A significant number of women are employed in various ground support areas of the army’s domestic and international operations, and even in combat-related positions. However, because the US Army selects only the best of the best men and women candidates for enlistment, all female aspirants wishing to join it must pass ALL relevant tests at MEPS – Military Entrance Processing Station.

If you are a female with passion to serve the US Army AND your country, here’s what you need to know about MEPS.

Where you’ll stay

Twin-sharing, overnight accommodation, with or without meals, is provided free for female MEPS applicants. Telephone calls and other personal expenses will be borne by you.

Things you’ll need

You’ll need to bring your birth certificate; driver’s license; social security card; school/college certificates; and smart, comfortable clothing and underwear suited to weather conditions where the MEPS is located.

What not to bring

MEPS means business and isn’t a party venue. So, refrain from carrying items such as – jewelry and other valuables; expensive wrist watches; portable music players and headphones; and excess cash.

Tests you’ll undergo

At MEPS, you’ll undergo comprehensive medical and physical tests to determine whether or not you’ll be medically fit for army service. However, BEFORE you do so, request a ‘medical technician’ for help in completing the personal ‘medical questionnaire’.

Another extremely important test, you’ll require to pass with good scores, is the ASVAB- Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery – a multiple-discipline, test that will reveal which MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) job will be ideal for you.

Final signup and oath

On successful completion of your medical, physical and ASVAB tests, a service liaison counselor will advise you on all aspects of the enlistment contract that you will be required to sign.

Once you have the necessary information, you will then attend a final interview; receive pre-enlistment briefing; and be finger-printed for the FBI database/clearance.

This will be followed by a simple ceremony, during which you will sign the enlistment contract, and take “the oath”- swearing allegiance to the US Army and to your country.

Are you hungry for more info? Click here.

One needn’t hazard a guess as to WHAT or WHO powers the US Army, and makes it the most powerful combat machines of its kind on the planet. That’s because the answers are evident in the title of this article itself.

In terms of enlisted, active-duty and Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) numbers, the US Army is the largest branch of the US Military, and although few people may know, the army has different categories of soldiers who combine to make it the powerful, efficient fighting force it is. The following are the brave men and women who man the different categories of personnel in the army.

Soldiers Who Train – Warrant Officers

These are exceptionally talented and experienced trainers who specialize in ONE specific field. Warrant Officers use their extensive experience to impart the skills and knowledge gained in their specialty to new recruits, army commanders, and members of other ranks who have also chosen to specialize in the same field.  

Soldiers Who Lead – Commissioned Officers

These are true leaders who lead their men from the front, even on the most dangerous missions. Commissioned Officers design meticulous, combat mission plans and strategies; are able to adapt swiftly to sudden changes in combat environments; are extremely good decision makers; and are also inspirational role models to their juniors whom they treat with respect, at all times.

Soldiers Who Follow – Enlisted Personnel

Enlisted soldiers form the bulk of the US Army. They attend rigorous training programs, and being brave and highly motivated, willingly follow their commanding officers and seniors, during the most dangerous combat missions. Enlisted personnel honor and respect the army’s chain-of-command protocol, and will obediently follow the orders of their seniors, every time.

Soldiers Who Serve – Active-duty Personnel

Active-duty personnel serve the army “full-time”, with terms of duty between 2 and 6 years. In peacetime, such soldiers carry out a variety of routine, daily duties and chores, in parallel with regular army training. On-base, Active-duty soldiers enjoy most of the leisure, entertainment, and recreational activities that their civilian counterparts do.  

Soldiers Who Wait – Reserve-duty Personnel

Reserve-duty personnel serve the army “part-time”, with terms of duty between 1 and 6 years. While not in service, Reserve-duty personnel continue with their civilian life and jobs. They are required to train just one weekend a month, and attend a 2-week FTX (Field Training Exercise) once a year.

Are you hungry for more info? Click here.

ARMY SPECIAL FORCES – “GREEN BERETS”

The US Army’s formidable ‘Green Berets’ are recognized, respected and feared by opponents of every shade and color around the world. Their fearsome reputation as “the ultimate fighting force” has been earned through a long history of valor, sacrifice and victory, during some of the fiercest battles and major wars the world has ever seen.

