Has the patriotism of our military in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other places in the world made you interested in joining up? What does it take to be “Army Strong”and “Aim High” to “Fly-Fight-Win?” Ready to be part of “A Global Force For Good,” or belong to “The Few, The Proud, The Marines”? Each branch of the service has its own specific requirements for becoming part of the enlisted corps or becoming an officer.
Regardless of which branch of the service has captured your heart, there are some military entrance conditions that are standard for entering any branch.
Requirement #1: Get That Degree!
Our military is a group of committed, educated people ready to serve our country. When you sign up, you should at least have a high school diploma in hand. You might be able to be accepted with a GED, but your career opportunities and advancement will be limited.
If you set your sights on becoming an officer, you need a bachelor’s degree. This might be in progress when you join up, but you must have your degree before you can be promoted to an O-3 or higher in any branch. The military is not an alternative to finishing your education.
In return for your commitment to serve, most branches of the military have options to help you pay for your education.
Requirement #2: Couch Potatoes Need Not Apply!
If you have watched news footage of our military abroad, you are aware that service personnel work in tough conditions, maneuver difficult terrain, and have many physical demands put upon them. To join up, you must be “fit to fight.” You’ll need to be in good health, be physically fit, and be able to pass a standard entrance physical exam to meet military entrance requirements.
You do not need perfect vision to join the service, however. As long as you have a vision problem that can be corrected with glasses or contacts or laser eye surgery, you will be able to serve in the military and perhaps even fly a plane. If you are colorblind, there are some jobs or positions you might not qualify for.
Requirement #3: The Military Needs Youth
When General MacArthur said “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away,” he was not talking about military entrance requirements. There is no branch of the service which currently accepts recruits over the age of 42. If you hope to enter a competitive military academy such as West Point, the Air Force Academy, or the Naval Academy to become an officer, you must be age 17 to 22.
The military entrance requirements vary somewhat depending whether you want to be on active duty, in the reserve, or in the guard.
Age Limits For The Army: Active Duty 17-42. Reserve 17-40. Guard 17-35.
Age Limits For The Air Force: Active Duty 17-27. Reserve 17-34. Guard 17-40.
Age Limits For The Navy: Active Duty 17-34. Reserve 18-39.
Age Limits For The Marine Corp: Active Duty 17-29. Reserve 17-29
Age Limits For The Coast Guard: Active Duty 17-27. Reserve 17-39.
Requirement #4: Citizenship Requirements Vary
The military defends our country, but you do not have to be a US citizen to join. As long as you are a permanent resident alien with a green card, you can join up. If you want to become a US citizen, your naturalization process will be fast-tracked, so you can attain that goal within a year.
If you are interested in joining the military, you should examine all branches to see which one is the best fit for you. A recruiter for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard can tell you the specific requirements for joining and, if accepted, enjoying a fulfilling career opportunity where what you do matters to many people beyond yourself.
Larry Fowler publishes the USMilitary.com network , one of America’s premier military recruiting websites. Larry’s passion is his faith, his wife and family and serving his honored military clients.
