Posted on Jul 13, 2022
What are the Dos and Don'ts of enlistment and what advice should I have in mind?
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As the question implies, I've finally decided to enlist in the military. I called the local US Army office, went within a few minutes, and talked to my recruiter face to face. He gave me some papers to fill out and he will pick them up on Friday. I'd like to ask the guys who have already done the song and dance what I should bring to MEPs and what I should bring to basic once I sign the contract and swear in as a soldier of the United States of America. I appreciate any and all advice on enlisting.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
You'll probably be offered a job before you go. Research a few jobs before you pick. The more amazing it sounds, the less likely it is to have actual class seats, so have a range of like ten you're willing to accept. DO NOT take 18X (Special Forces) or 37X (PSYOPS), you are better off trying out for them once you are in the Army. Do request Airborne as well if that interests you. Don't hold out for it, there are opportunities to go later in your career. No matter what your recruiter tells you, you probably will not be able to reclass later. I am the person who reclasses people, and it's a whole different process once you are in the Army. Recruiting gets 90% of the class seats; if it's not available to you now, it won't be more available once you are in the Army.
When it's time to sign, the first thing you will see is 8 years Reserves. That's normal, don't get freaked out by it. Below that will have a section that says you will serve X amount of time on active duty, that is your contractual commitment.
You will sign and swear in twice, the first time you enter the Delayed Entry Program, the second time on the day you ship.
Most of the contract, like 99% of it, is identical to every other contract. The points you need to verify are:
1. Length of active duty commitment, on the DD4
2. MOS and any additional training on the 3286
3. Bonus, if offered, on the 3286
4. Duty station of choice, if offered, on the 3286
Verify these are correct on both the first and second signing. Sometimes a thing will change between when you sign and when you ship. You cannot argue or negotiate for an option that isn't offered. The counselor doesn't control whether or not you get a bonus, or if you are offered a specific option, they just show you what you are qualified for.
Enlist for the shortest amount authorized for your option, unless you are getting a fat bonus and it's worth it. Enlisting a short amount means you get to reenlist sooner and pick your next duty station. But some jobs have minimum five year terms.
After that, there's nothing more to it. Someone will be there to move you to the next thing you have to do for the next three years or so. Literally all you have to do is show up with what you are told to bring at that time and you will be successful and get promoted.
When it's time to sign, the first thing you will see is 8 years Reserves. That's normal, don't get freaked out by it. Below that will have a section that says you will serve X amount of time on active duty, that is your contractual commitment.
You will sign and swear in twice, the first time you enter the Delayed Entry Program, the second time on the day you ship.
Most of the contract, like 99% of it, is identical to every other contract. The points you need to verify are:
1. Length of active duty commitment, on the DD4
2. MOS and any additional training on the 3286
3. Bonus, if offered, on the 3286
4. Duty station of choice, if offered, on the 3286
Verify these are correct on both the first and second signing. Sometimes a thing will change between when you sign and when you ship. You cannot argue or negotiate for an option that isn't offered. The counselor doesn't control whether or not you get a bonus, or if you are offered a specific option, they just show you what you are qualified for.
Enlist for the shortest amount authorized for your option, unless you are getting a fat bonus and it's worth it. Enlisting a short amount means you get to reenlist sooner and pick your next duty station. But some jobs have minimum five year terms.
After that, there's nothing more to it. Someone will be there to move you to the next thing you have to do for the next three years or so. Literally all you have to do is show up with what you are told to bring at that time and you will be successful and get promoted.
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SFC (Join to see)
CPT Lawrence Cable I left that one out on purpose because I don't think it's bad in itself. If you want to be a Ranger and it's offered, you only lose your airborne seat if you fail. The other ones you lose your MOS when you fail. Where I tell them don't do it is when they say they want to hold out for an Opt 40 seat, that's just a waste of time for everyone involved.
I probably should have added 89D EOD and 12D Diver because they both have about a 2/3rd fail rate and they're both open to volunteer for once you join.
From what I understand, cyber seats don't run dry that fast because the entrance requirements are so high. TS, high scores, and preferably coding and IT experience. The ones that are hard to come by are super low density. Ones like 68F physical therapy assistant, share their school with other services and get a whole 30 or so class seats to the Army a year.
Other unicorn MOS's that go fast because they're small: 31K, 25R, 12M, 88L/K, and about half the 68 CMF.
I probably should have added 89D EOD and 12D Diver because they both have about a 2/3rd fail rate and they're both open to volunteer for once you join.
From what I understand, cyber seats don't run dry that fast because the entrance requirements are so high. TS, high scores, and preferably coding and IT experience. The ones that are hard to come by are super low density. Ones like 68F physical therapy assistant, share their school with other services and get a whole 30 or so class seats to the Army a year.
Other unicorn MOS's that go fast because they're small: 31K, 25R, 12M, 88L/K, and about half the 68 CMF.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SFC (Join to see) - I think it would be great if recruits had the opportunity to talk to experienced counselors like you, but thinking back when I enlisted, probably wouldn't have changed much of anything. At least I had been around the military enough to know some of the rules (service brat, although Dad was Air Force).
