The people who make up the American Armed Forces make the United States so successful at what we do on and off the battlefield. An often overlooked aspect of the organization is the Army recruiting office. Over 50,000 Soldiers are recruited each year, and for many, this journey starts at a U.S. Army recruiting office. If you’re considering a military career, learn more about these military centers, what to expect throughout the process, how to prepare, and more.

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Can You Just Walk Into an Army Recruiting Office?

There’s no question that making an appointment is the best route to go about things, but if you’re looking to contact someone about joining the Army, feel free to stop by. Making an appointment, however, guarantees that you'll have adequate time to discuss everything you need to know about becoming a Soldier. Additionally, making an appointment is a great way to let Army recruiters plan accordingly and is a respectful gesture for their time and efforts. A visit to an Army recruiting office is the beginning of a great journey. Whether you decide to join the American Armed Forces or not, this is a great opportunity for you to gain invaluable knowledge to make an informed decision about your future career.

Understanding the Process

Working with a recruiter is a great way to gain many benefits before becoming a Soldier. This includes inside information from an experienced, knowledgeable source and a resource to help you through the process. When you speak to an Army officer recruiter, there are some things you can expect to happen after making contact. Here’s what to expect after reaching out to a U.S. Army recruiting office:

• An open and honest conversation about your interest in joining the Army, future goals, career ambitions, etc.
• You’ll be asked some questions to understand whether or not you qualify to become a Soldier.
• Additionally, you’ll want to be prepared with questions of your own pertaining to military life, basic training, what to expect, reasons to join, benefits, and anything else you might need to know.
• This is a great opportunity to network and build relationships. If you don’t sign up for the Army, you can expect some recruiters to follow up with you afterward to see if anything has changed in your life or to see if you are reconsidering.
• Should you choose to pursue a life in the military, you’ll need to set a date to go to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), where you’ll finish enlisting.
• At MEPS, you’ll be able to officially enlist into the U.S. Army after passing all of your tests and evaluations, including the ASVAB, selecting an occupation, signing your contract, and taking your Oath of Enlistment.

The road you take in the military or elsewhere after visiting a U.S. Army recruiting office can lead to many great places, but if the military interests you, inquiring about your options as a Soldier is a great way to ensure you make the right decision for your life path.

Are Army Recruiting Offices Open on Weekends?

In general, Army recruiting center hours may vary from location to location, and some may be available on the weekends, while others are not. You can find an Army recruiter daily under normal circumstances Monday through Friday, with the exception of extenuating circumstances or federal holidays. There are over 1,400 offices across the world, so chances are, there's one closer to you than you might think. To best determine whether or not your local center is open, simply Google “army recruiting office near me” to find directions, contact information, and hours specific to local offices. U.S. Army recruiting is vital to keeping Americans safe both at home and abroad. Soldiers are necessary for our protection, and ensuring the world’s most elite fighting force has enough troops is key. Joining the military can offer a wide range of benefits, including both financial and nonfinancial opportunities. For many, it all starts by taking their first step inside an Army recruiting office.

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