Initial Steps in Preparing Yourself in Joining the Military 

1. Meet the recruiter - People leave the military because of retirement, pursuing higher education, pursue a civilian occupation and more. Whatever the reasons these people that leave the military must be replaced. An approximately 353,000 new recruits are being welcomed by the US military. The military must attract qualified applicants and train them to be able to perform its mission. Recruiters play an important role in this process. Advertising is not enough to gain recruits. They are the people who go out and look from schools, communities, youth groups and wherever else that can be reached to keep its numbers strong. Each branch of the armed forces uses different criteria for selecting its recruits. The common denominator is that they employ experienced enlisted personnel to sell their product. The military recruiter is an expert on and advocate of his or her product. Thus, he or she can provide every information, guidance, opinion and stories about the US military. They are mechanics, cooks, administrators, electricians or just about anything you can name working inside the group. They know the enlistment criteria and have good public relations skills.

2. Undergoing the interview - Although most initial interviews with recruiters occur in the recruiter's office, there are instances when the recruiter might suggest another place for the meeting. However, the best setting would be the recruiter's office. Meeting your recruiter at his own office gives you the opportunity to see for yourself his or her environment. Before the interview, your recruiters have asked you to bring most possibly a Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Driver's License or High School Diploma. You may begin the process by bringing along with you your Social Security Card. Dress appropriately for the day and know about the company which you are interviewing. Most information’s can be seen in their websites. Write down the questions which you may have.

3. Determine your enlistment eligibility – Meeting the moral requirements for enlisting is easy as any average law-abiding citizen is qualified to join the military. If you have previous law violations (only minor cases can be tolerated) reveal it right away to your recruiter. Always remember that you need to divulge whatever law violations you had in complete details. Although you had violated laws, you can still join the military by furnishing a moral waiver. Waivers are not automatically granted. The recruiter can offer his or her help for you to be granted waiver. If a particular recruiter refuses to help you with the moral waiver, you can look for another recruiter that can help you with your concerns. The level at which the waiver can be granted depends on the weight of the offense/s. The process may take time depending on the level of approving authority.

4. Writing a statement concerning your law offenses/violation - You will be required to write a statement concerning your law violation. In doing so, it is essential that your letter appears to be sincere and well-thought. It'sthe only way you can tell the waiver-granting authority about yourself. Do not ever sound like your blaming others for the offense. Take responsibility for your actions. Take your time, write neatly, proofread for grammatical errors and double check spelling and grammar. Be polite and do not make derrogatory statements about the authority (police, courts, the judge, etc.) Stress what you can offer to the military (US) such as skill, work ethic, and more.
