In case you're wondering, here are some things I've compiled about Harrisburg MEPSs.
1. DO pack lightly. You will needs some documents such as ID, social security card, and birth certificate. I would just pack something light to wear to bed and wear the same clothes to MEPS that you wear down. I also brought deodorant and a toothbrush since I was not sure the hotel would have them.
2. Do wear a belt. At Harrisburg, the folks at MEPS were adamant that underwear were not allowed to be visible.
3. Do use good language. They will not tolerate "yep" "nah" "sure" as answers. Speak clearly and answer questions in a short and direct manner. This usually means "yes" and "no" answers.
4. Do keep your cell phone in your backpack. You are not allowed to use it while you're there.
5. Do move quickly and and do as you are told.
6. DO NOT fall asleep.
7. DO NOT wear sandals or shorts.
8. DO NOT go into the branch office with no clue about what MOS you want. For the Army, the process was really rushed. They do not have time or want to take time for you to sit and think about what you want in your contract.
9. DO NOT slouch, keep your hoodie hood up, or cross your arms.
10. This should go without saying but DO NOT use drugs or drink before MEPS. The will give you a breathalyzer test in the morning to detect drinking the night before.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Sunday, December 29, 2013
A Day At Harrisburg MEPS
When we arrived at MEPS it was early. It was about 5:30 am. As soon as we pulled in the parking lot, one of the employees came on the bus to give us instructions and assert her authority. She was sloppy, overweight, and barely respectable. One of the things she said that was a real put off was, "nobody gives a shit what color your underwear are." Well, genius, I could have told you that. Was it necessary to swear and be so impolite, though? Probably. You're dealing with 17 and 18 year old kids. We don't listen or follow directions! It's been over ten years since I graduated high school. I'm not used to being treated like this!
The first thing we had to do was take our belts off or anything else that can cause the metal detector to sound off. At the door, our backpacks went through a scanner and we walked through a detector. Then, we put out backpacks into a room with shelves. I've read other posts that mention the backpacks go into a locker and you need a quarter to use it. Nothing is locked here in Harrisburg. I had a laptop with me which made me a bit nervous since my peers knew I had it from the day before when I was using it in the hotel lobby.
Next we were taken into a room and we were briefed about what the day was going to be like. We were told the staff is to be addressed by saying "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am", etc. We were also told the drug screening policy. I was told this policy I believe 6 times throughout the day. Basically, the urine tests are much stronger than the ones your recruiter administered or the ones available at the drug store. They warned us that even being in contact with drugs was enough to test positive, as these tests are very sensitive. I feel that these tests are not that strong and the technicians were trying to scare us, but I don't know that for sure. The policy is that a failed drug test prohibits a person from joining the military for the rest of their lives. If you feel that you could piss hot that day, the policy is that you can say you're sick, and come back in a few weeks to do your processing. I was not worried because I do not do drugs, but I started to second guess myself since this policy was reiterated so many times throughout the day.
You have a name tag that you wear all day. You cannot take it off and you must give it back to the staff at the end of the day. If has your name, military branch, bar code, and part of your social security number. Throughout the day at the medical stations, they will scan this name tag. It is to be worn on the left. You will also carry your file with you all day. The different medical stations will record information in this file. They are all different colors. This must be so they are not confused with others' files.
The first station will be the biometric signature station. Here, one of the employees will take your pointer finger print. You will use this print for the rest of the day. For the workers to pull up your file at the various stations, you must first press on a pad with your finger. Pretty cool. Oh, they also get your picture here, too. It's not for your permanent ID or anything. It's for security and proves that you're you. This will happen a few more times. Each time, they will ask that you take your glasses off. At every station, you wait in line single file. You don't talk, slouch, or look around. Just face forward and wait.
Your day might not go the same way mine did, but I think all of your stations will be the same. Next, we stood in another single file line to simply hand our file to an ignorant girl sitting at the medical processing desk. Everyone is ignorant at this place. Get used to it. Then, we went into the same briefing room we in about an hour ago for our medical briefing. Again, we were told the drug testing policy and were able to get up leave because we were "sick" if we felt we could not pass the test. Then, we did medical history paperwork which is the same that I filled out with my recruiter. We had to list surgeries, allergies, etc. Your recruiter should have already briefed you on what to disclose here. It should match the paperwork that was already turned in as well. We also had to fill out a scan-tron sheet about our mental health. Everyone gets depressed sometimes, but just say no. It can raise red flags if you admit that you sometimes feel blue. However, they will tell you that if you think you can't make it through basic training, leave now rather than waste taxpayer money. In the same room, we got a breathalyzer test. Each person will get a sanitary plastic tube and you will blow steadily for about 10 seconds. Easy peezy.
