Becoming A Soldier

The first thing that you should do before making any decision about joining the Army is that you should talk to a recruiter. Check your local Yellow Pages or go online and find the nearest recruiting office near you. Signing up for the Army is a life changing experience. By talking to a recruiter they can help you get a better picture of what life is like in the Army. When talking to the recruiter they will listen as you tell them your reasons why you want to join and want you expect to get out of it. The recruiter is not there to force you to sign up they are there to help you decide if you are a good match for them.

Here are some questions that you should ask the recruiter when you make an appointment.

Question # 1: Can you explain the recruiting process from the beginning to the end. This way you can have a good idea of what it is like getting through the process.

Question # 2: What are the benefits of why I should join? The recruiter has knowledge that you don’t as far as benefits go. Don’t be afraid to ask them why you should help them. They are looking for strong men and women and just as they want to make sure that you are a good fit, you want to make sure that you fit with them.

Question # 3: There are several options of enlisting; there is ROTC, Army Reserves or Army Active Duty. Can you explain what the difference is in each and which service would best suit me? You want to make sure before joining that the option you choose is the best. You cannot change it once you have signed your contract.

Question # 4: What is entailed in Basic Training? You have to be in great physical and mental condition in order to get through Basic Training. It can be tougher mentally than anything else, so finding out what is expected of you before you join would be a wise option.

Question # 5: What would I Learn in the classroom in Basic Training? Basic Training is not just about pushups and target practice. You have the classroom experience. Not a lot is know about classroom information so make sure that you ask the recruiter, after all they have had firsthand knowledge.

Question # 6: Are there any physical requirements that have to be met before I can enlist? As we said, you have to be in good physical condition. There may be an Army physical that you must clear before they will allow you to sign up. Make sure you ask what are the requirements to enlist.

Joining the Army is perhaps the most important choices that you will have to make. It may sound great on paper but unless you actually talk to someone who has been through it or has firsthand knowledge then you are not going to have all of the facts. It can’t hurt to talk and get some additional information from a recruiter. It would be a good way to start off your possible Army career.