Having to do with wars, soldiers or armies
Military and National Guard Reserves: 7 Best Tips When Visiting a Recruiter
If you’ve been considering joining the National Guard Reserves or the Military, you should prepare before visiting your recruiter. Recruiters are committed, highly-trained, and honest personnel who’ll assess whether you’ll be suited. We’ve prepared this guide to help you.
1. Familiarize Yourself With the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
You must score well on the ASVB test to get the job you want. However, getting a good score doesn’t guarantee getting the position you want. Your physical fitness, education level, security requirements, and eyesight will also influence your given job. Also, the specific job you want may not be available at the time of your application. Always consider the possibility of another position, service, or similar job you want.
2. Choose Your Station
Some services can guarantee the first station where you’ll be signed for duty. Remember to ask. However, remember that you may be required to serve elsewhere after your first station.
3. Pick Your Starting Date
You can choose your start date by using the Delayed Entry Program. To use it to your advantage, inform your recruiter of the earliest date that you can start basic training.
4. Higher Rank and Pay
If you have special or higher education and training, you may qualify to receive a higher rank and pay. Junior ROTC, Civil Air Patrol, or Eagle Scout experience and training may be available. Be sure to mention this to your recruiter.
5. Be Sure Of Your Commitment
The shortest enlistment contract requires you to be available for two years. This includes active duty and four years as an inactive reserve. Standard enlistment contracts include four or six years of active service. This is then followed by inactive reserve commitment.
6. Process and Contract
When visiting a recruiter, you’re under no obligation. However, you may be asked to sign some paperwork before taking the ASVAB test. The standard procedure may also require that you sign additional paperwork. The enlistment process takes time, and you can change your mind at any stage before the final enlistment agreement is signed.
In addition, be sure to check the enlistment contract for any errors as these may create problems in the future. Ensure the agreement is 100% correct before signing. Lastly, get everything in writing. If you have discussed guarantees as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), college funds, bonuses, or more, make sure it’s all stipulated in your enlistment contract.
7. Buddy System
There are some services where friends can sign up together. This system allows for you and your friend to go through training together, and you’ll also get stationed together. You could both start with an advanced rank and better pay just because you joined together.
Closing Thoughts
It’s important to remember that when you sign up to serve in the military or the National Guard Reserves, you’re completely honest with your recruiter. Before you enlist, you should understand that serving is not a regular profession. Quitting when it gets tricky is not an option. You’ll be required to be diligent, dedicated, and 100% committed to teamwork and service.
Sources
https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/recruiting-10-tips.html