Next we completed our medical screenings. This is where the sit and wait part begins. First, we completed vision screenings. If you've ever been to an eye doctor, these screenings will be the same. You will read the top row if you can. If you can't, move down the next row. You will also get screened for color blindness. The technician wrote some things in my file and had me go back to the waiting room and I sat and waited....and waited.... Hearing was next. This hearing test is the same one you got in elementary school. Simply click the button when you hear something. TIP: CLEAN YOUR EARS. If you have dirty ears upon arrival the staff will clean them for you.
I had blood work next. I was briefed on their drug policy at that time and was again asked if I wanted to leave for the day because I was sick. The technician explained that this blood test was only to test for HIV, which is a disqualifying infection. She stated that my blood will go to a lab and it takes about 2 business days to get results. Recruits are only called if they are positive. Same with the drug screening.
I took my ASVAB next. You are given three hours to complete this test, but don't think I even took an hour to complete it. All of the others got done about the same time. This test is computerized and has math, reading comprehension, and mechanical sections. Each section has a score, but you also get a total score. From what I've read, the average for the Army is 50. That's also the magic number to qualify for some bonuses, too. I scored over 50 so I was ecstatic.
We were not allowed to pee all morning. This was rough considering most of us had coffee and tea for breakfast. Since I had to pee so badly, I think I flew through my ASVAB faster than I should have, since I knew drug testing was next! For the drug test, a technician will watch you "go". Even though I had to go so badly, I had a hard time since she was watching me. They will give you specific directions on what to do. Do not wash your hands, do not flush the toilet, etc. You must fill the cup at least halfway. If you do not, the test is not valid. This could also be why you're not allowed to pee before this. Let me correct myself. You are allowed to pee before the drug test, but it's frowned upon.
The worst part of the day was next, our physicals. First, I was weighed and got my blood pressure taken. The tech told me where I stood and how much weight I can lose and gain and still meet the requirements. If you are on the border, I think they do a BMI. Then I sat at waited. The tech was kind enough to put Blades of Glory on the flatscreen to keep me entertained. I watched all of it. (This is how long you sit and wait between tests). Next, we had to strip down completely. This means no socks or jewelry. We were given paper robes to wear. The doctor was an OB/GYN of Indian decent. He was certain to let me know that he thought women were, let's say, lower than men. After talking to the other girls, he did the same thing to them as well. He asked a lot of questions about your medical history AND criminal history. This is where I had to give a statement about my traffic tickets. Next, the tech came in (female) as he did my girl parts exam. He had me take deep breaths as he listed to my chest. Then he looked over my naked body for any scars. For the female exam, you do not get a PAP smear. You will not put your feet in stirrups, either. Instead, you will put your heels together and spread your knees as wide as you can. You are not covered with a sheet during this so it's really awkward. The tech stares at your girl parts as the woman-hater doctor (who can't speak English) is gawking at you. Then, you have to roll on your side and spread your cheeks so the doctor can make sure you do not have hemorrhoids.
The next section of the physical test is done in your bra and underwear. For guys, you're in tighty whiteys. For girls, you should wear modest undergarments. They do not tolerate G strings, pucker butts, etc. We started with simple exercises like windmills, toe touching, and squats. Then we moved on to knee walking and duck walks. One girl got disqualified on the next part. To make sure we have good balance, the doctor has us stand on one leg and kick with the other. One girl couldn't do this. I am not sure if she will have the opportunity to come back to MEPS and try again. I did overhear another tech say she was disqualified, though. After this, we got our clothes back on and sat and waited. My name was called up to the tech's station. She handed me my packet and said, "Congratulations, you're qualified. Please report to your branch's office."
Happy day! I reported to the Army's office in the MEPS building where they did their part of my processing. First, I had to sit with the security person. We went over the information that I put on my paperwork to make sure it was all correct. He verified all my addresses and employers for the past 10 years and asked a few more questions. Next, I sat down with another person. This was the fun part. I picked out my job, ship date, went over my bonuses, and signed a lot of papers. You sign papers giving the Army consent to do a background check, credit check, medical records check, and that you were not promised anything such as bonuses that are not on your contract. I did this on December 23 and my ship date is January 20. It could have been sooner, but chose to wait a month to ship. I had a lot of options as far as jobs and ship dates. Some people at MEPS will ship that day.
