Considering a career in the Army is a significant decision. You probably have a lot of questions running through your mind, especially about eligibility. It’s a path that demands commitment, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose; therefore, it’s wise to be prepared. Before you can even begin basic training, you must meet certain standards. So, you’re asking, what are the requirements to join the army? Understanding the answer is the first real step on this journey, and getting the facts straight now will save you time and effort.
This guide will break down exactly what the requirements are to join the army. From citizenship and age to physical fitness and education, we’ll cover what you need to know. Being informed helps you understand where you stand and what you need to work on before speaking with a recruiter.
What Are The Requirements To Join The Army Table of Contents:
- The Basics: Are You Eligible?
- What are the Requirements to Join the Army Physically?
- Academic and Mental Aptitude Requirements
- Different Paths of Service
- Conclusion
The Basics: Are You Eligible?
Before getting into the details of fitness tests and aptitude exams, let’s cover the foundational requirements. These are the non-negotiable standards every potential recruit must meet. They form the first hurdle you’ll need to clear on your path to becoming an enlisted soldier or an army officer.
Citizenship Status
To join the U.S. Army, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. This means you need to hold a valid Permanent Resident Card, also known as a Green Card. If you are a permanent resident, you can join, but some restrictions will apply.
For example, you will not be able to get a commission as an officer or get jobs that require a security clearance until you become a full citizen. The Army does offer an expedited path to citizenship for service members who serve honorably. This can be a significant benefit for many who choose to serve their new country.
Age Requirements
Your age plays a big part in your eligibility for military life. For active duty, the general age requirement is between 17 and 35 years old. If you’re 17, you need parental consent to enlist.
This age window allows the Army to train recruits who can serve a full career if they choose. There can be exceptions, and waivers are sometimes available for applicants older than 35. These are often granted for those with prior military service or specialized professional skills that are in high demand.
The age requirements for the Army Reserve and Army National Guard are a bit more flexible, often extending to age 42. You should always speak with a recruiter about your specific situation because policies can change. The age you must be commissioned by if you’re pursuing an officer path through a program like Army ROTC also has its specific limits.
Moral Character and Conduct
The Army looks for people of high moral character. This means your history with law enforcement is very important, and a background check will be part of your application process. Your recruiter will also likely review your social media profiles to see if you display obvious signs of behavior that conflict with Army values.
Serious offenses, like felonies, are almost always disqualifying law violations. A pattern of minor offenses can also stop you from enlisting. However, a minor traffic ticket or a single mistake from your past may not be an issue, as these are often considered on a case-by-case basis.
Honesty is critical here; always be upfront with your recruiter about your entire history. Hiding something will only cause problems later and could lead to fraudulent enlistment charges. Some law violations can be waived, but the decision rests with the command, and being transparent improves your chances.
What are the Requirements to Join the Army Physically?
Serving in the Army is physically demanding, and you will be pushed to your limits. Because of this, the Army has strict physical and medical standards. These are in place to make sure you’re prepared for the challenge and can perform your duties safely.
Passing the Medical Exam
Every person who wants to join goes through full medical exams. This happens at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), where doctors will review your entire medical history. They will also give you a physical exam that includes tests for poor hearing and poor vision, blood tests, and an evaluation of your joints and muscles.
The goal is to identify any chronic or pre-existing medical conditions that might get worse with military service or present a risk to you or others. Certain issues can lead to medical disqualification. This includes conditions like severe asthma, some ADD/ADHD medication use, and major joint problems.
If you have a disqualifying condition, a medical waiver might be possible. The process involves submitting your medical records for review, and approval is never guaranteed. If a doctor denies your initial request, there may be appeal options, but each case is unique.
Common Medical Disqualifications
Many common questions revolve around specific health care issues. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, some frequent medical concerns include asthma, allergies, and hearing loss. Generally, a history of asthma after your 13th birthday is disqualifying, though a waiver might be granted if you’ve been symptom-free for years.
Significant hearing loss will also require a waiver. A hearing loss waiver is considered if the issue doesn’t prevent you from safely performing military duties. Even a condition that seems minor can be a hurdle, so gathering all your medical documents is a good first step before seeing a recruiter.
Meeting Height and Weight Standards
The Army has specific height and weight requirements to ensure soldiers have a healthy body composition for physical readiness. These standards are different for males and females and are based on your height. The weight restrictions vary slightly by age group.
If you are over the weight limit for your height, don’t worry, just yet. The Army uses a body fat percentage test as a secondary screening. If your body fat is below the maximum allowed, you can still be found qualified for service.
