Join the Army and you’ll immediately start to discover your potential. Congratulations, you’re about to become the best version of yourself.
What Happens Next
We’re here to help you adjust to your future life as a Soldier. Before you officially report to Basic Training, you should:
- Stay informed on your ship date
- Adjust your fitness and wellness routine ahead of Basic Training
- Pack and get ready to ship out
Preparing for Your Ship Date
As a new Soldier, your ship date determines your next steps. If it’s several days away, you just need to pack and await travel instructions. If it’s several weeks away, there are a few specific things you’ll need to do.
KNOW YOUR SHIP DATE
Your ship date and travel arrangements are important details to keep track of. If anything changes, your recruiter will update you right away.
STAY IN TOUCH
Check in with your recruiter every two weeks. This shows your commitment and ensures you don’t miss any important instructions regarding your ship date.
MAINTAIN YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Your eligibility will be monitored until you ship out. If there’s a common life event that requires an update to your shipping record such as a marriage, or something unexpected such as an arrest or a physical injury, please inform your recruiter right away.
DELAYED ENTRY PROGRAM (DEP)
DEP, also called the Future Soldier Program, is a popular entry option which lets Soldiers join the Army now and ship out several weeks or months later. As part of the program, you’ll attend weekly meetings and complete Future Soldier training while you await your ship date.
Preparing for Basic Training
Basic Training, or “boot camp” is the training foundation that transforms new recruits into Soldiers. Learn what it’s like so you can start preparing for it now.
Physical Fitness Requirements
Fitness will be an important part of your everyday life in the Army. Here’s what you can expect at Basic Training and beyond.
Packing for Basic Training
Use this checklist to ensure you have what you’ll need for Basic Training. Your recruiter can help provide more details and answer any questions. Keep in mind that you will have access to the Post Exchange (PX) every two weeks—a store on base that provides haircuts for men and women, sells personal clothing, personal care items, food, and other essentials—within days of your arrival.
Clothes to Bring
- One-day supply of casual, comfortable clothing
- Three sets of white cotton underwear
- One pair of white, calf-length athletic socks (no color bands, designs or logos)
- One pair of comfortable shoes
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses, if needed
- One small suitcase or gym bag
Additional Items for Women:
- Two neutral shade bras with at least one sports bra
- Neutral shade nylons/tights
- Feminine hygiene products (2-3 month supply recommended)
- Hair elastics that match your hair color
Toiletries to Bring
- Disposable/safety razor with blades and shaving cream (optional for women)
- Toothbrush with case, toothpaste, and dental floss
- Hairbrush or 6" black comb
- One washcloth and towel
- Deodorant
- Shower shoes
- Shampoo, soap, and soap case
Additional Items:
- Money—at least $10, but no more than $50 in cash
- Prescription medication
- One lock (combination or padlock with two keys). An additional lock can be purchased at PX.
Documents to Bring
- Valid driver's license or current state identification card
- Your orders: Be sure to have all copies of orders and documents issued by your unit Recruiter and/or MEPS. These orders must be delivered by you and by hand. Travel and meal tickets will be provided
What’s Not Allowed
- Family
- Pets
- Privately-owned vehicles
- Expensive personal items
- Steel hair picks
- Razor blades
- Weapons of any type, including pocketknives
- Obscene or pornographic material
- Alcoholic beverages, nonprescription drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Playing cards, dice, or dominoes
- Cigarettes, tobacco products, or vaping paraphernalia
- Gum, candy, or chips
Shipping to Basic Training
The day you ship out to Basic Training is your first official day as a Soldier. Here are a few things you can expect on the big day.
YOUR TRAVEL PLAN
Whether it’s by car, bus, or air, travel arrangements will be made for you to ensure you arrive at Basic Training on your scheduled date. Memorize your itinerary and take pictures of important documents on your phone, so there are no surprises on the day of travel.
YOUR ARRIVAL ON BASE
Once you report to Basic Training, you’ll complete an intake process which can take between two to three hours. After it’s done, you’ll be taken to the barracks where you can settle in and unpack.
YOUR OFFICIAL ORIENTATION
Basic Training begins with Reception Battalion, or “Week Zero”, which is an orientation period that lasts one to two weeks. During this time, you’ll establish your official military record, set up health benefits and pay, get uniforms and dog tags, and finalize paperwork.
Common Questions About What Happens After You Join the Army
What is the Future Soldier Program?
The Future Soldier Program, also called the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), lets Soldiers join the Army now and ship out at a later date. The program is popular among high schoolers and other candidates who need some time to finish their current commitments. As part of the program, participants attend weekly meetings and complete Future Soldier training while they wait for their ship date to arrive.
How often do I need to talk to my recruiter?
You should check in with your recruiter once every two weeks while you wait for your ship date to arrive. It’s also important to be responsive when your recruiter reaches out to you so they know you’re still committed to joining the Army.
What should I do if something happens that may impact my eligibility?
Let your recruiter know right away if something happens that may jeopardize your eligibility. While it’s possible you could be disqualified, it’s also possible that you may qualify for a waiver for this issue. It’s important to be honest and upfront with your recruiter so they can tell you what your options are.
What happens after I join the Army as an Officer, or on a path to become a commissioned Officer?
What to expect after you join the Army as an Officer, or on a path to become a commissioned Officer, vary depending on the way you become an Officer. Learn more on our
Army Officers page.
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.