The final parts of processing still took about 2 more hours to complete. I had to get finger prints. The machine didn't work. As I mentioned before, the staff is rude which meant it was my fault that the machine is a piece of crap. Another person went over emergency contacts and who they will contact for funeral arrangements in the event I die while in uniform.
FINALLY! It's time to swear in. We were taken into another briefing room and were told what the signing in meant. The lady spoke like an auctioneer. I have no clue what she said. I didn't ask, either. When we went into the swearing-in room, we were briefed on how stand at ease and attention, which is part of the ceremony. The ceremony took less than a minute. We had to go back into the briefing room where we had to do biometric fingerprints again. AND....FINALLY!! I was sent home around 5:00 pm.
The first thing we had to do was take our belts off or anything else that can cause the metal detector to sound off. At the door, our backpacks went through a scanner and we walked through a detector. Then, we put out backpacks into a room with shelves. I've read other posts that mention the backpacks go into a locker and you need a quarter to use it. Nothing is locked here in Harrisburg. I had a laptop with me which made me a bit nervous since my peers knew I had it from the day before when I was using it in the hotel lobby.
Next we were taken into a room and we were briefed about what the day was going to be like. We were told the staff is to be addressed by saying "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am", etc. We were also told the drug screening policy. I was told this policy I believe 6 times throughout the day. Basically, the urine tests are much stronger than the ones your recruiter administered or the ones available at the drug store. They warned us that even being in contact with drugs was enough to test positive, as these tests are very sensitive. I feel that these tests are not that strong and the technicians were trying to scare us, but I don't know that for sure. The policy is that a failed drug test prohibits a person from joining the military for the rest of their lives. If you feel that you could piss hot that day, the policy is that you can say you're sick, and come back in a few weeks to do your processing. I was not worried because I do not do drugs, but I started to second guess myself since this policy was reiterated so many times throughout the day.
You have a name tag that you wear all day. You cannot take it off and you must give it back to the staff at the end of the day. If has your name, military branch, bar code, and part of your social security number. Throughout the day at the medical stations, they will scan this name tag. It is to be worn on the left. You will also carry your file with you all day. The different medical stations will record information in this file. They are all different colors. This must be so they are not confused with others' files.
The first station will be the biometric signature station. Here, one of the employees will take your pointer finger print. You will use this print for the rest of the day. For the workers to pull up your file at the various stations, you must first press on a pad with your finger. Pretty cool. Oh, they also get your picture here, too. It's not for your permanent ID or anything. It's for security and proves that you're you. This will happen a few more times. Each time, they will ask that you take your glasses off. At every station, you wait in line single file. You don't talk, slouch, or look around. Just face forward and wait.
Your day might not go the same way mine did, but I think all of your stations will be the same. Next, we stood in another single file line to simply hand our file to an ignorant girl sitting at the medical processing desk. Everyone is ignorant at this place. Get used to it. Then, we went into the same briefing room we in about an hour ago for our medical briefing. Again, we were told the drug testing policy and were able to get up leave because we were "sick" if we felt we could not pass the test. Then, we did medical history paperwork which is the same that I filled out with my recruiter. We had to list surgeries, allergies, etc. Your recruiter should have already briefed you on what to disclose here. It should match the paperwork that was already turned in as well. We also had to fill out a scan-tron sheet about our mental health. Everyone gets depressed sometimes, but just say no. It can raise red flags if you admit that you sometimes feel blue. However, they will tell you that if you think you can't make it through basic training, leave now rather than waste taxpayer money. In the same room, we got a breathalyzer test. Each person will get a sanitary plastic tube and you will blow steadily for about 10 seconds. Easy peezy.
Next we completed our medical screenings. This is where the sit and wait part begins. First, we completed vision screenings. If you've ever been to an eye doctor, these screenings will be the same. You will read the top row if you can. If you can't, move down the next row. You will also get screened for color blindness. The technician wrote some things in my file and had me go back to the waiting room and I sat and waited....and waited.... Hearing was next. This hearing test is the same one you got in elementary school. Simply click the button when you hear something. TIP: CLEAN YOUR EARS. If you have dirty ears upon arrival the staff will clean them for you.
I had blood work next. I was briefed on their drug policy at that time and was again asked if I wanted to leave for the day because I was sick. The technician explained that this blood test was only to test for HIV, which is a disqualifying infection. She stated that my blood will go to a lab and it takes about 2 business days to get results. Recruits are only called if they are positive. Same with the drug screening.
