Joining the U.S. Military is a big step. The reasons that people do not complete basic training are legion, but the reason that a person does complete basic training successfully comes down to one: You have what it takes to serve.
As you learn about Military service, it is best to gain all the information that you can. If you already know which service or U.S. Forces branch interests you fine. Otherwise, it is a good idea to visit a recruiter with each service, but be sure and tell your recruiter in each case that you are talking to other recruiters with other Service Branches.
It’s important to always take with you a friend or parent. If no one like that is available, then its best to wait until someone is available, sometimes it is necessary to try and recall details and when you are enlisting things can easily become confused. Be prepared to not only learn information, but also to provide info too. The recruiter will ask you a great number of personal information, especially at your first meeting.  Be prepared to answer his or her questions honestly and completely. If you think that will be a problem, it might be best to wait until you can. Questions like “have you ever been arrested?â€Â Or “Have you ever used drugs?†are common, especially during the first interview.
If some of these answers you would rather not have a parent or relative be present for, then take a friend. But avoid going to a recruiter alone, many people have wound up obligated for a term of military service because they misunderstood, or didn’t realize the full scope of what they were getting themselves into.
Before you visit a recruiter, sit down and learn all you can about the service they represent. Not only will it impress the recruiter and perhaps earn you a little respect, but also with good information you will be able to also ask good questions. Be specific. Recruiters are an honest breed for the most part, but they also are required to make a quota, and sometimes if you don’t ask about an issue or concern, they will quietly go to the next item or issue.
This is not to be intentionally dishonest, but they can say that you never inquired. They tend to not intentionally do anything to discourage joining up, unless there is a red flag in you or your background somewhere. If a recruiter promises you the world, ask politely for it in writing. The more important, the more important it is in writing.
