Joining the Military

Only 29% of American youth (age 17-24) qualify to serve in the Military.

Many people are precluded from Service because they fall into one or more common disqualifying categories. This very long list includes common conditions, like asthma and eczema, that might interrupt everyday life. View the full list, here. However, if you do fall into a disqualifying category, waivers may be available. It is best practice to discuss your options with a recruiter to address your individual circumstances.

For those seriously considering the Military as a potential career path, you will quickly realize that the eligibility requirements are complex. There are different guidelines for enlisting and officer programs that vary between each Service. You can learn more about the differences, here.

For now, we’ll discuss the qualification standards to enlist in the military Services Regular (Active Duty) and Reserve Components as well as the appointment of officers. To help you out, we’ve condensed the list to give you an overview of what you’ll need to get started with the process.

Here’s what the Military generally requires...

Age

To be eligible for Regular enlistment, you must be 18 years old, or 17 with parental consent.

Citizenship

You must be a citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (those with an INS I-151/I-551 Green Card) of the United States to be eligible to join the U.S. Military. In some cases, properly documented noncitizens may enlist. Contact a recruiter for more advice on a specific situation.

Education

A high school diploma is preferred, although not mandatory, to enlist in any component of the military Service branches. Those holding alternative credentials (for example, a G.E.D. and certificates of attendance) and non-graduates may be assigned lower enlistment priority.

A 4-year baccalaureate degree is required for appointment as an officer. In addition, special occupations, for example, physician or chaplain, may require additional vocational credentials.

Aptitude

The Military uses the applicant’s AFQT score, derived from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB test), to determine their aptitude. The applicant’s scores are grouped into percentile categories. Those who score in AFQT Category V (percentiles 1-9) are ineligible to enlist. Learn more about ASVAB and AFQT scores, here.

Medical

A medical screening process is structured to identify any medical condition, including mental health, that disqualifies an applicant for military service. In some circumstances, applicants who fail to meet the established medical standards may be considered for a medical waiver.

There is a long list of disqualifying medical standards that include:

• Physical conditions, limitations, deformities & diseases, etc.

• Sleep disorders

• Learning, psychiatric, and behavioral disorders

Remember that most of these conditions are not necessarily permanently disqualifying, but rather red flags. If you had a medical complication at any time in your life that is mentioned in the list, you must tell your recruiter.

These standards also do not apply to any medical issue associated with gender dysphoria or gender transition. Questions regarding such medical standards or procedures should be directed to the Commander, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM).

Physical Fitness

Each Service has a different set of physical requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for enlistment. This includes height and weight standards as well as meeting fitness screening requirements at bootcamp.

Character/Conduct

The underlying purpose of these enlistment and appointment standards is to minimize the acceptance of applicants who are likely to become disciplinary cases, security risks, or who are likely to disrupt good order, morale, and discipline. The U.S. Military is responsible for the defense of our nation and should not be viewed as a source of rehabilitation. At a minimum, an applicant will be considered ineligible if he or she:

• Is under any form of judicial restraint (bond, probation, imprisonment, or parole).

• Has a significant criminal record, including those with a felony.

• Has a State or federal conviction, or a finding of guilt in a juvenile adjudication for any sexual offense.

• Has exhibited antisocial behavior or other traits of character that may render the applicant unfit for service.

Drugs/Alcohol

Applicants must participate in a screening process. Those with a current or history of alcohol dependence, drug dependence, alcohol abuse, or other drug abuse is considered incompatible with military life. As a result, those who test positive for illegal drugs will be disqualified; however, a waiver may be requested.

Remember, although you may fall into one or more of these categories, waivers may be available.  It’s always best to discuss your options with a recruiter to address your individual circumstances. To contact a recruiter and learn about the benefits of serving in the U.S. Military, the various military career paths, and more, head to www.careersinthmilitary.com.