I took my ASVAB next. You are given three hours to complete this test, but don't think I even took an hour to complete it. All of the others got done about the same time. This test is computerized and has math, reading comprehension, and mechanical sections. Each section has a score, but you also get a total score. From what I've read, the average for the Army is 50. That's also the magic number to qualify for some bonuses, too. I scored over 50 so I was ecstatic.
We were not allowed to pee all morning. This was rough considering most of us had coffee and tea for breakfast. Since I had to pee so badly, I think I flew through my ASVAB faster than I should have, since I knew drug testing was next! For the drug test, a technician will watch you "go". Even though I had to go so badly, I had a hard time since she was watching me. They will give you specific directions on what to do. Do not wash your hands, do not flush the toilet, etc. You must fill the cup at least halfway. If you do not, the test is not valid. This could also be why you're not allowed to pee before this. Let me correct myself. You are allowed to pee before the drug test, but it's frowned upon.
The worst part of the day was next, our physicals. First, I was weighed and got my blood pressure taken. The tech told me where I stood and how much weight I can lose and gain and still meet the requirements. If you are on the border, I think they do a BMI. Then I sat at waited. The tech was kind enough to put Blades of Glory on the flatscreen to keep me entertained. I watched all of it. (This is how long you sit and wait between tests). Next, we had to strip down completely. This means no socks or jewelry. We were given paper robes to wear. The doctor was an OB/GYN of Indian decent. He was certain to let me know that he thought women were, let's say, lower than men. After talking to the other girls, he did the same thing to them as well. He asked a lot of questions about your medical history AND criminal history. This is where I had to give a statement about my traffic tickets. Next, the tech came in (female) as he did my girl parts exam. He had me take deep breaths as he listed to my chest. Then he looked over my naked body for any scars. For the female exam, you do not get a PAP smear. You will not put your feet in stirrups, either. Instead, you will put your heels together and spread your knees as wide as you can. You are not covered with a sheet during this so it's really awkward. The tech stares at your girl parts as the woman-hater doctor (who can't speak English) is gawking at you. Then, you have to roll on your side and spread your cheeks so the doctor can make sure you do not have hemorrhoids.
The next section of the physical test is done in your bra and underwear. For guys, you're in tighty whiteys. For girls, you should wear modest undergarments. They do not tolerate G strings, pucker butts, etc. We started with simple exercises like windmills, toe touching, and squats. Then we moved on to knee walking and duck walks. One girl got disqualified on the next part. To make sure we have good balance, the doctor has us stand on one leg and kick with the other. One girl couldn't do this. I am not sure if she will have the opportunity to come back to MEPS and try again. I did overhear another tech say she was disqualified, though. After this, we got our clothes back on and sat and waited. My name was called up to the tech's station. She handed me my packet and said, "Congratulations, you're qualified. Please report to your branch's office."
Happy day! I reported to the Army's office in the MEPS building where they did their part of my processing. First, I had to sit with the security person. We went over the information that I put on my paperwork to make sure it was all correct. He verified all my addresses and employers for the past 10 years and asked a few more questions. Next, I sat down with another person. This was the fun part. I picked out my job, ship date, went over my bonuses, and signed a lot of papers. You sign papers giving the Army consent to do a background check, credit check, medical records check, and that you were not promised anything such as bonuses that are not on your contract. I did this on December 23 and my ship date is January 20. It could have been sooner, but chose to wait a month to ship. I had a lot of options as far as jobs and ship dates. Some people at MEPS will ship that day.
The final parts of processing still took about 2 more hours to complete. I had to get finger prints. The machine didn't work. As I mentioned before, the staff is rude which meant it was my fault that the machine is a piece of crap. Another person went over emergency contacts and who they will contact for funeral arrangements in the event I die while in uniform.
FINALLY! It's time to swear in. We were taken into another briefing room and were told what the signing in meant. The lady spoke like an auctioneer. I have no clue what she said. I didn't ask, either. When we went into the swearing-in room, we were briefed on how stand at ease and attention, which is part of the ceremony. The ceremony took less than a minute. We had to go back into the briefing room where we had to do biometric fingerprints again. AND....FINALLY!! I was sent home around 5:00 pm.