So, what makes these men of steel the lean, mean fighting machine they are? What would it take to become one of them? Here are 2 factors that are central to the making of Green Berets.

Green Berets have endurance – Incomparable Basic Training

Army Green Berets undergo – what is unanimously believed by military and army experts – the most rigorous of training programs, when compared to those that all other regular military or army combat soldiers attend.

From swimming in ice-cold water, to long heavily-weighted down walks and runs, from being sleep-deprived for long stretches of time, to learning brutal survival techniques, the Green Berets does them all.

Green Berets are multi-skilled – Diverse training programs

Army Green Berets also enjoy the distinction of having the highest number of diverse skills training programs in the US Military. These programs are comprehensive in nature, and help Green Berets to perform precisely, efficiently, and with deadly force during covert combat missions when called upon to do so.

Some of the most critical skills members of this elite force acquire, include – hand-to-hand combat; foreign languages; intelligence; ordnance demolition and disposal; underwater swimming; canoeing; weapons handling and maintenance; rappelling; parachuting; yachting; and search and rescue under such harsh climatic conditions/locations as built up urban areas and inner cities, deserts, dense jungles, hilly and mountainous terrain, swamps, and water/snow-bound areas.

Are you hungry for more info? Click here.

If your search for the ideal career or job has taken the wind out of your sails, change course in the right direction … head for the US Army. Whether you are aware or not, unlike most companies in the private sector, the US Army is one of the safest options to build a bright, fruitful career, one that is fully insulated from the ill-effects of recession.

So, BEFORE you proceed to join, learn WHY the US Army is a GOOD option in a BAD economy. Here are a few good reasons.

Army jobs have iron-clad guarantees

Unlike most jobs in the private sector, army jobs have iron-clad, guarantees as they are fully backed by the Department of Defense and the Federal Government of the US. As a result, you can be sure your paychecks will remain unaffected and be paid on time, as will ALL the benefits you are eligible to receive.

Isn’t this better than rampant pay cuts or layoffs in a bad economy?  

Army jobs are unlimited in number

The US Army is the largest of all US Military branches by sheer force of enlisted and reserve-duty numbers. Moreover, given its mega size, global presence, and reach, it is but natural to expect the US Army to have an unlimited number of administrative, technical, and combat-related jobs available at all times, in addition to a myriad of other ground support jobs.

Could you expect similar employment potential in a bad economy?

Army jobs offer far more benefits

IN addition to providing you with exceptional administrative, technical, organizational, leadership, motivational, and other high-value skills, the US Army also offers you a package of recession-proof benefits that most private sector companies may struggle to match. In the US Army you’ll be entitled to free on-base housing, food, healthcare and utilities; access to all civilian-type recreational and other facilities and services; attractive enlistment bonuses and special pay; substantial monetary assistance for a college education; timely retirement plans, and a lot more.

Could you really expect such benefits in a bad economy?

Are you hungry for more info? Click here.

The US Army has its own enlistment process that’s far different than what you’d experience when applying for a civilian job. It is one way the army ensures they have the right candidates, and which ultimately makes it the much respected and highly potent fighting force it is.

Here is a brief outline of the sequential steps/process for enlistment in the US Army, until graduation as a formal army soldier.

Step One
Consult a recruiter

This is NOT part of the actual enlistment process, but an important first step you’ll need to take. An authorized US Army recruiter will be an important and reliable source for comprehensive, information on all aspects of the enlistment process, as well as the life you can expect in the army.

Step Two
Meet basic requirements

Successful enlistment requires that you meet some basic requirements that specify that you need to be a bona fide US citizen, or have ‘permanent resident alien’ status; fall within the 17 to 41-year age group; posses a High School Diploma, or equivalent; be of sound moral character; enjoy robust physical and mental health; and be free of any harmful addictions or habits.

