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The U.S. military has five separate services: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. The military trains people in many occupations. Each of the military services actively recruits for both enlisted and officer positions. Every recruit signs a legal contract for eight years of duty. Usually, two to six years are spent on active duty. The rest are spent in the Reserve forces.
After basic training, enlistees will receive technical or job training. This training prepares the enlistee for a job in the military. Many military occupations involve skills that can be useful in civilian jobs. Service members receive basic pay, allowances, and benefits for serving in the military. Tuition assistance at colleges and universities is also available.
Each of the military services recruits independently and sets its own enlistment standards. However, the following general enlistment qualifications are the minimum standards set by the Department of Defense. Each service may choose to have higher standards than are listed here. Sometimes services make exceptions to these qualifications.
U.S. citizen or an immigrant legally admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence
18 years old or older (or age 17 with consent of parent or legal guardian)
High school diploma or GED
Achieve minimum scores on the ASVAB test
Good health and pass medical exam (minimum height, weight, and vision requirements also exist)
Good moral standards
For more information about joining the military, contact:
Air Force
1.800.423.USAF
Army
1.800.USA.ARMY
Coast Guard
1.800.424.8883
Marines
1.800.MARINES
Navy
1.800.USA.NAVY
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