Army Enlisting Guide and Resources About How to Enlist
How to Enlist in the Army Reserve
Quick Facts about The Army Reserve: Terms of service for Army Reserve enlistments range from one to six years. All Soldiers have an eight-year military service obligation (MSO). Soldiers in the Army Reserve may be called to Active Duty service for limited periods of time, typically up to 12 months in times of crisis. Federal law protects Army Reserve Soldiers’ jobs if they’re called to Active Duty. Since 1908, Soldiers in the Army Reserve have served with excellence in military, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, including WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism.
What does the Army Reserve Do
When Active Duty Soldiers deploy overseas, Army Reserve Soldiers often fill their positions at home, serving as Drill Sergeants, instructors and security personnel. In the event of national disasters such as hurricanes or flooding, Army Reserve Soldiers are on the scene to support humanitarian and relief operations.
Soldiers in the Army Reserve use their civilian and military training to safeguard the nation’s data and develop secure communications technologies. They also maintain, process and troubleshoot military information systems.
The Army Reserve responds to chemical and biological threats and provides biohazard training to federal agencies. Army Reserve Soldiers play a crucial role in the maintenance and supervision of nuclear, biological and chemical detection and decontamination equipment.
Soldiers in the Army Reserve operate the transportation and supply systems that keep the Army in motion, supplying troops around the world with everything from Stryker vehicles to mail from home.
During times of both war and peace, Soldiers in the Army Reserve help countries establish or restore governmental institutions and functions. To support this effort, the Army Reserve trains and deploys cultural experts to coordinate with local populations.
Army Reserve Soldiers assist U.S. and foreign governments, militaries and civilian populations during times of peace, crisis and conflict with Psychological Operations (PSYOP). Soldiers analyze, develop and distribute information designed to influence and alter the behavior of foreign populations in a manner favorable to friendly forces.
The Army Reserve staffs most of the Army’s hospitals, triage centers, clinics and field medical care units. Army Reserve medical capabilities often exceed Active Duty’s because Army Reserve Soldiers bring their civilian experience to the table.
Benefits of the Army Reserve
1. Education: Want to go to college or finish your degree? The Army Reserve will help you pay for school — and give you the character and discipline to excel in your studies.
2. Health Care & Insurance: Imagine having the best medical staff and technology available to you. The Army Reserve delivers world-class medical care and group life insurance at affordable prices.
3. Money: From pay to allowances to enlistment bonuses and more, find out how you earn money as a Soldier in the Army Reserve.
4. Job Certification & Retirement: In the Army Reserve, you can earn job certifications and Veterans’ benefits that will help you get ahead in the civilian world.
How to Enlist in Army Bands
And as a member of the Army Band Program, you’ll be given the creative freedom to perform a wide variety of music styles alongside fellow musicians who have the same passion for music that you do. Musicians have been an integral part of the military even before the U.S. Army was created in 1775. From the signal corps drummers in the Revolutionary War to the full brass bands of WWII, music has been a critical part of the Army’s success. Whether it’s a ceremonial performance or a concert to boost the morale of Soldiers, U.S. Army Band members have the unique opportunity to serve their country while making music. The Army Band Program is comprised of 34 Active Duty bands, divided into two distinct groups — Special Army Bands and Traditional Army Bands — each with their own unique mission and qualifications.
Army Bands Throughout History
1756: First American Military Band In The Colonies
1775: Bands Of The Revolutionary War
1777: Trumpets And Drums Call Out Signals
1781: The First Soldier-Musicians
1830s: Brass Instruments Are Added To Bands
1861-1865: Bands In The Civil War
1920s: Pershing Expands The Role Of Army Bands
1940s: Bands In The Second World War
1950s: Bands Play a Part in Korea
1960s and 1970s: Bringing Music to Vietnam
1990: Band Members Perform Many Roles in Desert Storm / Shield
2000 to Current: Bands Remain an Integral Part of the U.S. Army
Benefits of the Army Bands
1. Money for College: The Montgomery GI Bill and the Army College Fund (up to $85,536) or The Army College Loan Repayment Program (up to $65,000) can help you with student loan payments
2. Health care, life insurance and other essential benefits are provided at low or no cost
3. Tuition Assistance pays 100 percent of your educational benefits while on Active Duty
4. Entrance into the Army at an advanced pay grade
5. Travel around the country (and the world) making great music
6. Professional quality instruments, supplies and music provided free of charge
7. Bonuses totaling up to $40,000 may be available depending on the instrument you play and your education level.
How to Enlist in the Army Chaplain Corps
Should you decide to become an Army Chaplain, by participating in the Chaplain Candidate Program (CCP), you will have a head start on entering the Army as a Chaplain, as well as enjoying the many benefits and privileges associated with being an Army officer.
