CONTENTS -- Introduction -- A Special Note to Parents -- PART ONE -- PREPARE YOURSELF -- Chapter 1: -- Your First Meeting with a Recruiter: Facing the Best-Trained Salesperson on Earth -- In this chapter, you will learn about military recruiters, their training, their tactics, and their procedures. You'll also learn what a recruiter can-and cannot-promise you. -- Chapter 2: -- Getting the Facts Together: Should I or Shouldn't I Enlist? -- This chapter discusses the factors that you must consider to make an informed decision on whether to join the military. It includes an assessment to help you determine if the military can fulfill your needs. -- Chapter 3: -- Women in the Military -- This chapter tries to dispel some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes about women who serve in the armed forces and provides you with resources for finding detailed information about women in the military. There are several "testimonials" from wo -- Chapter 4: -- Preparing for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Examination -- This chapter does not prepare you for the ASVAB. However, it provides a general overview of the examination and its parts, along with some helpful hints to prepare you for the ASVAB. -- Chapter 5: -- The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) -- Perhaps the most traumatic and memorable experience in the entire enlistment process is the applicant's first trip to the MEPS. This chapter outlines the purpose of the MEPS and reassures you that the MEPS is not an indicator of what life is like in the m -- PART TWO -- AFTER ENLISTMENT -- Chapter 6: -- Congratulations! You've Enlisted: Staying out of Trouble until You're off to Basic Training.

Most applicants wind up in a Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP). In this status, the applicant has already sworn in and is awaiting his or her "ship date" to Basic Training. As an enlistee, you can remain in DEP status for up to a year. A lot can happen bet -- Chapter 7: -- Basic Training and Beyond -- This chapter outlines the Basic Training in each military branch. You will find sample training schedules as well as basic advice for getting through boot camp. -- PART THREE -- MILITARY BASICS -- Chapter 8: -- Military Occupations -- This chapter lists the occupational groups each branch of the armed forces offers. These are not specific jobs but rather "fields," such as electronics or mechanics. -- Chapter 9: -- Benefits -- Besides the "basic" military pay, there are lots of other benefits that add up to an attractive compensation package. This chapter outlines those, as well as the various forms of military pay, allowances, and educational opportunities. -- Chapter 10: -- Opportunities in the Guard and the Reserve -- Besides Active Duty, a great way to serve your country, get some excellent training, receive educational benefits, and get paid doing it is as a member of the Guard or Reserve. The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize you with the Reserve components -- Chapter 11: -- Contacts and Other Useful Information -- To aid you in your research for more information on joining the military, this chapter provides you with contact points for information about each military branch, for Department of Defense websites, and commercial websites that deal with military careers -- APPENDIX -- ABOUT THE AUTHOR.