So you want to join the Armed Forces... Part 1

First talk to everyone in your network who has served, especially volunteers. Draftees sometimes have a very different experience and perspective.

Keep an open mind about what Branch, MOS, and Unit you join. You are offering your services to Uncle Sam, he will decide where you go.

Take a personal inventory of what you want out of your terms of service. You will want to do this before visiting a recruiter. Otherwise they can convince you of just about anything.

Keep your nose clean. Maintain your grades, graduate high school, or finish the semester of collage.

Keep your credit report clean. Check your 3 credit reports for suspicious entries and write these down. A good recruiter will help you clear any suspicious entries up.

Are you already part of the work-force, but have no credit? Then get a store credit card with a modest limit you can pay-on-time. This is the easiest way to start your credit.

Make sure family member's, that are not your legal spouse, are not using your credit. Having a non-spouse with a card in your name is a big, huge, no-no.

Pay or settle all debts that legitimately belong to you. You want this all done before background checks.

Purge/Declutter your belongings and possessions. Consider where you will store your civilian property during training, and your present level of commitment to join. Less stuff means, less headache.

Note, do not have no legal residence and put your stuff into cold storage for training. This royaly screws things up.

Read up on grooming and appearance Reqs while you declutter. it will give you a clue about things you might not need.  Always try to donate, sell, or gift goods rather than trash them. If you cannot declutter your goods, you will not survive the lifestyle.

Have an initial visit with a branch specific recruiter. While in the recruitment office, listen to everyone there. Listen to the enlisted more than civilian contractors. Don't get brainwashed yet. Keep your personal inventory in mind, gather information, make your decisions at home.