theaters, bowling alleys, parks and more. In addition to facilities, the Military also works with Armed Forces Entertainment to bring exclusive entertainment shows.

Which branch of military has the lowest death rate? The Air Force experienced the lowest rates per 100,000 among all the services for all causes 72.7, unintentional injury 42.1, and homicide 2.6. The Navy's suicide rate (11.0 per 100,000) was the lowest among all services.

1. Air Force. It is regarded as the hardest branch of the military to get into among the 5 main US military branches. It not only requires being physically fit but also mentally sharp.

The first men drafted would be those turning age 20 during the calendar year of the lottery.

These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height/weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others. Additionally, law violations can prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of any crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.

The Army is facing the most acute recruiting problems. The service will will finish fiscal 2022 with about 466,000 active-duty soldiers—10,000 people below target, according to Lt. Gen.

Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service and return to life as civilians, a process known as the military to civilian transition.

Learn more about how many Service members are expected to leave the military. Each year over 200,000 Service members leave the military.

As of 2020, the height requirement is 58-78 inches (147-198 centimeters) for men and 58-72 inches (147-183 centimeters) for women. The maximum weight allowed varies by height, from 148 to 267 pounds (67 to 121 kilograms) for men and 120 to 184 pounds (54 to 83 kilograms) for women.

What makes you unfit for military service? ›

To be found unfit for duty, you: must have a medical condition that disqualifies you from fitness for service, and. cannot reasonably be expected to perform the duties of your rank and military career due to this medical condition.

Consequentially, if you are fully grown and still don't meet this height requirement, then you won't ever be able to join the Air Force. You also cannot be any taller than 6'8” (80 inches). Similarly, if you weigh any more than 250 lbs, you won't be able to join.

Current DOD accession policy lists ADHD as disqualifying for military applicants if they meet any of the following conditions: ADHD medication prescribed in the previous 24 months, an educational plan or work accommodation after age 14, a history of comorbid mental health disorders, or documentation of adverse academic ...

Individuals with ADHD need a medical waiver to be able to enlist if they meet these points, with the branches — Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force — typically requiring that applicants be off medication for several months and prove that they can function without it to be considered for a waiver.

You're ready to start becoming a Soldier. In 10 weeks, you'll be physically and mentally stronger than you've ever been, and ready to join the team that protects America. Most recruits are curious about Basic Combat Training (BCT).

Do Soldiers come home after basic training? Soldiers are not often given time to go home after basic training. Check-in for AIT School is most often the day after graduation, if not the same day.

Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, tobacco, chewing tobacco, disposable lighters and lighter fluid will be confiscated when you arrive at basic training. If you have a nondisposable lighter, the fluid cartridge will be confiscated.

Traveling to your basic training location usually involves a plane ride, but you can't simply buy a plane ticket and show up. You have to process first through your local Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), which will arrange (and pay for) your travel.

Summary. War poster with the famous phrase "I want you for U. S. Army" shows Uncle Sam pointing his finger at the viewer in order to recruit soldiers for the American Army during World War I. The printed phrase "Nearest recruiting station" has a blank space below to add the address for enlisting.

What do you say in an Army interview? ›

Introduce yourself

This could include your name, your rank, that you'll be joining their command, where you're from originally and what type of education you have including any military education. This paragraph should make it clear that you will be reporting to them and what your background is.

Soldiers take part in peacekeeping missions, supporting humanitarian efforts or fighting in combat zones around the world.

The Army exists to serve the American people, defend the nation, protect vital national interests and fulfill national military responsibilities.

Can I choose my job specialty after Basic Training? The Military will make every effort to match your interests and aptitudes with its needs. However, job assignments are ultimately made based on Service needs, as well as individual skills and test scores.

While many recruits enter the military right out of high school, some take their time and consider joining the military at 25 instead. You'll be more mature, have more life experience. You're still physically fit enough to serve. You're typically 'mentally tougher' in your mid-20's.

Also called High-36 or “military retired pay,” this is a defined benefit plan. You'll need to serve 20 years or more to qualify for the lifetime monthly annuity. Your retirement benefit is determined by your years of service. It's calculated at 2.5% times your highest 36 months of basic pay.

By having no fear, taking a friend or family member with you, knowing the ASVAB, understanding where you want to be stationed, asking about special pays and by knowing your contract goals, start date and commitment length -- and then getting it all in writing -- you'll be able to get the most of out of this recruiter ...

How do I pass the military interview? ›

Every good answer to “tell me about yourself” should consist of: Work - This should make up about 80% of your answer. Focus on your previous experience and accomplishments here. Academic - 10-15% of your answer should then be about your academic background (university, academic achievements, etc.).

Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.

Sample answers:

I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn't afraid to face a challenge. I'm passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn't believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.