Harrisburg, PA MEPS Hotel
I went to Harrisburg, PA for MEPS (military entrance processing station). This is the next step in joining the Army Reserves or probably any branch of the military. I went to Harrisburg solely due to the fact that it's the closest to my home. You'll be with others and they will be joining all branches of the military as well. When I went down, I joined about 30 others. Most of us were Army. I think there were 3 Marines, 4 Air Force, and 1 Navy. I do not recall meeting somebody joining the Coast Guard.
I think the processing is usually split into 2 days. On day 1, you complete your ASVAB and day 2 is for the rest of the processing. My processing was the day before Christmas Eve. Christmas fell on a Wednesday which probably meant the schedule was a bit messed up. We did everything in one day.
The night before, you'll sleep at the Radisson in Camp Hill, PA. It's just a few miles from the MEPS station which is technically in Mechanicsburg. I went down in a 12 person shuttle with 2 other recruits. Others drove themselves and others were dropped off by their recruiters. It doesn't matter what time you arrive, you have to sit in the lobby until 4:00 pm. Please don't make the mistake of putting your feet on the furniture like I did. You'll soon learn that you're yelled at as you will be in boot camp. The part that sucks is you're being yelled by an old retired jerk with small penis syndrome. He's not military, he's just the hotel liaison for the recruits. He's black and speaks in Ebonics so you'll having a lot of trouble understanding most of what comes out of his mouth. Listen carefully!
At 4:00 pm, he will take you to the basement of the hotel in a special room just for the MEPS folks. There's video games, movies, and a laptop. First, you sign a paper stating the rules of your stay. The phones to your rooms are turned off and they ask that you do not talk to anyone or receive calls. Knowing that we all have a cell phone, he asked us to use discretion. I'm not sure why. Then he made sure that we understood there was another briefing at 8:30 pm that same evening, wake up calls are 4:15 am, breakfast is done at 4:45, and the bus leaves by 5:25. It's an early morning! He gave us our meal tickets and room keys. You will be roomed with another person. For dinner and breakfasts we could go up to the buffet as many times as we wanted but we were not allowed to waste food. The food was good. However, the servers in the dining room treated us poorly like we were already in boot camp.
We have to be in our rooms by 10:00 pm and they ask that lights are out by 11:00. I'm glad we were forced to go to bed early. The next day was really long.
I think the processing is usually split into 2 days. On day 1, you complete your ASVAB and day 2 is for the rest of the processing. My processing was the day before Christmas Eve. Christmas fell on a Wednesday which probably meant the schedule was a bit messed up. We did everything in one day.
The night before, you'll sleep at the Radisson in Camp Hill, PA. It's just a few miles from the MEPS station which is technically in Mechanicsburg. I went down in a 12 person shuttle with 2 other recruits. Others drove themselves and others were dropped off by their recruiters. It doesn't matter what time you arrive, you have to sit in the lobby until 4:00 pm. Please don't make the mistake of putting your feet on the furniture like I did. You'll soon learn that you're yelled at as you will be in boot camp. The part that sucks is you're being yelled by an old retired jerk with small penis syndrome. He's not military, he's just the hotel liaison for the recruits. He's black and speaks in Ebonics so you'll having a lot of trouble understanding most of what comes out of his mouth. Listen carefully!
At 4:00 pm, he will take you to the basement of the hotel in a special room just for the MEPS folks. There's video games, movies, and a laptop. First, you sign a paper stating the rules of your stay. The phones to your rooms are turned off and they ask that you do not talk to anyone or receive calls. Knowing that we all have a cell phone, he asked us to use discretion. I'm not sure why. Then he made sure that we understood there was another briefing at 8:30 pm that same evening, wake up calls are 4:15 am, breakfast is done at 4:45, and the bus leaves by 5:25. It's an early morning! He gave us our meal tickets and room keys. You will be roomed with another person. For dinner and breakfasts we could go up to the buffet as many times as we wanted but we were not allowed to waste food. The food was good. However, the servers in the dining room treated us poorly like we were already in boot camp.
We have to be in our rooms by 10:00 pm and they ask that lights are out by 11:00. I'm glad we were forced to go to bed early. The next day was really long.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
First Steps to Joining The Army
It's really difficult to find the answers you're looking for and that's why I created this blog. I am 27 and just joined the Army Reserves. I have questions about everything. I created this blog to share my experience and help others find the answers they're looking for. This is my story.
I am 27 and I find myself unhappy with life. I have a college degree, nice family, good boyfriend, but I'm lacking somewhere. My job's okay, but not great. I have always wanted to join the military but I felt it was always the wrong time. Truth is, you can always make up an excuse about it being the "wrong time" to put your dreams aside.