Step Three
Undergo extensive tests

To determine whether or not you have the qualities to be a successful soldier of the US Army, you will be required to pass an ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) – a multi-discipline, aptitude test which will enable you to choose the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) job of your choice; You will also be required to pass a series of comprehensive medical and physical tests at a MEPS Military Entrance Processing Station).

On successful completion of this stage of enlistment, you’ll take an oath to serve the US Army, while signing your enlistment contract. When this is done, you’ll be shipped out for an approximately, 9-week basic (boot camp) training program. After graduating here, you’ll then be required to attend AIT (Advanced Individual Training) in the MOS field chosen.

Step Four
Formal induction

After all the above steps have been successfully completed, you will be formally inducted as a full-fledged, active-duty soldier of the US Army. Of course, you will be required to agree to a minimum of 3 years of active-duty service, before you are formally inducted.

Are you hungry for more info? Click here.

Over the past year, the US Army has witnessed a marked increased in recruitment numbers and, much to the delight of people that matter in the Pentagon and Department of Defense, statistics on current recruitment numbers suggest that this trend appears to be continuing.

Reasons why people join the army

One needn’t hazard a guess WHY a growing number of people are turning to the US Army for jobs or to build rewarding army careers, because the reasons are clear, compelling, and too many to describe here. However, below are a few worth mentioning:

-         Opportunity to serve the country with pride and honor.
-         Dearth of jobs in the private sector owing to snail-paced economic recovery from recession.
-         Desire for a more challenging and action-packed job and work environment.
-         Acquire high-value, technical skills for a lucrative career in post-army, civilian life.
-         Increased enlistment age limit from 34 to 42
-         Army paychecks, benefits, sign-up bonuses, training programs, and travel opportunities.

Although new recruits will attribute their decision for enlistment to one or more, or all the above reasons, the last one was found to be one of the most compelling reasons to most.

One of the most important reasons

As army jobs are full backed by the Dept. of Defense, army paychecks and benefits are completely insulated from recession. So, you can rest assured you’ll receive the pay and benefits you’re owed, ON time … EVERY time. And talking of benefits, you’ll receive free on-base housing; palatable food; professional healthcare; high-value enlistment bonuses; generous financial aid for education; 30-day paid vacations; valuable retirement plans; and a lot more.

Are you hungry for more info? Click here.

If you are female, the answer is, “No.” The Army Special Forces are not open to women. Although there are thousands of other excellent career opportunities for women in the military, Army Special Forces is not one of them.

The Army’s Special Forces, also known as the Green Beret, are an elite, world-class fighting force. They operate in every geographical region on earth, under the harshest conditions, performing the impossible on a regular basis. During domestic peacetime, this fighting force is at the cutting edge of search and rescue efforts and friendly foreign defense missions. Leading these trained professionals requires high levels of professionalism, self-control, organization, initiative and intelligence in peacetime operations as well as in combat.

You are just a click away from more information about joining the United States Army.

As an Army Special Forces Officer, you will be responsible for mission organization, debriefing mission objectives and outfitting your 12-man Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) for counter-terrorism, direct action, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance and unconventional war scenarios. You will receive extensive and specialized training that includes Airborne, Ranger School, and Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), among others.

You must be a natural leader, a man that others can count upon to perform his duties, to be courageous, physically fit, and to be a man of integrity. Mission accomplishment is the only measurement of success in the Army Special Forces and fast decision making skills are mandatory. Physical, moral and intellectual fortitude are only the most basic ingredients to what is ultimately a superior warrior and leader, an Army Special Forces Officer.

Photo Courtesy of:

When searching for good jobs in the private sector, chances are, you won’t find too many doors open to you. Of course, if you take a look at today’s dismal, unemployment figures, you’ll know just why qualified, new job seekers, and the many made redundant by recession, are searching hard to find civilian employers who could open a door to lucrative jobs and utilize their skills.

Well, if you’re still looking for that “door” … you’ll find one left wide open by none other than the US Army. Being the largest branch of the US Military, the army offers an unlimited number of ‘full’ and ‘part-time’ jobs and career paths to match just about every civilian skill there is.

So, if you possess the skills and experience in a particular discipline, the US Army will have a job that fits.

