Going into the military is not an easy decision. For many, the military is a lifelong ambition, and so they begin preparing for the journey as a teenager. It is vital that you take appropriate steps to prepare yourself for the career you are about to begin. Many people think that the work starts when you begin your basic training. That is not the case. If you don’t take the time to work out whether the military is for you, you could be in for a shock.
Start your exercise routine early
You should be at the peak of fitness when you begin your basic training. The military will not accept anyone who is not right for their ranks. Make sure that you start your exercise routine early. Begin early morning exercise routines that will be easy to manage. Getting into the habit of exercising in the morning, will mean that you are ready for the basic training system. When you start training, you will need to get up at 4am or 5am to begin training. That means that you need to prepare your body for this difficult routine.
Research your position
When you enlist in the military, you need to understand all that the role entails. When you sign that contract, your life will change forever. You need to make sure that you understand just what you are doing before you begin your career. Talk to military law specialists so that you understand where you stand legally. Doing so will mean that you have an understanding of your rights and responsibilities before you enlist. A career in the military is unlike any other career in the world. That is why it is vital that you understand the role before you start.
Quit smoking and drinking now
You can’t drink and smoke when you are in the military. You will find the training system difficult if your body is not healthy. When you drink and smoke, you make yourself ill and slow. That means that you won’t keep up with the training if you are a smoker or a drinker. Take the time to quit the habits now, before you enter the military. Doing so will make the entire process easier for you. If you intend to make a career in the military, you need to be serious about the job. That means that you should make sacrifices so that you can succeed.
Talk to your family
Your family will likely have a lot of questions about you joining the forces. If you come from a military background, you can ask siblings and relatives about the reality of being a soldier. Doing so will give you a better understand of the military. Make sure that you join because you want to, not because your family wants you to. Joining the military is a huge commitment, and you will have to devote our entire life to the cause. Talk to your family about whether enlisting is the right decision for you.
Undertake medical exams
The military will not let you join up unless you are healthy. That means that you will need to undergo a series of medical examinations to ensure that you are fit and safe to join the military. You should prepare yourself for these exams. Not everybody can join the military. If you have an underlying health issue, you can’t enlist. That means that you will need to find a different career to follow. Sometimes small health issues, such as color blindness, can prevent you from joining. You need to prepare yourself for the disappointment that that will bring.
