Every branch of the military sets its own standards for enlisting. Learn about the specific requirements for each, including the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
Contact a military recruiter
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
You cannot join the military to enter the U.S. or to get a visa.
Age limits
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty:
- Air Force: 17 - 39
- Army: 17 - 35
- Coast Guard: 17 - 31
- Marine Corps: 17 - 28
- Navy: 17 - 39
- Space Force: 17 - 39
The age limits are different if you join as an officer or join the Guard or Reserve.
Education and testing requirements
ASVAB testing
Everyone who wants to enlist in the military must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Each branch sets its own minimum score to join. Your score will help decide which jobs you can do after you enlist.
Use ASVAB online resources to:
- Find out where to take the test
- Get tips for taking the test
- See sample questions from the 10 sections
- Understand ASVAB scores
Contact a recruiter, who can help you set up a time to take the ASVAB and tell you about the scores you will need.
Education requirements
You must have a high school or general equivalency diploma (GED) to enlist in the military. There are fewer spots for GED holders to enter the military. If you have a GED, you will have a better chance of joining if you have:
- Earned college credits
- Scored higher on the ASVAB
You must have a degree from a four-year college to join as an officer.
Physical and medical requirements
A medical exam is part of the enlistment process. The exam will assess if you are healthy enough to serve in the military.
Each branch requires recruits to be physically fit. You will have to pass a physical fitness test as part of your enlistment process. Speak with a recruiter to find out the physical requirements for the branch you want to join.
LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023
Have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
FAQs
Enlisted Soldiers
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. Education: A high school graduate or equivalent.
What are the requirements to join the US military? ›
Enlisted Soldiers
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. Education: A high school graduate or equivalent.
What are 7 steps to joining the military? ›
Steps to Joining the Military
- Meet with a recruiter.
- MEPS.
- Take the ASVAB.
- Pass the physical examination.
- Determine Military career with a service enlistment counselor.
- Oath of Enlistment.
- Basic Training.
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.
What are 3 requirements for enlisting in the military? ›
Minimum Enlistment Qualifications
- You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
- You must be at least 17 years old (17-year-old applicants require parental consent).
- You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma.
- You must pass a physical medical exam.
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 39. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 31.
What is the hardest US military branch to join? ›
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.
What is the easiest branch of military to go into? ›
What branch of the United States military is the easiest to get into? Academically, the Army or the Marine Corps. Would argue that since Marines need to know stuff about the Navy in addition to the Corps, however, that the Army probably is easier. Physically, the Navy or the Air Force.
What disqualifies you from joining the navy? ›
If you are convicted for five or more misdemeanors. If you are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test, or if you have current charges pending against you. If you have been previously separated from the Military Services under conditions other than honorable or for the good of the Military Service concerned.
How much does the US Army pay? ›
Rank
| Rank | <2 Years Experience | 6 Years Experience |
|---|
| Private First Class (E3) | $28,530.00 | $32,162.40 |
| Specialist or Corporal (E4) | $31,604.40 | $38,368.80 |
| Sergeant (E5) | $34,466.40 | $43,221.60 |
| Staff Sergeant (E6) | $37,627.20 | $46,857.60 |
2 more rowsWhen it comes to your basic pay, the military branches are all the same. A look at military pay charts shows that military pay is based on a pay grade, or rank, and years of service. In terms of your base pay, there is no fundamental advantage to opting for one branch of service over another.
How long is basic training? ›
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).
What are 3 reasons not to join the military? ›
Physical and emotional trauma are the most common reasons for not considering joining the military.
- Possibility of physical injury/death. ...
- Possibility of PTSD or other emotional/psychological issues. ...
- Leaving family and friends. ...
- Other career interests. ...
- Dislike of military lifestyle. ...
- Too long of a commitment.
Unfortunately, the age limit for joining the military currently ranges from 17 to 41 years old. The age limit differs based on branch and type of enlistment. Below we break down military age limits by active duty, then take a look at National Guard and Reserves age limits.
Will the Army fix my teeth? ›
Don't Let Your Dental Health Slip
While the military does offer dentistry services, there are still strict standards on oral health to prevent the need for excessive dental treatment during active duty and all of the liabilities that come along with tooth pain, infection, and inability to eat properly.
Is it easy to join the military in the US? ›
The entry standards are not overly difficult, but being cleared medically, academically and physically can be an uphill battle for many. Significant preparation may be needed to reach the level of acceptance to join, but enduring the training also requires a higher level of preparation depending on the job you seek.
How much does the military pay? ›
Rank
| Rank | <2 Years Experience | 8 Years Experience |
|---|
| Private (E1) | $24,206.40* | $24,206.40 |
| Private (E2) | $27,133.20 | $27,133.20 |
| Private First Class (E3) | $28,530.00 | $32,162.40 |
| Specialist or Corporal (E4) | $31,604.40 | $38,368.80 |
2 more rowsYour standing height must be not less than 4'10” (58 inches) and not more than 6'8″ (80 inches). Weight standards are indicated in the following weight table. If you exceed the U.S. Air Force Academy weight standards, you must undergo a procedure to determine your percent body fat.
Can anyone apply to the military? ›
Direct Application
You do not need any specific qualifications unless you're applying for a technical role like engineering or communications. You'll also need to be: aged between 16 and 36. physically fit.
Call USAGov 
Chat with USAGov 