Can't be a lot of 12D's in the Engineers. I don't think I ever met one, although some of that could be that I spent all my Engineer time in Divisional Units rather than Corp Level Units.
Can't be a lot of 12D's in the Engineers. I don't think I ever met one, although some of that could be that I spent all my Engineer time in Divisional Units rather than Corp Level Units.
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SFC (Join to see)
CPT Lawrence Cable lol you probably never met them because they're only stationed in Hawaii and Virginia, and maybe one other place. I think there's a grand total of about 100 or so. Kind of like the 12P there are only a few locations, a few of the Soldiers, and they just TDY everywhere.
I've only met two, and it was because they came to brief us, the career counselors, for one of our training events. But it was a very informative brief.
I've only met two, and it was because they came to brief us, the career counselors, for one of our training events. But it was a very informative brief.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SFC (Join to see) - That's about what I figured. Prime Power is a different animal since it's not a entry level MOS and getting selected and through the course is pretty difficult, but I have met several 12P's. As you say, they go TDY about everywhere.
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Do read everything before you sign. Ask questions if you don’t understand. Only written agreements regarding training type and dates matter. Whatever the recruiters say that isn’t in writing is worthless. You are about to sign a multi year contract to change your life forever. Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement. Be willing to wait a few weeks or months to start training if it means you get into the specialty you want. The recruiters’ timeline is important to them so they can meet their quotas.
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What to bring to MEPS? Whatever documents your recruiter tells you to.
To clarify this one: By the time you get to MEPS, you will have an understanding of what you will need to bring to MEPS regarding required documents that MEPS will need to either see or take a copy of (or both). This will include medical history documents, SSN card, Drivers License, etc. Again, your Recruiter will fill you in one what you'll need by the time you get there. It's gonna be a minute before you get there, so don't fret.
What to bring to Basic? Whatever is on the packing list your recruiter gives you.
To clarify this: Bring 3-4 days worth of clothes, to include sox and underwear. You'd be surprised how many folks don't properly plan this. Bring any and all prescribed medications (to include documentation for this). Eye glasses, if worn. DO NOT bring contact lenses. Trust me on this one. Contacts and CS Gas DO NOT PLAY TOGETHER. Toiletries to include shaving kit, tooth brush, tooth paste, floss, body soap. You won't really need shampoo as your head will be shaved, and can be cleaned with the body soap. A good pair of designated running shoes. Shower shoes. 2 black ink pens. A standard watch (do not bring any FITBIT or any other kind of digital watch that links to cell phones). From what I understand, you can bring your cell phone, but know that you will have to surrender it to the Drill Sergeants and can only use it on specific days per their permission/discretion. You can pack all this in a standard backpack.
Now, what NOT to bring: DO NOT bring any tobacco products, any vape products, any CBD products. Do not bring any drugs. No alcohol. No weapons of any kind.
Again, you will get a packing list when the time comes. Again, you have some time before you ship, so don't fret none.
To clarify this one: By the time you get to MEPS, you will have an understanding of what you will need to bring to MEPS regarding required documents that MEPS will need to either see or take a copy of (or both). This will include medical history documents, SSN card, Drivers License, etc. Again, your Recruiter will fill you in one what you'll need by the time you get there. It's gonna be a minute before you get there, so don't fret.
What to bring to Basic? Whatever is on the packing list your recruiter gives you.
To clarify this: Bring 3-4 days worth of clothes, to include sox and underwear. You'd be surprised how many folks don't properly plan this. Bring any and all prescribed medications (to include documentation for this). Eye glasses, if worn. DO NOT bring contact lenses. Trust me on this one. Contacts and CS Gas DO NOT PLAY TOGETHER. Toiletries to include shaving kit, tooth brush, tooth paste, floss, body soap. You won't really need shampoo as your head will be shaved, and can be cleaned with the body soap. A good pair of designated running shoes. Shower shoes. 2 black ink pens. A standard watch (do not bring any FITBIT or any other kind of digital watch that links to cell phones). From what I understand, you can bring your cell phone, but know that you will have to surrender it to the Drill Sergeants and can only use it on specific days per their permission/discretion. You can pack all this in a standard backpack.
Now, what NOT to bring: DO NOT bring any tobacco products, any vape products, any CBD products. Do not bring any drugs. No alcohol. No weapons of any kind.
Again, you will get a packing list when the time comes. Again, you have some time before you ship, so don't fret none.
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CPT (Join to see)
SFC Kelly Fuerhoff - Yes, recruits could show up with only the clothes on their back and they would still be good to go. That said.......... running shoe choices at the PX are going to suck.
I'd at least recommend the running shoes of choice, preferably brand new, and ideally in a simple solid color that doesn't attract attention.
I'd at least recommend the running shoes of choice, preferably brand new, and ideally in a simple solid color that doesn't attract attention.
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MSG (Join to see)
SFC Kelly Fuerhoff - They give recruits a $250 card? That's news to me. I sure didn't get one of those in 1993.
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