Am I Ready for the Military?

By: Raj Chander

5 Min Quiz

Image: DanielBendjy / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

The choice to enlist in the military should not be taken lightly. Serving in the armed forces is a difficult challenge mentally and physically, which is a big reason many people drop out in the early stages.

"Boot camp" is the common name for the initial phase of military training. It's also known as basic combat training or "basic," a series of tests and challenges of both mental and physical strength. Throughout your training experience, you will be running, marching, carrying heavy bags, and doing lots of pushups. You'll also be trained in areas like marksmanship, handling a firearm and learning the values of the military.

Assuming you make it past basic training—which is no guarantee—a life in the military brings plenty of unpredictability and stress. You may need to relocate at the drop of a hat, which will be challenging, despite the ample assistance you'll get with the move. However, if you are ready to make the sacrifices and you have the physical and mental strength, serving in the military can be one of the best things you will ever do. By completing this quiz, you'll get a better idea of how ready you are for the military, which can help you decide on your service.

Depending on the branch of the military you choose, water may be a big part. When did you learn how to swim?

Last year

When I was 17 years old
I'm still trying to get the hang of it.

When I was 6 years old

How often do you go swimming?

At least once a week

Every other month
A few times a year

I can't remember the last time I went swimming.

Physical fitness is a big part of military service. How often do you work out?

Four to six times per week

Three to four times per week
Once or twice per week

A few times per month, usually

What does your diet usually consist of?

Whatever I feel like, I just try to stay pretty healthy.

Lean meats and vegetables
Snacks and takeout

Sandwiches and fruits

How good are you at getting along with strangers?

I'm usually fine with it, but some people bother me.

I don't meet new people that much.
I get along with almost everyone.

I can quickly form connections with new people.

How well do you handle interactions with people who don't speak your language?

I'm fine with it. I can get along with almost anyone.

Most of the time I handle it well.
It's hit or miss, depending on the person.

I usually don't do too well with that.

How often do you lift weights?

Four or more times per week

Three times per week or less
Once a week

I don't lift weights or strength train.

How good are you at keeping your things clean?

I have other stuff to worry about.

I'm working on it, but I need to get better.
I'm on the clean side for sure.

All my stuff is immaculate.

What kind of clothes do you typically like to wear?

Hoodie and sweat pants

Basic T-shirts and tactical pants
A jumpsuit-type uniform

Formal dresswear

How do you wear your hair?

Short and close, like a buzzcut

Short but long enough to style
Long and unkempt

Medium length

What's the heaviest bag you could lift and walk with for long distance?

60 pounds

40 pounds
25 pounds

15 pounds

How comfortable are you with handling a firearm?

I've done it before, and I did OK.

I've done it many times before and can do it easily.
I'm a little intimidated by firearms.

I've never tried it, but I have researched extensively.

How many pull-ups can you do?

Three

10
15

Seven

Obeying authority is a big part of the military. How good are you at listening to superiors?

I always listen to the people in charge.

I'm usually good at following orders.
Sometimes I'm annoyed by orders that don't make sense.

I'm not the best with authority.

Keeping your things and tasks together is key for being in the military. Are you organized?

Yes, I'm spotless and my things are in perfect order.

I'm pretty organized.
Some areas are organized, some not so much.

I try to be organized, but I could use some improvement.

What do you usually do when faced with a difficult problem?

Attack it head on

Think about how to solve it, then tentatively try the solution
Get frustrated and try to calm myself down

Avoid it

Are you OK with being away from your spouse or romantic partner for long periods of time?

That sounds horrible.

I think I could do it.
Yes, we are both ready for it.

It would be tough, but I think I could do it.

How many push-ups can you do in one set?

20

Five
50

30

How often do you go camping?

Five or more times a year

A few times a year
Once or twice a year

It has been a few years since my last camping trip.

Which of these famous political figures is your favorite?

Douglas MacArthur

Marcus Aurelius
Andrew Jackson

George Washington

How would you handle someone attempting to start a conflict in a social situation?

I'd respond back with the same level of emotion.

I would threaten them at first, then fight if I had to.
I'd try to talk them down, using the threat of violence if necessary.

I'd use words to defuse it or remove myself from the situation.

Why are you interested in serving in the military?

To be part of something bigger than myself and serve my country

To become the best possible version of myself
To get money for school or something else

It seems cool

Which of these action stars is your favorite?

Paul Rudd

Matt Damon
Jean Claude Van Damme

Sylvester Stallone

How important is it for you to make a lot of money in your career?

It would be nice, but it's not my main focus.

It's a big part of working, but serving a bigger cause matters more.
I would like to make the big bucks one day.

Money is the most important part of my career.

What do you think about living on a military base?

I'd get used to it.

I think I could handle it well.
It's not my first choice.

I would be completely fine with it.

Military personnel often leave the country on deployment. How much do you like to travel?

I like some travel.

I'm not the biggest fan of traveling.
I love traveling; it feels natural to me.

I enjoy traveling pretty often.

How much can you bench press?

225 pounds or more

155 pounds
115 pounds

45 pounds

How much experience do you have working with a team to accomplish an important goal?

I do it all the time.

I've done it several times in the past.
I've done it once or twice, and it was fine.

I've never tried it.

Military jobs can be stressful. How do you deal with stress?

I prefer not to be in stressful situations.

I can deal with it sometimes, but other times it gets the best of me.
I process it, calm myself down and move past it.

It rattles me a little, but I eventually settle down.

How many miles per week do you run?

I don't run very often

Zero to 2 miles
3 to 5 miles

6 or more miles

6 Minute Quiz 6 Min

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