Military Career STEP 1 (Recruitment Interview)

When you are 17 you can go talk to a recruiter and you should have some questions to ask your recruiter regardless of what branch of service you want to join. If you set a time to meet a military recruiter, be courteous and show up at that time. Prove you're reliable and a person of your word by arriving at the time you said you would. It shows you respect your own time and that of the person you're meeting.

Be on Time!!

One important note to keep in mind: Just because you talk to a recruiter doesn’t mean you’re obligated to join. Speaking with a military recruiter is an information-gathering process for you and them. 

How should you dress?

Dress to Impress

When you decide it’s time to see a military recruiter, being prepared for the meeting will make quite the impression. Like a job interview, you want to put your best foot forward. Yes, they need you, but regardless of that fact, it’s important to start the relationship off as professional as possible. 

What shouldn’t you wear to the recruiting office? 

• Flip flops 
• Torn clothing
• Clothing with explicit messaging 
• Revealing clothing 

Business casual — like a polo and slacks or a nice blouse and skirt — are appropriate apparel to wear for meeting with a military recruiter. 

You don’t need to show up in a suit, but putting some effort into your appearance goes a long way in showing you actually care about presentation — a habit you’ll need to get into anyway if you plan to join the military. 

What to bring with you?

• A notebook.
• Pen or pencil.
• A list of questions.

Below are a list of some questions you may want to ask (in case you can't think of any):

1. How does the recruiting process work from start to finish?
2. What is the Delayed Entry Program (DEP)?
3. Why should I join the (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines)?
4. What are the biggest benefits of this branch?
5. What are the requirements for joining?
6. What paperwork and/or medical information is required?
7. What is the minimum length of my service commitment?
8. How long is boot camp / basic training?
9. What physical standards do I need to meet?
10. How can I prepare physically for basic training?
11. What is “boot camp” like day-to-day?
12. What are the drill instructors like?
13. Can I choose when to go to boot camp?
14. What other training will I need based on the position I’m interested in?
15. Where will I be stationed after boot camp? Do I have a choice?
16. Can I choose the military job I want? How is the job assignment made?
17. I want to be a (insert whatever job you're looking to do). What is the minimum ASVAB score I need?
18. Can I talk with someone that does the job I want?
19. What will I be paid? Are there any bonuses or incentives for specific jobs? What special incentives are available?
20. Can you tell me about the GI Bill? How does it work?
21. Can I pick what college I can go to?
22. Do I have to use my GI Bill or can I save it?
23. How often are service people promoted

Too many potential recruits don’t take the first meeting seriously enough. Show up on time, dress appropriately, and have the right materials in hand. It will make your meeting go smoother and you’ll also get more out of it. 

Some very helpful websites to help prepare yourself or mentally get an idea of each branch of service or dive in a bit deeper is called OperationMilitaryKids

American War and Military Operations Casualties: Lists and Statistics

Delayed Enlistment Program information

https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL32492.pdf

https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9955z3.html