Joining & Eligibility
While the Services have similar eligibility requirements, they may also reserve the right to enlist recruits using criteria that are based on the needs or vacancies of the current mission. The general requirements listed here apply to the U.S. Military as a whole. For specifics, pleasecontact a recruiter.
On This Page
- Age Requirements
- Physical Requirements
- Educational Requirements
- Security and Background Checks
- Citizenship Requirements
- Selective Service
Age Requirements
Military and service academy minimum entrance age requirements are 17 with parental consent or 18 without parental consent. Service academy applicants must meet the age requirements as of July 1 of the year of entry.
Army Army
Age Requirements
Active Duty
17-35
Reserve
17-35
Guard
17-35
Service Academies
17-23
Marine Corps Marine Corps
Age Requirements
Active Duty
17-28
Reserve
17-28
Guard
N/A
Service Academies
17-23
Navy Navy
Age Requirements
Active Duty
17-41
Reserve
17-41
Guard
N/A
Service Academies
17-23
Air Force Air Force
Age Requirements
Active Duty
17-42
Reserve
17-42
Guard
17-42
Service Academies
17-23
Space Force Space Force
Age Requirements
ENLISTED
You must be 17–42years of age, a U.S. citizen and have a high school diploma, GED with 15 college credits or GED.
OFFICER
You must be a U.S. citizen.
CIVILIAN
Visit the Air Force Civilian Service site to learn more.
Coast Guard Coast Guard
Age Requirements
Active Duty
17-41
Reserve
17-40
Guard
N/A
Service Academies
17-22
Physical Requirements
Physical requirements vary greatly across each Service branch. Generally speaking, potential recruits should be in good physical condition, of appropriate weight and able to pass a standard physical screening prior to entry. For specific information, please contact a recruiter.
Educational Requirements
Success in any branch of the Military depends on a good education. A high school diploma is most desirable. Candidates with a GED (General Education Development) certificate can enlist, but some Services may limit their opportunities. It is very difficult to be considered a serious candidate without either a high school diploma or an accepted alternative credential.
Security and Background Checks
For safety and security purposes, and to uphold the high standards of the Military, all Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) applicants are asked to complete a background check. Generally, felons or individuals with several convictions on their record are not eligible to join the Military. However, each branch has its own policy and, in certain cases, may grant moral conduct waivers or felony waivers:
Army
Felons and individuals with multiple convictions cannot join, but waivers are available on a case-by-case basis.
Marine Corps
All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions.
Navy
Individuals who have been convicted of a felony as an adult or juvenile for offenses involving violence, domestic violence, illegal drugs or sexual misconduct will be disqualified.
Air Force
A criminal record can impact enlistment eligibility (this includes an excessive number of traffic-related violations within a one-year period).
Coast Guard
The Recruiting Command can authorize case-by-case waivers.
If you have additional questions or would like further clarification, contact a recruiterto discuss your particular situation in more detail.
Citizenship Requirements
U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents (people who have valid alien registration form, I-551 or green card, from the US Immigration and Citizenship services). For more information on citizenship and naturalization, visit the USCIS website.
Properly documented noncitizens may enlist. However, opportunities may be limited.Contact a recruiter for more advice on a specific situation.
For enlistment purposes, the United States includes Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern MarianaIslands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau.
Selective Service
For almost all male U.S. citizens and male aliens living in the United States who are ages 18 through 25, there is a requirement to register with the Selective Service.
