What are the Dos and Don'ts of enlistment and what advice should I have in mind?

2022-07-13T17:49:17-04:00

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.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2022 5:52 PM

2022-07-13T17:52:04-04:00

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.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 13 at 2022 7:29 PM

2022-07-13T19:29:35-04:00

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.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jul 13 at 2022 8:48 PM

2022-07-13T20:48:16-04:00

Did you read anything he gave you before you filled it out or signed anything? You have to be sure to read everything before you sign anything.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2022 9:22 PM

2022-07-13T21:22:04-04:00

Presume anything you sign with the Army is going to be shredded and thrown away. They lose things a lot.

This is your warning. If you learn it now at MEPS you will be golden the rest of your career. Make copies of everything, digitize it, keep it where you know you will never lose it (hard copy and electronic) and never hand over originals if you don't have to. Never hand over your last copy of anything.

**********
True story.........

We were finishing our MOS training and out processing before the last of our final few days. While standing out side it was extremely windy. A recruit lost control of her papers, and the wind took them. The worst of it was it took them UP!!!!!!!!!!!!! They went so far UP that visual was LOST on them.

True story again...........

Here I am 10 years later, having completed my Captains Career Course (needed for promotion to Major), and the Army continues to not update my career record reflecting competition of such. I continue to go back and forth with Human Resources and my Branch Managers.

I literally have to prove I'm a commissioned officer and my area of expertise is Quartermaster and Logistics. It's insane. If I just walked out the door of graduation and didn't keep track of every single little thing during the span of my career that would be the end of me.

Encourage your peers as well.......... Ask a Drill SGT what they think.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2022 12:03 AM

2022-07-14T00:03:44-04:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member Great advice has been provided regarding your question. During Basic, listen closely and be observant. Always put forth your best effort and never quit. You will make mistakes as we all do. Learn from your mistakes, and do not make the same mistake twice. Good luck on new challenges and adventures.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2022 4:55 AM

2022-07-14T04:55:24-04:00

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.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Jul 15 at 2022 11:32 AM

2022-07-15T11:32:49-04:00

Logan, do limit yourself to just one branch. Talk with all the recruiters and see who offers you what you want. Me, personally, for technical training rate the services as follows: [1] Navy [2] Air Force/Space Force [3] Army [4] Marines. Electronic training, I rate the same. Whatever branch you choose, I wish you success.