A look at daily life in Today's Military.

Seaman Recruit Anthony Lawing, a recent college graduate, explains why he chose the Coast Guard as a career option.

• Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve
• Joining
• Enlisted

A Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is where applicants for military service go to complete the enlistment process.

• All Services
• Joining
• Enlisted

After attending college, Seaman Recruit Annie Nguyen realized that she might prefer serving in the Coast Guard.

• Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve
• Joining
• Enlisted

Currently, an individual may have to visit a MEPS a few times to complete enlistment, but changes are underway that will help speed up the process significantly.

• All Services
• Joining
• Enlisted

Before heading off to boot camp, Seaman Recruit Heather Bevel and Seaman Recruit Carey North discuss their reasons for joining the Coast Guard.

• Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve
• Joining
• Enlisted

Every applicant must undergo a physical exam at MEPS to ensure he or she can meet the demands of service.

• All Services
• Joining
• Enlisted

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery of tests, commonly called the ASVAB, is designed to help match military applicants with the right careers.

• All Services
• Joining
• Enlisted

All applicants undergo a background check and fingerprinting at MEPS. In addition, biometric scanning is now used to ensure the security of applicants and their personal information.

• All Services
• Joining
• Enlisted

The Oath of Enlistment is the final stage of the MEPS process, when applicants officially become members of the U.S. Military.

• Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Corps, Navy Reserve, Navy, Air Force Reserve, Air Force, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve
• Joining
• Enlisted