Are you good in administration?

If you possess appreciable administrative and organizational skills, all areas of the army’s enormous range and variety of ground support services have openings to match those skills. As such, you’ll find jobs in general office administration; accounts and finance; storekeeping; purchase and material supply; human resources; and a lot more.  

Are you an expert in computers?

The US Army has technologically-advanced computer, IT, communications, navigation, and several other systems that need to be well maintained and operational at all times. Given the variety and nature of such systems, the army offers such career fields and jobs as radio operations, imagery and intelligence analysis, network switching systems operations, linguist cryptology and many more.

Are you a multi-lingual speaker?

If you are able to read, write and speak any foreign language other than English that the army considers much-wanted for a particular area of work within the institution, or an area where the army is deployed (e.g. Afghanistan; Iraq, the Middle East) … the Army will not only grab you, but pay you extremely well, too.

Are you hungry for more info? Click here.

One notable and commendable point about US Army Reserve members is their continuing commitment to serve the country for long periods of time, even after successful completion of their respective terms of active-duty service. It is this exemplary, commitment that should inspire people like you to put country before self, at all times.

The gallant men and women of the US Army Reserve perform multiple roles after completion of their active-duty terms, the important ones of which are outlined below.  

Homeland Security
Keeping the country safe within

Army Reserve members are in a continuous state of readiness, and are therefore swiftly able to fill in the void, if and when active-duty soldiers are deployed abroad in times of crisis, or war. Additionally, in the event of natural or manmade disasters, Army Reservists perform search and rescue operations, closely support humanitarian missions, and provide swift relief to those affected.

Information Technology
Keeping key systems operational

Safety and consistent operational performance of the military’s information technology and other technologically-advanced, communications systems are critical to its efficiency, and the country’s national defense. This is where the skills of experienced Army Reservists come into play. Network Administrators and IT specialists of the Army Reserve carry out regular processing, maintenance and trouble shooting tasks involving key communications and IT systems of the military.

Logistics
Keeping supply lines streamlined

Keeping transport and supply lines up and running at all times is another important role carried out by Army Reservists. In peacetime and wartime, ‘transportation coordination managers’ and ‘motor transportation operators’ of the Army Reserve assist in ferrying troops, equipment and supplies anywhere in the world, when and where required.  

Medical Services
Keeping personnel in good health

Army Reservists have the edge in providing professional medical services to military personnel as they have the added benefit of further skills acquired in civilian life. This is why a majority of personnel working in land-based army hospitals, triage centers, clinics, and field medical care facilities, are Army Reservists.

Are you hungry for more info? Click here.

Perhaps, you’ve seen them in war movies with the letters “MP” proudly emblazoned on the band around their arms, or maybe you’ve seen them in real life. These are the brave Military Police (MPs) employed by the US Military, the US Army in particular … and the multiple roles they play seldom get the attention they rightfully deserve.

So, if you looking for a job that offers action, challenges, and all the attractive, standard benefits that military personnel are eligible to, perhaps, it’s a good idea to consider enlisting with the US Army to receive training as an MP.

Multiple roles MPs play

Although unknown to many, MPs perform multiple roles. These include criminal investigation; fingerprinting; interrogation of suspects; submission of evidence and testimonies in court; on-base law enforcement; riot control; search and rescue; provision of security for transport; traffic control; and a lot more. As an MP you can specialize in carrying out such tasks through free, intensive training programs offered by the US Army.

Multiple benefits MPs earn

MPs are treated with as much importance by the US Army as all other personnel on the force. Therefore as an MP, you AND your family can expect to receive some valuable benefits. These include attractive pay; free on-base training; free army housing; free utilities; excellent food; comprehensive healthcare; paid leave; great retirement plans; and a host of on-base, civilian-type amenities for an active, enjoyable lifestyle.

Multiple jobs after service

Given the intensive training, and multiple skills you acquire during your term as MP, you can expect to find lucrative jobs in the private sector after your term of duty. As such, you’ll find paying jobs offered by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as those involving airport, industrial and commercial security, among several others.

    Are you hungry for more info? Click here.