Am I Ready for the Military?

By: Raj Chander
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Am I Ready for the Military?
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. 

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

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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

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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

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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.

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What's the heaviest bag you could lift and walk with for long distance?
60 pounds
40 pounds
25 pounds
15 pounds

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How many push-ups can you do in one set?
20
Five
50
30

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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How do you wear your hair?
Short and close, like a buzzcut
Short but long enough to style
Long and unkempt
Medium length

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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.

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How many pull-ups can you do?
Three
10
15
Seven

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Which of these famous political figures is your favorite?
Douglas MacArthur
Marcus Aurelius
Andrew Jackson
George Washington

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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

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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.

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Which of these action stars is your favorite?
Paul Rudd
Matt Damon
Jean Claude Van Damme
Sylvester Stallone

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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.

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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.

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How much can you bench press?
225 pounds or more
155 pounds
115 pounds
45 pounds

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You Got: