Today, the US armed forces have 39% fewer active personnel than in 1987. The number of soldiers has declined by 3% or less yearly over this period, and it looks set to continue.
The American military is essential not only for the defense of our country but for the defense of our allies and our interests overseas.
If you feel compelled to do your part for your country, want to learn new skills, and gain real-life experience, you might wonder, how do I find a military recruiter near me?
No matter where you live, you will be able to reach a military recruiter. But how do you find one that is suitable for you?
Our guide can help you. Here are 5 tips for finding a military recruiting center.
1. How Do I Find a Military Recruiter Near Me?
Your first step is finding a suitable military recruiter that you can talk to. Distance is key here because you will likely visit multiple times to sign contracts and have further interviews.
If you decide to go ahead, you will need to take the ASVAB – Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test – but this will be at a testing center. Ask your recruiter about your nearest Military Entrance Testing (MET) site.
You can use your zip code to find the closest military recruiters. This is the fastest way, but bear in mind, certain centers offer different programs. It may be wise to call them beforehand or search their specific branch online.
Some military recruiters can guarantee you will be stationed where to want to be. Others will put you wherever you are needed. Be sure to ask this upfront.
You could ask friends or family that joined the military which recruiter they used. Word of mouth is a reliable way to find a great recruiter. When you find a center and feel you’re ready, contact them to book an interview.
2. Know What You Want to Achieve as a Military Recruit
You should be honest with yourself about this part because it will be key when you talk to your military recruiter. Make notes about what salary, qualifications, skills, and experiences you want. You can read about typical 2023 military salaries here.
Recruiting in the military could see you join the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and even the Space Force. All of them require slightly different skill sets and aptitudes; you should plan how you will satisfy those requirements.
You can even enlist as an officer if you have the right level of education; this is called the Recruiting Operations Officers (ROOs) process.
Do you know how long you’d like to serve in the US armed forces? Do you want to commit to the military as a career? You should talk to your recruiter about this when you meet them.
3. Prepare for Your Military Recruiter Interview
Research the role you have in mind beforehand. This will make it easier for you to position yourself as an ideal candidate and boost of chances of getting the role you want.
Search for common questions when recruiting in the military then plan your answers to them. This will help you relax on the day, hopefully helping you speak with greater confidence. We all know that feeling of talking too much when you’re nervous!
This one’s a little obvious, but make sure you dress well for your interview. The military appreciates the effort it takes to don formal attire, and you will appear more professional when you meet your recruiter.
Remember to ask them what you need to bring when you talk on the phone. Do you need any specific documents for your first interview? You should take your ID anyway, but you could need things like a high school diploma too.
Show your sincerity by researching the ASVAB military entry test. You can ask your recruiter some specific questions about when to take it and how to prepare for it. Read some more information about the ASVAB here.
4. Stay Relaxed and Positive
There’s no obligation to sign up when you meet your recruiter. Even when you start to sign contracts, you can still change your mind until you sign your final agreement. Most of the paperwork you will sign up to this point will be to satisfy the rules of formality.
Due to the high standards for military recruiting, you should expect the recruiter to ask some personal questions. The military armed forces need to know about your marital status, health issues, drug use, arrest record, education, and mental health. This is essential to ensure only suitable recruits make it into the US armed forces, a role of high responsibility.
You can ask a friend or family member to go with you if you feel nervous. However, you will look more independent if you can go in alone. Your companion could even wait outside for you if that helps you to relax.
5. Keep in Touch With Your Recruiter
Many US armed forces personnel keep in touch with their military recruiters for their whole careers. Some view their recruiters as the ones who got their boots on the first rung of the ladder. Even if you lose touch, it is wise to stay in contact throughout your transition to military life.
Your military recruiter can help you to prepare for basic training by telling you the requirements and how to meet them. You can also contact them with questions about your station location. It is your recruiter’s job to ensure you have a shot at the career your want, and the best recruiters will help you at every step.
Be the Best Version of Yourself
We hope our guide answered the question, how do I find a military recruiter near me? The military has near-limitless opportunities these days, and you can gain skills tough to acquire elsewhere.
If you feel like going in a new direction, committing to a career, or serving your country as a patriot, the military armed forces could be for you.