I'M ENLISTING FOR THE U.S. NAVY.

update, homies

So guys, I got sworn in about a week and a half ago. They say I'm leaving Jan. 25th, but it might be different if I can get in this paperwork to get my job in the Navy changed (I don't like the one I was assigned). How about I fill you guys in.

Anyone who ever considering going into the military; good luck.

The Military Entrance Processing Station, otherwise known as MEPS, is really something. In a nutshell

These stations process applicants for military service, putting them through a battery of tests and examinations to ensure that they meet the standards required to serve in the United States Armed Forces. These tests include vision, hearing, blood, and blood pressure tests, a pregnancy test (for women), an examination by a doctor, a height and weight check, urinalysis, a breathalyzer test, a moral/background examination, as well as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). If applicants are deemed qualified for military service, they will also meet with a service counselor, negotiate and sign enlistment contracts, and swear an entrance oath

In laymens terms, that means, at least in today's world, that so many people are looking to join the military, your chances of actually being selected is statistically about 30%, or 3/10, because they're getting a lot stricter on the medical, moral, psychological (emphasis on this), and legal requirements and a lot of people wash out. Or so they tell me. One thing I do know, though, if you so much as even have flat feet, you'd be lucky if the doctor lets you slide. They were really strict on the medical requirements, and those doctors were really grilling everyone.

Prepare for about a day of academic testing, and for the next day, 10 or so hours (starting at 4 am in the morning) of getting pricked, prodded, tested, interviewed, stretched, and peeing in bottles to see if you have what it takes to be in the modern military. The guys had to line in a room in our boxers and do a bunch of stretches and maneuvers to see if we could do them in a combat setting. I hear the girls had to do something similar, except they were butt naked. So I hope you're not bashful, either.

I was sworn in that afternoon, but damn, is MEPS tiring. Luckily I don't have to do that ever again (I have to do a bite sized version right before I leave for Boot, but nothing major). Granted it wasn't too bad; I mean, if I was adverse to uncomfortable situations, I have no business joining the military, but JEEZ.



Also feel free to ask me absolutely anything.