After a few weeks of saying to myself, "I can do this," I went "shopping" and explored the different branches by talking to recruiters and friends, reading blogs, and trolling Facebook pages of those that are already in the military. After a lot of research, I found the Army was for me.
I live in State College, PA. The nearest Army recruiting station is in the Nittany Mall. The past few weeks, I've spent a lot of time there. There seems to be about 8 recruiters there, but each one does a slightly different job. I spent most of my time with two of them. They have a lot of stories to tell and information to give. Unfortunately, I think it's been 10+ years since any of the 8 were in basic training or AIT.
During the first meeting with my recruiter, we discussed speeding tickets, medical history, criminal records, education, and other things that need to be discussed. Don't worry. There's a waiver out there for any of the above you might have. Then you fill out paperwork. It's a lot! I'm talking 20+ pages. Most of it is the SF 86 which gives the investigator information about you. Many military jobs need a clearance whether it be Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret. I think the Air Force does a Secret clearance for each recruit, but the Army only conducts a security clearance investigation if it applies to a job you're doing, such as intelligence. I think. You'll need to put EVERYTHING on these forms. Be prepared to divulge where you lived and worked for the past ten years, criminal history such as traffic violations, and any medical ailments you have. Also, you will need to list references that are able to verify you lived and worked and attended the schools you list on the forms. They will also want to know if you have had debt issues, hospitalizations, ADHD, asthma, allergies, headaches, fainting spells, broken bones, and the list keeps going. Don't worry, though. I had broken bones and a few surgeries. None required waivers. Then, be prepared to give your recruiter originals of the following: diplomas (college, high school), college transcripts, social security card, drivers license, marriage license, divorce license, and children's birth certificates. I don't think that's a complete list, but you get the gist. The Army has to know everything abut you!
Once everything was turned in, it had to be approved for me to go to MEPS or military entrance processing station. For a minor medical issue I had in 2009, they denied me until I went to the doctor, took care of it, and brought back the updated medical records. Last, my recruiter took my fingerprints that went along with my other electronic paperwork. The next step is MEPS.
I am 27 and I find myself unhappy with life. I have a college degree, nice family, good boyfriend, but I'm lacking somewhere. My job's okay, but not great. I have always wanted to join the military but I felt it was always the wrong time. Truth is, you can always make up an excuse about it being the "wrong time" to put your dreams aside.
After a few weeks of saying to myself, "I can do this," I went "shopping" and explored the different branches by talking to recruiters and friends, reading blogs, and trolling Facebook pages of those that are already in the military. After a lot of research, I found the Army was for me.
I live in State College, PA. The nearest Army recruiting station is in the Nittany Mall. The past few weeks, I've spent a lot of time there. There seems to be about 8 recruiters there, but each one does a slightly different job. I spent most of my time with two of them. They have a lot of stories to tell and information to give. Unfortunately, I think it's been 10+ years since any of the 8 were in basic training or AIT.
During the first meeting with my recruiter, we discussed speeding tickets, medical history, criminal records, education, and other things that need to be discussed. Don't worry. There's a waiver out there for any of the above you might have. Then you fill out paperwork. It's a lot! I'm talking 20+ pages. Most of it is the SF 86 which gives the investigator information about you. Many military jobs need a clearance whether it be Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret. I think the Air Force does a Secret clearance for each recruit, but the Army only conducts a security clearance investigation if it applies to a job you're doing, such as intelligence. I think. You'll need to put EVERYTHING on these forms. Be prepared to divulge where you lived and worked for the past ten years, criminal history such as traffic violations, and any medical ailments you have. Also, you will need to list references that are able to verify you lived and worked and attended the schools you list on the forms. They will also want to know if you have had debt issues, hospitalizations, ADHD, asthma, allergies, headaches, fainting spells, broken bones, and the list keeps going. Don't worry, though. I had broken bones and a few surgeries. None required waivers. Then, be prepared to give your recruiter originals of the following: diplomas (college, high school), college transcripts, social security card, drivers license, marriage license, divorce license, and children's birth certificates. I don't think that's a complete list, but you get the gist. The Army has to know everything abut you!
Once everything was turned in, it had to be approved for me to go to MEPS or military entrance processing station. For a minor medical issue I had in 2009, they denied me until I went to the doctor, took care of it, and brought back the updated medical records. Last, my recruiter took my fingerprints that went along with my other electronic paperwork. The next step is MEPS.
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