Here is a small sample of the Army’s height and weight screening table to give you an idea. A recruiter will have the full chart and can help you figure out exactly where you stand. Showing up within these standards proves you’re serious and disciplined, and it helps you get ready for basic training.
| Height (Inches) | Max Weight Male (lbs) | Max Weight Female (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 136 | 125 |
| 65 | 165 | 155 |
| 70 | 195 | 185 |
| 75 | 227 | 216 |
Appearance and Grooming Guidelines
Your appearance is also part of the physical requirements. The Army has clear appearance guidelines that cover everything from hairstyles to tattoos. These rules promote uniformity and a professional military image.
The tattoo requirements are a common source of questions. Tattoos are prohibited on the head, face, neck, and hands, although one ring tattoo is permitted on each hand. Tattoos in highly visible areas are subject to scrutiny, and any that are extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist are strictly forbidden.
Grooming standards dictate hairstyle lengths, cosmetics for females, and shaving rules for males. These rules are detailed in Army regulations, and your recruiter can answer any additional questions you may have. Adhering to these standards is part of the discipline required for military life.
Academic and Mental Aptitude Requirements
The Army needs smart, capable soldiers who can learn new skills and think on their feet. Your educational background and your score on the Army’s entrance test are just as important as your physical ability. These factors help determine if you can join and what jobs you’ll qualify for.
Your Education Matters
A high school diploma is the preferred credential for joining the Army. If you have a high school diploma, you’re on the right track. This shows you have a baseline level of education and the discipline to complete a long-term goal.
If you have a General Educational Development (GED) certificate instead of a high school diploma, you can still join, but the path is different. The Army usually has a limited number of spots for GED holders each year. Because of this, a recruit with a GED will need to get a higher score on the enlistment test to be considered competitive.
For those aspiring to be a commissioned officer, the educational bar is higher. You typically must be a college graduate with a four-year degree. Paths to becoming an army officer include attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, completing the Army ROTC program in college, or attending Officer Candidate School after graduation.
The ASVAB: More Than Just a Test
Everyone who wants to enlist in any branch of the U.S. military must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This is not an IQ test, and it’s not a pass-or-fail exam. It is the Army’s entrance test, designed to measure your aptitude in several different areas.
The most important score from the ASVAB is the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score. This determines if you are academically qualified to join the Army. The minimum score required can change based on the Army’s recruiting needs, but a score of 31 is a general benchmark.
GED holders will often need to score higher, sometimes 50 or above, to qualify. The ASVAB also provides line scores in areas like Mechanical Comprehension and Electronics Information. These scores determine which Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), or jobs, you are eligible for, giving you more options with higher scores.
Different Paths of Service
When considering the Army, it’s also important to understand the different ways you can serve. The main distinction is between enlisted soldiers and commissioned officers, and between full-time active duty and part-time service. Each path has its commitments and opportunities.
Enlisted Soldier vs. Commissioned Officer
Enlisted soldiers are the backbone of the Army, carrying out missions and making up the majority of the force. They specialize in a specific MOS, from infantry and combat roles to technical jobs in intelligence and health care. Most enlisted soldiers join right after high school or with some college experience.
A commissioned officer is a leader and manager, responsible for the soldiers under their command. They must have a bachelor’s degree by the time they’re commissioned. The journey to becoming an officer can begin at a military academy like West Point or through a program called Army ROTC while in college.
Active Duty, Army Reserve, & Army National Guard
Active Duty is a full-time job with the Army, with soldiers living on or near a military installation. It is a complete commitment to military life. This is what most people think of when they picture joining the military.
The Army Reserve is a part-time federal force. Reserve soldiers typically train one weekend a month and two weeks a year, allowing them to maintain a civilian career while serving the country. They can be called to support active duty missions around the world.
The Army National Guard is unique because it serves both the state and the federal government. Like the Reserve, service is part-time. The Army National Guard, also called the Army National, can be activated by a state’s governor for local emergencies or by the president for federal missions.
Conclusion
So, what are the requirements to join the army? They span your citizenship status, age, moral character, and physical fitness, including specific height and weight restrictions. Meeting these standards is your first mission on the path to service, whether you aim to be an enlisted soldier or a commissioned officer in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.
Each step, from the medical exam at MEPS to achieving a qualifying score on the ASVAB, is a gate you must pass through. It can seem like a lot, but taking it one requirement at a time makes the process manageable. This preparation shows your dedication before you even get to basic training.
If you’re serious about this path, your next step is to gather your documents and prepare your mind and body. Be ready to have an honest conversation with a recruiter about your background and goals. Understanding these requirements is the key to successfully starting your career in the U.S. Army.