Requirements to join the U.S. military | USAGov (2024)

FAQs

What disqualifies you from joining the Army? ›

Disqualifications at MEPS can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting the height/weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, and more. Law violations can also prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of a crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.

ENLISTED. You must be 17–42 years of age, a U.S. citizen and have a high school diploma, GED with 15 college credits or GED.

Citizenship and residency

U.S. citizens and some non-citizens can join the military. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must: Have a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Speak, read, and write English fluently.

Keyboard requires at least 4 pieces: 1 or more on solo piano and at least 2 with backing tracks, preferably demonstrating non-piano sounds (organ, clav, synth, etc.). Guitar and bass requires at least 4 pieces with backing tracks. Vocal requires 3 to 6 selections with a microphone, sound system, and backing tracks.

There are several reasons why the military might not accept your application. These include your age, weight, medical condition, criminal history, and even select tattoos. Serving in the military is a privilege, not a right. Hence, you're not entitled to military service just because you're an American citizen.

Is it the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or Space Force? At a basic pay level, the answer is simple. The military pays the same regardless of branch, according to your pay grade and years of service. Your rank determines your pay grade.

WELCOME TO BASIC

You're ready to start becoming a Soldier. In 10 weeks, you'll be physically and mentally stronger than you've ever been, and ready to join the team that protects America. Most recruits are curious about Basic Combat Training (BCT).

Here are the requirements to become an enlisted Soldier: Age: Between 17-35 years old. Medical, Moral, Physical: Medically and physically fit, and in good moral standing. Citizenship: A U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card.

Can I join the military if I'm undocumented? ›

To join the U.S. military, non-citizens must be living permanently and legally in the United States. Non-citizens must also have permission to work in the United States, possess an I-551 (Permanent Residence Card), have obtained a high school diploma and speak English.

Essentially, any visible body tattoos are prohibited. The only exception is one ring tattoo per hand where a regular ring would lie. Leg tattoos must be two inches below or above the knee, and cosmetic Army tattoos must be conservative and are only allowed on women.

The hardest military branch to get into in terms of education requirements is the Air Force. The military branch with the toughest basic training is the Marine Corps. The hardest military branch for non-males because of exclusivity and male dominance is the Marine Corps.

Recruit basic training, also referred to as boot camp, is 6-13 weeks of extremely intense military training that, depending on the service branch, is conducted at one of the several military training centers throughout the U.S., from California to New Jersey.

The investigation focuses on character and conduct, emphasizing factors like honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, financial responsibility, credit, criminal activity, emotional stability, and other pertinent areas.

Misdemeanor and Juvenile Offenses

A history that includes only traffic offenses, misdemeanor offenses, or juvenile offenses will require that you obtain a waiver from the service before you can enlist. However, you can receive a waiver for most crimes that fall into these categories.

What Is Included in Background Investigation. The background investigation will include credit and criminal history checks, records checks to verify citizenship of members, verification of date of birth, education, employment history, and military history.