Enlisting in the Army
Requirements for Joining the U.S. Armed Forces
Although scoring well on the ASVAB is a significant step towards getting a job in the armed forces it is by no means the only factor in deciding if you’re qualified for a position.
There are a number of requirements that applicants must meet before they are considered for a position in the U.S. military. Some of these requirements are educational while others are physical and psychological.
Below you’ll find the basic requirements for eligibility in the armed forces.
- Minimum Age: The minimum age for joining the military is 18 years old or 17 with the consent of a parent.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or have a green card. There are special circumstances in which a non-U.S. citizen can qualify.
- Must have a high school diploma
- Must take and pass the ASVAB test
- Must pass a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam
- Cannot have more than 2 dependents
- Physical Health: You must be of sound physical health in order to become a part of the military. A physical exam will be implemented to ensure candidates will be able to handle the rigors of basic training. This includes meeting height and weight requirements or sometimes body mass index measurements. The most recent height/weight requirements can be found at Official Army for both males and females.
Below is what you can expect during the physical exam:
- Height and Weight measurement
- Vision and Hearing Tests
- Drug and Alcohol Tests
- Flexibility and Balance Tests
- Urine and Blood Tests
- Complete a Medical History Questionnaire
- Complete an Interview with the Physician
- Specialized Tests (on an as needed basis)
While going through the application process you will need to have several documents ready to bring with you. These documents include your birth certificate, driver’s license and social security card. Additionally you could be asked to produce prescriptions, school diplomas and/or transcripts, resume, legal documents, medical history or your passport.
Just as with other occupations you have the choice of a full-time position in the military or a part-time position which is also referred to as a reserve position. For these reserve positions there are many of the same requirements, however there are fewer than if you choose to apply for a full time position.
Below are the requirements for serving in the Army Reserve
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must be of sound physical health
- Must be in good moral standing
- Must be a U.S. citizen or have a green card
- Must have a high school diploma or the equivalent
Before taking the ASVAB and the physical exam you should contact an armed forces recruiter. These recruiters specialize in the application and qualification process and can answer any questions that you have about applying for a position in the military.
A recruiter will also verify for you everything that you need to have prepared to bring with you during the exams as well as locations for completing them.
While meeting with a recruiter make sure they cover the benefits you’ll be eligible for, length of enlistment, the different career options within the different military branches and enlistment incentives.
The process may seem involved but can be done in a matter of just a few days. If you’d like to learn more about the process and contact a recruiter you can do so at the Official Army website.