What should I expect when meeting my recruiter for the first time?

2018-04-05T22:22:40-04:00

So im going to meet my recruiter tomorrow morning, and i dont know what to expect... My packet with all my information is complete thanks to A.C.E (Army Career Explorer)... i dont know what i should ask him, what's going to happen? Am i gonna take the ASVAB there at the recruiters office? Im lost lol. Also, what happens at MEPS, and after MEPS...

Response by CH (COL) Geoff Bailey made Apr 5 at 2018 10:24 PM

2018-04-05T22:24:43-04:00

The recruiter will walk you through the process and a lot of paperwork. I’d encourage you to write down a list of questions so that you can remember to ask them all.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Apr 5 at 2018 10:34 PM

2018-04-05T22:34:44-04:00

Do you have any careers you want to follow through the army first?
depending on your career path or options a lot of questions can be formulated.

As the chap Bailey said. Just let your recruiter walk you through the process.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2018 11:14 PM

2018-04-05T23:14:53-04:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member I would take a couple of pens and a tablet with the questions that you want answered and also to take good notes. If the recruiter tells you something and you do not understand, ask for clarification. Do not leave with unanswered questions. Good luck.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Apr 6 at 2018 8:49 AM

2018-04-06T08:49:10-04:00

You should Take the practice test; take your social and ID with you. Tell them what kind of job you want or interestsd in. When they tell you what your options then see about a bonus, GI BILL and more incentives they can get your for each job you want. Find a job you like not what everyone else is doing!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2018 9:15 AM

2018-04-06T09:15:04-04:00

Your recruiter should be able to answer your questions. Just don't feel pressured to sign anything. Take the time you need to ensure you're making the right decision.

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 6 at 2018 9:21 AM

2018-04-06T09:21:46-04:00

Just don't sign anything your first time in the office. I think I went to 3 or 4 times before I went through MEPS. Its 4 years of your life so make sure you're happy, not the recruiter. That's not to say they're bad people, but they have a job to do and you need to make sure the job you'll essentially be stuck in for half a decade is what you want to do.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 6 at 2018 10:21 AM

2018-04-06T10:21:57-04:00

1. How the hell do you rate PVT if you haven't enlisted yet? 2. They are people- you go in with questions, they have questions- you talk, you come to a decision and move forward. You can take the ASVAB there, then you will talk more about what is open and what you qual for. MEPS is where you go for your medical exams, advanced testing (if warranted) and eventually swearing in and then departure to Basic or OSUT.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2018 11:38 AM

2018-04-06T11:38:06-04:00

First, is what is your ASVAB score. He can try and sell you the world but without your ASVAB score it’s all talk. Treat the whole thing like you are buying a car and you are going in to meet a used car salesman. He is going to show you the process and possibles but without checking your credit score (ASVAB Score) he doesn’t know what he can get you into. So until that score comes in just listen and see if anything interests you. One step at a time.

Response by SFC Stephen Atchley made Apr 6 at 2018 11:45 AM

2018-04-06T11:45:53-04:00

Best advice I've seen from the answers is do not sign anything on your first visit.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2018 1:19 PM

2018-04-06T13:19:00-04:00

Once you take your ASVAB and receive your scores you will then be able to see what your qualify for.
Then, decide if you want to be Active duty (full-time) or a Reservist (part-time). Active duty, you will have your choice of jobs, if they're available and if you qualify, but your location will be subject to the needs of the Army. As a Reservist, you choose where you live but there may not be as many available jobs in your area or you may be asked to travel for your weekend drills.
Next, depending on your scores, decide if you want to be enlisted, warrant officer, or an officer.
Officers are leaders, you will need at least a bachelor degree or you can request ROTC through a participating college, if you qualify.
Warrant officers are subject matter experts in their field. It would be a challenge but if there's a job you like the look of, you should push for it, if you qualify.
Enlisted are the backbone of the Army, it's where the work gets done. You are able to switch throughout your career but it's difficult and requires a considerable amount of paperwork.
Lastly, pick a job (MOS) you like the look of, and couple of backups. Throughout your career you are able to switch MOS' but don't let a recruiter sign you up for something with the promise that you can switch later. Make them work for you and get the career you want from the start.

Bottom line, if the recruiter doesn't have the job you want or cannot offer you a decent bonus come back another day or go to a different recruiting station. Do some research online, find the position that interests you and hold out for out for it.

Response by SPC David Cundiff made Apr 6 at 2018 2:52 PM

2018-04-06T14:52:07-04:00

I went to MEPS yesterday and it wasn't that bad. The day before I went to the recruiting station and got a shuttle to the Little Rock MEPS station, I took my TAPAS and then went to the hotel that night. We woke up at 0430 and met up in the lobby at 0530 and went to the station. While we were there we placed our bags in storage after bag check and we went to introduction then to the medical portion of it. We were required to take urine, blood, vision, audio, and get a interview with the doctor. When were were done with that we went into a big lobby like area stripped and got body height, weight, and BMI while also being check for moving joints to see if we had anything wrong with joints. When were were done it was about 1131. I got airborne qualified and did another physical in addition to earlier, while everyone ate and visited the counselor. Which then i went to the counselor filled everything out, then went and did my fingerprints. After all that A couple of us met up watched a video on Articles 83, 85,86 then went and sworn in, when done we finished filling out the enlistment for DEP and were able to leave via shuttle, recruiter, or personal vehicle.