Research: Kai in the Army

On March 17, I met with Army recruiter, Kyle Wu in Indianapolis. It was a positive and hopeful conversation and he confirmed a few things too.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 15-minute 2-mile run
• Body fat check
• 33 of 99 questions (Avg 50)
• Practice tests at http://www.military.com/, and http://www.march2success.com/.

BENEFITS:

• Army will pay for his Student Loans ($65k with a 3yr term of service)
• Army covers costs of housing on base, including married housing; or provides a $1K stipend
• Private 1st class earns $1,729 a month (+ housing)

RISKS/CONCERNS:

• 99% of everyone is deployed to battle zone
• He's never known anyone to be killed
• He is aware of only two woundings and both were repaired

STEPS TO INDUCTION:

1. Interview with Recruiter
2. 30-minute test for job placement (150 jobs)
3. Couple of weeks for induction investigation
4. Takes 6 months from acceptance to induction (Fall 2011)