Be part of something greater than yourself, and become physically and mentally stronger than you’ve ever been.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
AGE
The age requirements for joining the Army depend on the path you take, and they exist mainly to ensure you’re able to succeed in a challenging environment.
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.
MEDICAL & PHYSICAL
Maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health helps you succeed in the Army. These requirements are established to make sure you’re prepared to carry out your duties.
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?
Height and weight restrictions vary by age and gender. You can find your height and weight requirements by checking the table below.
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.
Are there any physical fitness requirements to join?
For both the enlisted Soldier and commissioned Officer paths, you'll need to meet the height and weight requirements for your age and gender before joining. A recruiter will work with you after you join to meet the physical requirements of your chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) evaluates your physical and mental abilities, starting at Basic Training for enlisted Soldiers and during initial training for those commissioning as Officers. Everyone will need to pass the ACFT during training and again several times a year for every year of service. Scores are recorded twice a year for active duty Soldiers in the Army, or once a year for members of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The Army will be there to support your growth with resources during every step of the evaluation process to ensure your success.
EDUCATION
Enlisted Soldiers need to have a high school degree or equivalent to join, while Officers need a college degree by the time they are commissioned. To enlist, you’ll also need to meet a minimum score on the Army placement exam, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). It’s recommended you check the requirements of your preferred job, since some specific jobs also require minimum scores.
Can I no longer join if I score too low on the ASVAB placement exam?
Not necessarily. The Army understands that some circ*mstances 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.
VALUES & CHARACTER
Candidates will be expected to follow and uphold the Army’s code of conduct if they want to join. These include the Army’s seven values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.
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
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. Work with a recruiter to get started.
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.
Height and Weight Requirement Details
Find your height and weight requirements below.
Talk to a Recruiter
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Here's What Happens Next
You'll receive an email confirming your request
We'll provide additional information about next steps
You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Here's What Happens Next
You'll receive an email confirming your request
We'll provide additional information about next steps
You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
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Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Topics to Explore
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.
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Given the nature of the information provided regarding eligibility and requirements for joining the Army, I can confidently delve into each aspect of this article and offer comprehensive insights.
Age Requirements: The age criteria for joining the Army depend on the path chosen. Enlisted Soldiers must be under 35 years old, while Officers must accept their commission before turning 31. However, waivers are possible based on specific roles or prior military service.
Medical & Physical Standards: Physical, mental, and emotional health are critical for success in the Army. Medical disqualifications can be overcome through case-by-case medical waivers. There are specific regulations regarding tattoos, with allowances for waivers in certain cases. Asthma, poor vision, and hearing issues might require waivers, but they aren't service-specific and can be addressed with medical exams.
Physical Fitness Requirements: Both enlisted Soldiers and commissioned Officers need to meet height and weight requirements for their age and gender. The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) assesses physical and mental abilities, which individuals must pass during training and periodically throughout their service.
Educational Qualifications: Enlisted Soldiers require a high school diploma or equivalent, while Officers need a college degree. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is essential, with waivers possible in situations impacting test performance.
Values & Character: Candidates are expected to adhere to the Army’s code of conduct, reflecting values like Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Moral waivers might be available for certain felony convictions.
Citizenship Requirements: Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a valid Green Card. Serving in the Army can potentially expedite the path to citizenship for Green Card holders.
Waivers: The Army has a waiver process allowing individuals to address disqualifying issues. If waivers are denied, exploring civilian career options within the Army is an alternative.
The information provided also covers engagement with Army recruiters, ROTC programs, scholarship opportunities, and frequently asked questions concerning age, education, health care jobs, ROTC enrollment, and benefits.
Understanding these eligibility criteria and requirements is crucial for anyone considering a career in the Army, whether as an enlisted Soldier or a commissioned Officer. The various waivers available and the commitment required to maintain physical fitness and uphold Army values are key aspects prospective candidates should be aware of.
