As an enlisted recruit, you’ll go to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to determine if you meet all the standards to join the Army, choose a career field, sign your contract, and take the oath. The process takes one to two days and includes lodging and meals.
The steps to MEPS
Your eligibility to join as an enlisted Soldier is evaluated at MEPS. You’ll go through a series of screenings and tests to determine if you meet the physical, mental, and moral standards set by the Army.
Medical evaluation
All recruits complete a medical questionnaire and undergo an evaluation that includes height and weight measurements, hearing and vision exams, urine and blood tests, and drug and alcohol tests. For female recruits, the physical exam requires a pregnancy test and takes place with a female attendant in a private room with a drape or gown provided.
Physical evaluation
Everyone entering the Army must be in good physical health to endure the challenges of Basic Training and military service. Recruits are asked to perform several exercises to evaluate balance and physical ability, which includes muscle group and joint maneuvers.
Find your role in the Army
After completing medical and physical evaluations, you’ll work with your Guidance Counselor to choose your career field. The jobs available to you depend on many factors including your ASVAB scores and what positions are open at the time.
Sign your contract
After finding a career field that fits, you are fingerprinted and undergo a Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI), where questions are asked that may determine ineligibility in joining. If enlisting in the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP), personal conduct rules are communicated to you. With your Guidance Counselor, you will sign your enlistment contract at this time.
Take the Oath
When everything is completed, you will participate in the Oath of Enlistment ceremony. This ceremony is conducted by a commissioned Officer, who also signs your enlistment contract. While every enlisted Soldier takes the Oath of Enlistment, there is no mistaking the personal meaning this moment holds for each recruit—including you.