5 answers
5 answers
Updated
John’s Answer
Hey Gabriel,
All good advice so far. One thing I would add, when the time comes that you actually enlist or get a commission as an officer (if you go ROTC or to an Academy) make sure that anything you want is included in your contract. If it isn't in the contract, there is no guarantee at all. The only guarantee is the written contract.
This is not to say that anyone will try to trick you, but they might and this is the best way to stay safe.
All good advice so far. One thing I would add, when the time comes that you actually enlist or get a commission as an officer (if you go ROTC or to an Academy) make sure that anything you want is included in your contract. If it isn't in the contract, there is no guarantee at all. The only guarantee is the written contract.
This is not to say that anyone will try to trick you, but they might and this is the best way to stay safe.
Updated
stefan’s Answer
Hi Gabriel,
As Mackenzie K. replied, you can talk to recruiters at an early age. Don’t go alone, make sure you have an adult family member or friend go with you. You still have to be 18 to join on your own or 17 with your parent or guardian’s permission. It’s good to do your research and plan in advance. Don’t limit yourself to one branch of the military. Talk with different branches and different recruiters. Remember recruiters are trying to fill jobs that they need filled. Ask a lot of questions to find the best opportunity for you. If you are not sure, but still want to try the military, consider going part time in the Reserves or National Guard. If you enjoy the military experience, you can then volunteer to go full time active duty. However, if you don’t like it you can still be called up to go full time if they need you. Good luck!
As Mackenzie K. replied, you can talk to recruiters at an early age. Don’t go alone, make sure you have an adult family member or friend go with you. You still have to be 18 to join on your own or 17 with your parent or guardian’s permission. It’s good to do your research and plan in advance. Don’t limit yourself to one branch of the military. Talk with different branches and different recruiters. Remember recruiters are trying to fill jobs that they need filled. Ask a lot of questions to find the best opportunity for you. If you are not sure, but still want to try the military, consider going part time in the Reserves or National Guard. If you enjoy the military experience, you can then volunteer to go full time active duty. However, if you don’t like it you can still be called up to go full time if they need you. Good luck!
Updated
Marianne’s Answer
I'm not sure that there is any true age you have to be in order to talk with a recruiter. Many will talk with high school teenagers. Many recruiting stations have a program where those who think they are interested in the military can come to the recruiting station at least once a week and work out with others in preparation for the physical fitness tests and basic training. You cannot, however, join a military branch until you are 17 years of age (with parental written consent) or 18 (without parental consent). If you are thinking about joining the military this is a good way to get information. I do, however, suggest you have a parent talk with the recruiter as well....whether it is with you at the initial meeting or afterwards. It is always good to have others hear what you do in case you want to talk anything over. They may also think of questions you don't. I would also pay attention to how firm of a commitment they can make you. For example, if you join the army because you want to train as a helicopter pilot and you are told they will TRY to place you in that job, it isn't the same as a guarantee they will.
I will also put in a plug for the Boys Scouts of America. The highest rank a scout can achieve is Eagle. When applying for the military, it is my understanding that anyone who is an Eagle Scout coming into the military automatically gets bumped one rank up.
I will also put in a plug for the Boys Scouts of America. The highest rank a scout can achieve is Eagle. When applying for the military, it is my understanding that anyone who is an Eagle Scout coming into the military automatically gets bumped one rank up.
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
You are able to speak with a military recruiter at any time. You must be at least 17 years of age with parental consent to actually enlist in the military, I signed up at 17 and shipped off to basic training at the end of my junior year in high school.
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James’s Answer
You can talk to a recruiter pretty much whenever. They will likely be at your high school trying to make contact with you. You can make your intention known that you want to join, but you can't really do much until you turn 17. At that age, you can join with the permission of a parent. At 18, you are an adult, and you can do as you please.
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