enlistment

Enlistment is the formal act of joining a military force under a binding contract between an individual and a government or service branch. It is typically voluntary, but in some countries it may occur within a framework of conscription or national service. The enlistment process usually begins with recruitment and eligibility screening, including checks on age, citizenship, education, and health, followed by medical examinations, aptitude testing, and sometimes a background investigation. Recruits swear an oath of enlistment and sign a service contract that specifies terms of service, job specialty, pay, benefits, and duration.

Terms of service vary by country and branch but commonly include an initial period of active duty with the possibility of transfer to reserve status. Enlistment length can range from a few years to longer commitments, and options for reenlistment may extend service or shift individuals into reserve components. Contracts may be terminated for cause, and discharge ends the enlistment, with discharge classifications affecting future opportunities.

Rights and obligations tied to enlistment include adherence to military law, obedience to orders, and fulfillment of assigned duties. Benefits often accompany service, such as education support, healthcare, housing allowances, and pensions, depending on the jurisdiction. Service can involve training, deployment, and risk, as well as opportunities for career development and advancement within the armed forces.

Historical notes indicate that modern militaries have alternated between voluntary enlistment and conscription, with many nations moving toward professional volunteer forces in the 20th and 21st centuries. See also: conscription, military service, oath of enlistment.