Enlisting in the Military

Beginning your military career with confidence and preparation

Starting Your Military Journey

Enlisting in the military is a significant decision that will shape your future. This section provides everything you need to prepare, from understanding the enlistment process to comparing benefits across all branches.

Process takes 1-12 months

6 branches to choose from

20+ checklist items

Quick Access

Pre-Enlistment Checklist

Start Here

Everything you need to do before visiting MEPS

ASVAB Preparation

Important

Study guides, practice tests, and score requirements

Boot Camp Guide

What to expect at basic training for each branch

Required Documents

Birth certificate, SSN, education records, and more

Benefits Overview

Pay, healthcare, education, and housing benefits

Compare Branches

Side-by-side comparison of all military branches

Enlistment Timeline

Typical phases of the enlistment process

Research & Decide

1-3 months

Research branches, talk to recruiters, and choose your path

Application & MEPS

1-2 weeks

Complete application, medical exam, and ASVAB testing

Delayed Entry Program

1-12 months

Prepare physically and mentally while waiting for ship date

Basic Training

8-13 weeks

Duration varies by branch: Army 10 weeks, Navy 8 weeks, etc.

Why Enlist?

Key benefits of military service

Education Benefits

GI Bill covers tuition, housing, and books for college

Healthcare

TRICARE provides comprehensive medical coverage

Housing Allowance

BAH helps cover housing costs based on location

Competitive Pay

Base pay plus allowances and special pays

View all benefits

Physical Preparation

Start training at least 8–12 weeks before your ship date. Arriving in shape changes your entire experience.

Weekly Training Plan

Mon / Wed / FriRunning — start 1 mile, build to 3+

Tue / ThuUpper body — push-ups, pull-ups, planks

SaturdayLong run or ruck march (wear boots)

SundayRest and recovery

Goal Benchmarks Before Ship Date

50+ push-ups in 2 minutes
60+ sit-ups in 2 minutes
2-mile run under 16:00
5+ pull-ups or chin-ups
Swim 100 meters without stopping (Navy / Coast Guard critical)

Full basic training guide by branch

Mental Preparation

Knowledge and mindset are as important as physical fitness at basic training.

Study Before You Arrive

Your branch's creed (Soldier's, Sailor's, Airman's, etc.)
Rank structure and insignia
Chain of command basics
Phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...)
General orders (varies by branch)
Military time and basic land navigation

Mental Readiness

Accept that it will be hard — that's the point
Focus on the team, not individual glory
Learn to accept criticism constructively
Practice stress management and breathing
Get used to waking at 0500 starting now
Understand that discomfort is temporary; the change is permanent

Personal Affairs Checklist

Handle these before you leave — you won't have access to them during basic training.

Financial

Set up direct deposit (bring bank info to MEPS)
Arrange automatic bill payments
Give a trusted person access if needed
Cancel unnecessary subscriptions
Notify bank of extended absence

Family & Personal

Provide emergency contact information
Set up Power of Attorney if applicable
Arrange care for pets and property
Give family your mailing address format
Stock stamped envelopes and paper for letters

Legal & Admin

Update vehicle registration and insurance
Notify landlord if renting
Forward or hold USPS mail
Make copies of all important documents
Update voter registration if applicable

What to Bring to Basic Training

Bring very little. Required items include your government ID, Social Security card, direct deposit information, any prescription medications, and eyeglasses if applicable (no contacts at first). Everything else is issued. See the full packing guide for what NOT to bring.

Full packing list by branch