Requirements to be in the Chaplain Corps
1. Obtain an ecclesiastical approval from your denomination or faith group.
2. Educationally, you must possess a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours and be a full-time graduate student at an accredited seminary or theological school.
3. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
4. Be able to receive a favorable National Agency Security Clearance.
5. Pass a physical exam at one of our Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS).
6. Must be at least 18 years of age and not older than 40 years of age at time of appointment.
How to Enlist in the Army Law (JAG Corps)
The JAG Corps is a wide-ranging practice that includes military law and criminal prosecution to international law and legal assistance — both in the U.S. and abroad.
Legal Areas of Practice
Criminal Law
Legal Assistance
Civil Litigation
Administrative Law
Labor Law
International Law
Operational Law
Teaching
Medical Law
Contract Law
Benefits of Jag Corps
Immediate Experience: One of the major reasons attorneys choose the Army JAG Corps is the opportunity to gain experience quickly.
Positive Work Environment: An important benefit of the Army JAG Corps is the positive work environment. Unlike some civilian firms, the Army provides a refreshingly supportive atmosphere.
Educational Opportunities:
Continuous Legal Education (CLE)
Masters of Laws (Military Law)
Masters of Laws (Specialized)
Command and General Staff College
Special Military Training (including Airborne, Ranger and Air Assault Schools)
Long-term Career opportunities
Supervisory positions
Appellate practice
Military judges
Teaching
Requirements to be in Jag
1. Be mentally and physically fit
2. Be of good moral standing and character
3. Pass security clearance and citizenship requirements
4. Have graduated from an ABA-approved law school
5. Have been admitted to the bar of either a federal court or the highest court of any state in the United States or the District of Columbia
6. Applicants must be able to serve 20 years of active commissioned service before reaching the age of 62. Thus, for most applicants, the age requirement is be under the age of 42 at the time of entry onto active duty.
High Profile Cases of Jag
International Military Operations: During international operations, the Army JAG Corps weighs all the evidence before an enemy target can be selected.
Nuremberg: From Benedict Arnold to the Trials at Nuremberg, the Army JAG Corps has been an integral part of history-making cases.
Hurricane Mitch: When the federal government needed help expediting humanitarian efforts in Central America, they called the Army JAG Corps.
Dayton Peace Accord: After years of war, a new Bosnian nation is formed with the help of the Army JAG Corps.
How to Enlist in the Army Health Care (AMEDD)
There are more opportunities to being part of the Army Health Care Team than you think. With a great financial benefits package and continuing educational programs, you can pursue a successful career in your chosen health care field while leading a comfortable and rewarding lifestyle.
Benefits of Army Health care
Active AMEDD Benefits
Reserve AMEDD Benefits
Financial Incentives for Dental Corps
Financial Incentives for Medical Corps
Financial Incentives for Medical Service Corps
Financial Incentives for Medical Specialist Corps
Financial Incentives for Nurse Corps
Financial Incentives for Veterinary Corps
Find out all the benefits of Army Health Care here
List of Specialties and Career Opportunities in the Army Health Care
Allergist
Anesthesiologist
Audiologist
Biochemist
Cardiologist
Child Neurologist
Child Psychiatrist
Civil Engineer
Clinical Immunologist
Clinical Laboratory Officer
Clinical Pharmacologist
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Social Worker
Community Health Nurse
Comprehensive Dentist
Counseling Psychologist
Critical Care Nurse
CRNA
Dentist
Dermatologist
Diagnostic Radiologist
Dietitian
Emergency Medicine Physician
Endocrinologist
Endodontist
Entomologist
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Scientist
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Practice Physician
Flight Surgeon
Gastroenterologist
General Dentist
General Surgeon
Health Services Administrative Assistant
Hematologist
Immunologist
Infectious Disease Physician
Internal Medicine Physician
Laboratory Scientist
Medical Oncologist
Medical-Surgical Nurse
Microbiologist
Midwife
Nephrologist
Neurologist
Neurosurgeon
Nuclear Medicine Physician
Nuclear Medicine Scientist
Nurse Anesthetist
OB/GYN
OB/GYN Nurse
Occupational Medicine Physician
Occupational Therapist
Oncologist
Operating Room Nurse
Ophthalmologist
Optometrist
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Orthodontist
Orthopedic Surgeon
Otolaryngologist
Parasitologist
Pathologist
Pediatric Cardiologist
Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric Medicine Physician
Pediatrician
Periodontist
Perioperative Nurse
Peripheral Vascular Surgeon
Pharmacist
Physiatrist
Physical Therapist
Physician Assistant
Plastic Surgeon
Podiatrist
Preventive Medicine Physician
Prosthodontist
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse
Psychiatrist
Pulmonary Disease Physician
Radiologist
Research Psychologist
Rheumatologist
RN
Sanitary Engineer
Therapeutic Radiologist
Thoracic Surgeon
Urologist
Vascular Surgeon
Veterinarian
Educational Programs offered by Army Health Care
Health Professions Scholarship Program: You can earn a full-tuition scholarship for an accredited medical, dental, veterinary, optometry or clinical and counseling psychology program.
