Can you change your mind after signing up for the military?

If you change your mind about joining the military, you can request to be released from the delayed enlistment process—no matter what your recruiter tells you. Most enlistments into the military are through the delayed enlistment process (DEP). The DEP is a legal, binding contract.

Can I watch my son swear in at MEPS?

Members of your family are welcome to watch you take the oath. Your family may take photographs of you with the military officer administering the oath.

What can stop you from joining the military?

There are age, citizenship, physical, education, height/weight, criminal record, medical, and drug history standards that can exclude you from joining the military.

What is it called when you join the military?

conscription. noun. the process of making people join the armed forces.

Do I need to shave before MEPS?

No you don’t need to shave.

How do you know if someone is in the military?

You may be able to verify a person’s active duty status on a given date. You will need their Social Security number and/or date of birth. Beware of people pretending to be military members on social media and dating websites. These scammers will try to get in an online relationship with you.

How do I check the status of my military record request?

Check the Status of Your Military Records Request. To check your order status for recent records (World War I – Present), contact the NPRC. For older military records (generally before 1917, contact the National Archives.

Can I use a locator to find a military member?

You may need to provide the military member’s Social Security number for the locator to help you. If they find the member, they’ll forward your request to them. Each locator has its own requirements. The U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard no longer provide military locator services.

How do I contact an active duty military member in an emergency?

Contact a Service Member in an Emergency. If you can’t reach a family member on active duty in an emergency, contact the American Red Cross. Their Hero Care Center will get information from you and relay it to the service member. You can reach the Red Cross: By phone at 1-877-272-7337.