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Joining the Military > Military
Entrance Requirements |
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While the
Service branches have similar entrance requirements, each has
its own admission standards based on the amount and type of
recruits needed. The requirements listed here apply to the
U.S. Military as a whole. For more specifics, it's best to
contact a recruiter. |
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Age Requirements |
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Each branch
of the Service has different requirements. Minimum
entrance-age requirements are 17 with parental consent or 18
without parental consent. |
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Army |
Marines |
Navy |
Air Force |
Coast Guard |
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Active Duty |
17-42 |
17-28 |
17-34 |
17-27 |
17-27 |
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Reserve |
17-39 |
17-28 |
21-39 |
17-35 |
17-39 |
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Guard |
17-42 |
n/a |
n/a |
17-35 |
n/a |
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Academies |
17-23 |
17-23 |
17-23 |
17-23 |
17-23 |
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Age
requirements may change. Please contact a recruiter for
current age requirements. |
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Physical
Requirements |
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Because of
the varying physical demands on servicemembers in each branch,
physical requirements vary greatly. These differences can vary
even within each branch of the Service. Generally speaking,
potential servicemembers should be in good physical condition,
of appropriate weight, and able to pass a standard physical
screening prior to entry. For more specific information,
please contact a recruiter. |
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Educational
Requirements |
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Success in
any branch of the Military depends on a good education, and a
high school diploma is most desirable. Candidates with a GED
(General Education Development certificate) can enlist, but
some Services may limit opportunities. It is very difficult to
be considered a serious candidate without either a high school
diploma or accepted alternative credential. In any case,
staying in school is important for entering the Military. |
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Citizenship
Requirements |
U.S.
citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (people who have an INS
I-151/I-551 "Green Card") may join the U.S. Military.
Noncitizens may enlist, but cannot re-enlist (extend their
enlistment beyond their first term of service) unless they
become naturalized U.S. citizens. However, after service of
three years, additional residency requirements for citizenship
can be waived. The Military does not assist in the immigration
naturalization process.
For enlistment purposes, the United States includes Guam,
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Marianas
Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia,
and the Marshall Islands.
Citizens of certain countries may require a waiver to enlist.
These include citizens of countries considered hostile to the
interests of the United States. For more specific information
on the current list of hostile countries, or for other
specific questions, contact a recruiter. |
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(Source:
US Department of Defense) |
