A to Z Challenge - E is for Enlistment and DEP

Enlisted servicemembers do the hands-on work of the military. They need at least a high school diploma (a GED may or may not be sufficient).

Officers are the managers of the military. Most officer programs require a college degree at minimum, and are very competitive. Many officers have master's or higher degrees.

http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/join-the-military-basic-eligibility.html
 
Before you visit your local recruiter, be sure you meet the minimum qualifications for serving in the US Armed Forces. Some qualifications are required by all five services:

-You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
-You must be at least 17 years old (17-year old applicants require parental consent).
-You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma.
-You must pass a physical medical exam.

For each branch, there are slightly different enlistment requirements:
https://www.thebalance.com/us-military-enlistment-standards-3354017

Age:  17 – 27/39 [depending on branch]
Height:  58 - 80 inches for Army, wider range for Navy
Weight minimum: 91-173 pounds for Army male, depending on height
Weight maximum:  250 at 80 inches, Army male, depending on height
Maximum body fat:  20-25%, depending on age
If you don't meet the height/weight standards but your body fat is acceptable, you can still enlist.
ASVAB test scores
background screening
physical and mental health screening

Individuals going onto active duty Navy enlist first into the DEP [Delayed Entry Program].  In the Army it's called the Future Soldiers Program. This is an actual enlistment into the inactive reserves, with an agreement to report for active duty (to ship out to boot camp) at a specific time in the future. Under current regulations, one can remain in the DEP for up to 365 days.

For the Navy [my son was in the Navy], there are two phases to the delayed entry program. First is the training phase. During this phase, you attend meetings with others who are set to join the Navy. You are also provided study materials and learn the basic knowledge needed about the Navy, including rank systems and ceremonies and drills. You gain essential insight to life in the Navy and have a chance to build relationships with others who are joining. The second phase involves being tested on the information you have learned. As a recruit, you are tested on individual subjects and not on everything at once.

DEP pamphlet [yes my son had to memorize all of this while he was in DEP]

http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/images/guides/011-0144%20(Rev%2012-15)%20Start%20Guide.pdf


What's next for F?
F is for Fitness.  What's with all that PT [physical training]?  How many push-ups are required?  Would YOU qualify?  Come back tomorrow and find out!