Here are the basic requirements to join the Army. Please understand that some things could be eligible for a waiver if you do not meet those requirements. Talk to an Army recruiter to see if you are eligible to join the US Army.
ENLISTED SOLDIERS:
These are the E-1 to E9 pay grades with ranks such as Privates, Specialist and Sergeants.
- 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
- Test Score: A minimum score on the Army’s placement exam (ASVAB or PiCAT)
OFFICERS:
These are the 0-1 to 0-10 pay grades with ranks such as Lieutenant, Captain and Generals.
- Age: At least 17, but under 31 in the year of commissioning as an Officer
- 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 college graduate by the time you’re commissioned as an Officer
- Security Clearance: Complete a background check, fill out a questionnaire, be interviewed, and provide records
Additional info:
Can I join the Army if I’m older than the maximum age requirement?
The maximum age to join the Army as an enlisted Soldier is 35, while Officers must accept their commission before age 31. However, the Army can lift some restrictions based on the need for certain roles to be filled. It’s possible to receive an age waiver if you retire with 20 years of military service by age 55.
Can I join if I have a medical disqualification?
You can still join with a medical disqualification as long as you get a medical waiver, which is issued on a case-by-case basis.
Are there any restrictions around tattoos?
You can have tattoos almost anywhere on your body, with a few exceptions. There are some limits to the size and number of tattoos on highly visible areas like the hands, neck, and behind the ears. Tattoos in the mouth, ears, or on the eyelids are not allowed. It’s possible to get a waiver in some instances. However, tattoos anywhere on your body that are extremist, racist, sexist, or otherwise indecent aren’t allowed, no exceptions. See all tattoo requirements in the hair and appearance guidelines.
Can I still join if I have asthma, poor vision, or poor hearing?
Asthma will only prevent you from joining if you were diagnosed with it after your 13th birthday. Hearing, vision, and asthma qualifications are usually determined by medical exams and are not service-specific. You can still request an asthma, vision, or hearing loss waiver if a doctor denies your application.
Can I join if I have ADHD?
Yes. It will only prevent you from joining the Army if you’ve been treated with ADD/ADHD medication within the last year, or if you display obvious signs of the condition.
Will my height or weight prevent me from joining?
If you enlist to become a Soldier and don’t meet the physical requirements at MEPS, you may be eligible for the fitness track of a program called the Future Soldier Preparatory Course. Over 90 days, Army health and fitness experts will help you meet the required body fat composition before you start Basic Training. Talk to a recruiter about program details and if it’s an option for you.
If I have a previous felony or a conviction, can I still join?
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can’t join the Army, but moral waivers or felony waivers are available in some cases.
What offenses or moral behavior-related issues can’t be waived?
The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include:
- If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation
- If you are subject to civil court conviction or adverse disposition for more than one serious offense, or serious offenses with three or more other offenses (apart from traffic)
- If you are found trafficking, selling, or distributing narcotics, including marijuana
- If you have three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years before joining
- 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
Can I no longer join if I score too low on the ASVAB placement exam?
Not necessarily. The Army understands that some circumstances can impact your ability to score well. A waiver can be requested in those situations.
If you want to improve your test score and have a minimum score of 21, the academic track of the Future Soldier Preparatory Course may be an option for you. This 90-day program provides training on all the subjects covered on the ASVAB, as well as opportunities to retake the test. Find out more about the ASVAB placement exam and work with a recruiter to see if this program is right for you.
CITIZENSHIP
Although the Army wants people from all different backgrounds and experiences, all candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card (officially known as a I-551 Permanent Resident Card).
If you already have a Green Card, serving in the Army can reduce the residency requirement for becoming a U.S. citizen to as little as one day instead of five years. The naturalization process for citizenship can begin as soon as your first day of Basic Training.
WAIVERS
What can I do if I don’t meet the eligibility requirements to join?
The Army has a waiver process that you can take advantage of to prove you overcame a disqualifying issue that would otherwise prevent you from joining the Army. After submitting a waiver, a review takes place to make sure you can join. If your waiver is denied, you can also look into pursuing a civilian career within the Army.