Undergraduate Health Care Education: Here’s your opportunity to finish your bachelor’s degree with fewer financial obligations and more hands-on training.
Graduate Health Care Education: The Army has developed a number of specialized health care training programs, including our nationally recognized Army-Baylor doctorate in physical therapy.
Post-Graduate Health Care Education: Clinical residencies are currently available for recent medical school graduates, dentists, podiatrists and psychology students.
How to Enlist to be in Special Forces
Requirements to be in Special Forces
Be a male, age 20-30
Be a U.S. citizen
Be a high school diploma graduate
Achieve a General Technical score of 107 or higher and a combat operation score of 98 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.
Qualify for a secret security clearance.
Qualify and volunteer for Airborne training
Take Defense Language Aptitude Battery or Defense Language Proficiency Test
Achieve a minimum of 60 points on each event and overall minimum score of 229 on the Army Physical Fitness Test
Must successfully complete the Pre-Basic Task list
Benefits of Being in Special Forces
Enlistment bonus of up to $6,000
Up to $83,488 to further your education
Camaraderie
30 days vacation
Complete medical and dental care
Specialized Army training
Leadership skills
Gear that the Special Forces uses
Halo Helmet
MC-4 Parachute
Night Vision
Re-Breather
Kayak
Inflatable Boat
Long-Range Communications
M-4 Carbine
Climbing Gear
GPS Locator
Helicopters use by the Special Forces
AH-60 BlackHawk
A/M/TH-6 Little Bird
MH-47 Chinook
MH-60K/L Pave Hawk
How to Enlist to be a Linguist
Formal Army language training began in 1941 but linguist roots began long before. Being able to communicate with other countries and understanding foreign cultures is of the utmost importance. The U.S. Army currently employs more than 14,000 soldier-linguists on active duty and in reserve components. They are stationed in countries around the world, in Alaska, Hawaii and the Continental United States.
Testing and Requirements to be a Linguist
The Army uses the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) to evaluate how well a native English speaker can learn a language. The score determines language selection for students at the Defense Language Institute (DLI). The minimum score to attend language training is 105. If you already speak a foreign language, the basic measure of language proficiency is scoring a 2/2 or better on the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT). If no DLPT is available for the language, an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) can be scheduled through DLIFLC.
Benefits of Being a Linguist
In addition to all regular benefits, linguists are paid Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) as an incentive to maintain and improve their language skills. Linguists are paid up to $400 for each language they demonstrate proficiency in up to $1,000 a month.
Programs for Linguists
Skilled Linguist Program (SLP)
Skilled Linguists are soldiers who are already proficient in a foreign language and enlist for Military Intelligence MOS 35P.
Interpreter/Translator (09L)
The nation’s defense depends on information from foreign language newspapers, magazines, radio broadcasts and other sources.
Defense Language Institute (35W and selected)
Don’t know a foreign language but want to learn one? The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLI-FLC) teaches a wide range of languages to meet the nation’s needs.
Foreign Language Recruiting Initiative (FLRI)
The goal of the initiative is to provide young men and women who demonstrate ability in their native Spanish language and achieve a score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) in the Category IV range an opportunity to serve in the U.S. Army.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Training
This training is for qualified applicants who require some improvement in English proficiency.
Quick Guide to Applying
STEP 1 Apply online(OPTIONAL)
You will submit the information needed to join the Army through its Web site. An Army recruiter will contact you to determine if you have the qualifications necessary to become part of the finest military organization in the world.
STEP 2 Talk to a recuiter
Think of an Army recruiter as your guide to the Army and the best resource to answer questions about joining. Recruiters are ready with the know-how to help navigate your military future.
STEP 3 Learn about ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test that helps you better understand your strengths and is one of the things that helps identify which Army job is best for you.
STEP 4 Visit MEPS
The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is where you’ll go to join the Army. You will get a full physical, select your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), and be sworn in as a Soldier in the U.S. Army.
Learn More about joining.
I am a teacher in Michigan. I grew up in Florida and have lived here in MI for close to 15 years. I enjoy writing and skiing in my spare time.
Related Research For Teachers, Students, and Kids
History and Facts about the Decline of the Roman Empire The decline of the Roman Empire was brought...
When was Vatican City Founded? The Vatican City, or Holy See, is the smallest independent state in ...
How does fatherhood change your life? Becoming a father can be a seismic, often traumatic, change i...
Brief Biography of Dwight D. Eisenhower Dwight D. Eisenhower nicknamed "Ike" was a five-star genera...
Brief Biography of Ulysses S. Grant Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States an...
Follow and Socialize The Free Resource
