Going to see that Recruiter the very first time can be stressful. It does not have to be however. The job of the recruiter is to help YOU, even though it does not always seem like that. Remember that by being polite, asking lots of questions, and giving everything a lot of thought you will remain in the drivers seat about your own future. If you are not satisfied with the deal or the options you are presented when investigating the Military then you can and should just walk away.
To enlist in the military you have to have some sort of idea of what you wish to do. What are your qualifications? What are your interests? What do you like to do? What are you good at, and what skills or tasks would you like to learn? Going on the Internet a head of time is a great idea, look up different jobs with the different services and have a good idea of what you want to do as an enlisted member of the U.S. Military. Choose the two top branches of the military that interest you and that have jobs or tasks that you think you would be interested in doing. Look for things that not only match your interests, but also look for jobs that match your aptitudes and skills. If you are good in math and science, then a job that involves equipment or communications may be for you, if you are in excellent physical shape and like being hands on, maybe the infantry is for you.
Make a written list of questions that you want to know. Write down everything that you can think of, and then ask your parents, friends, even other people that you know of things to talk to the recruiter about. Ask about guaranteed schools, guaranteed jobs, and also about the guaranteed aptitude program if you are joining the Army. Bring a piece of paper or better yet, a notebook and write stuff down. Take notes. There is no such thing as a dumb question.
Call ahead and arrange an appointment, it is a lot easier than just walking in. Talk to the recruiter when you have an hour or more to spend, and take your time, its not something you want to rush into. Take a friend with you to the appointment; two heads are better than one.
Don’t sign anything at this stage. You simply don’t have to yet. Make sure it is what you want to do, and if it is, then go forward. But you will at least know it’s what you want if you have done all your preparation and homework
