Applying for Army Jobs: The Complete Guide

Applying for Army Jobs: The Complete Guide

If you’re looking to get into the military, the question isn’t if you should join, but which branch of the service you should choose. 

The Army offers plenty of great jobs with excellent opportunities and benefits, including education assistance and several bonuses and incentives to enlist. If you’re thinking about joining up but need a little more information about how to apply for army jobs, check out this guide to learn everything you need to know!

Getting Started

Applying for an army job is a process that begins with finding the right job for you. Once you've found the perfect fit, you'll need to gather the required materials and fill out an application. The next step is to take and pass any necessary exams, and then you'll be scheduled for an interview. 

Following these steps will help ensure that you have the best chance of being hired for the job you want. The first thing you should do when applying for army jobs is find the position that's most appropriate for your skillset. 

It's important to remember that every job has different requirements and qualifications, so it's essential to find one that fits what you're looking for. When deciding on a specific role in the military, it's also important to consider how much time commitment it would require as well as what kind of benefits come with it. 

For example, if you are looking at becoming an enlisted soldier or someone who works in supply chain management or IT support there are typically lower time commitments than if you were interested in becoming a pilot or combat medic. 

If you can't decide on just one potential career path, look for jobs that offer both options. Doing this means that even if you don't get the job you applied for, there will still be opportunities available to suit your needs. 

A successful applicant must not only meet all education and experience criteria but also pass any related tests before they can move onto their interview stage. 

There are two main types of tests used during the hiring process - general knowledge tests and professional qualification tests. General knowledge tests include medical qualification exams, security clearance exams (such as through NSA) and drug screenings (such as through ADE). 

Professional qualification tests often include some form of assessment by HR professionals which evaluates both academic achievement and relevant work experience.

Getting Selected at a Military Entry Processing Station (MEPS)

The first step in joining the Army is completing the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). At MEPS, you will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, have a physical examination, and meet with a counselor to discuss your job options. 

After you have completed these steps, you will be given a list of jobs to choose from. Once you have chosen your job, you will be given a date to report for basic training. 

You will need to bring some items with you to MEPS, including your birth certificate, social security card, and driver's license. You will also need to bring any medications that you are currently taking. 

Bring enough clothing to last until you receive your uniform. The most important thing you can do is show up on time - if you miss this appointment, it could set back your entire process. 

Remember to bring two forms of identification when applying for military jobs at MEPS; one should be a photo ID and the other should show proof of citizenship such as a passport or birth certificate. The whole process typically takes about 4 hours. Be sure to eat before coming to the MEPS so you don't get hungry while waiting around! 

If you're under 18 years old, make sure you bring either a high school diploma or GED certificate. It's a good idea to contact your recruiter before going to MEPS because they may have different instructions for getting enlisted depending on where they're stationed. 

If you want more information about enlisting in the Army, talk to an officer recruiter today! They'll answer all your questions and tell you how to join the military now. One way is by enrolling in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), which allows you to enlist without attending basic training right away. 

You might even qualify for specialized occupations like carpentry, food service management, or equipment maintenance. If you have any doubts about whether to enlist, stop by today and see what an officer has to sasa! You might find out you've been missing out on an opportunity of a lifetime. Talk to an officer recruiter today and learn more about how to enlist in the United States Army.

Traveling to Basic Combat Training (BCT)

You will report to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for in-processing. At MEPS, you will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, have a physical examination, and complete paperwork. You will then ship out to BCT. BCT is 10 weeks long and will teach you the basics of being a soldier. You will learn how to shoot, march, and be a part of a team. 

Basic Combat Training also includes courses on military customs and courtesies, first aid, foot marches and drill and ceremony. Once Basic Combat Training has been completed, soldiers are sent to Advanced Individual Training (AIT). AIT is where your specialized skills are learned that make you an asset to the army. 

There are many options available such as intelligence analyst or mechanic just to name a few. AITs last from 6 months to over 2 years depending on the job chosen. When you finish AIT, you will be given orders for permanent duty station with which ever branch of service you choose. 

The following jobs are some of the options in each category at MEPS: In-Processing Clerk: Your duties would include organizing and checking IDs, making sure everyone goes through security checks correctly, taking people's information before they go into the exam rooms, giving out numbered lists so people know what order they're supposed to go through their tests in, informing people about entrance/exit procedures etc. 

Computer Operator: Responsibilities would include operating computers while collecting data input by personnel throughout various echelons and levels of command. They use this data to help make decisions about future events. In addition, computer operators operate computers that show classified information. If the individual does not have the required clearance level to view the material, they must immediately notify someone who does.

Chaplain Assistant: Assists religious services staff members with meeting physical needs of Soldiers and their Families during periods of religious observance or distress; assists in providing counseling services to individuals; provides leadership in support of Soldiers' morale, welfare, recreation activities, homecomings, and memorial services; conducts worship services according to denominational rites when no chaplain is present. 

On other occasions, conducts worship services without showing any particular allegiance to any one faith group. Cook: Cooks food and serves it under the supervision of a head cook. 

Cooks eggs, bacon, ham and hotcakes for breakfast; prepares salad bar items such as lettuce, cheese cubes, hard boiled eggs and diced tomatoes for lunch or dinner meals may include spaghetti sauce made from scratch with hamburger meat. Prepares sandwiches for lunch; boils noodles for pasta dishes served at dinner time.

Transitioning to Military Life After BCT

So, you've completed Basic Combat Training (BCT) and are now ready to move on to the next phase of your military career. Congratulations! Now it's time to start thinking about what you want to do with the rest of your time in the Army. One option is to apply for one of the many different types of jobs available. 

But how do you go about doing that? This guide will walk you through the process of applying for army jobs, from start to finish. We'll cover everything from prerequisites to application tips, so read on for all the details. First things first - before applying for any job, make sure you meet the requirements! If you don't meet them, then there's no point in continuing. 

Some common prerequisites include having a high school diploma or GED certificate, at least 12 months of Active Duty service with a fully honorable discharge or medical separation (otherwise known as uncharacterized), at least 18 months of full-time National Guard Service, or possessing a CCAF recognized skills certificate. 

Other requirements may be location specific; for example, if you're interested in being an officer candidate school instructor, but don't live near an OCSI graduate battalion installation - tough luck! 

It pays to do some research before jumping into anything. Once you have met all the necessary requirements, head over to USAJOBS to begin searching for your desired position(s). You can search by keyword or browse by category - like management or human resources. 

For each job listing, look closely at the qualifications listed. Is this something you feel confident in doing? Does this job offer deployment opportunities? 

Consider these questions carefully when deciding which positions best suit your needs. Next up is writing a good resume and cover letter! 

Do not think that just because BCT has just ended means it's time to get back into civilian life. No way! It's never too early to start preparing for potential future positions by updating your resume with any accomplishments you made during BCT.