Meeting the Basic Requirements to Join the Army
Joining the army can be a life-changing decision, offering a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and personal growth. However, before you can start your military journey, you must meet the basic requirements set by the army. These requirements ensure that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to serve your country. In this article, we will explore the five key requirements to join the army.
Requirement 1: Age and Citizenship
To join the army, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. You must also be between the ages of 17 and 35, although some exceptions may apply for older candidates. If you are 17, you will need parental consent to enlist. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still be eligible to join the army through the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program, which allows certain non-citizens to enlist in exchange for expedited U.S. citizenship.
📝 Note: Age waivers may be available for older candidates with special skills or qualifications.
Requirement 2: Education
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to join the army. A GED (General Educational Development) certificate is also acceptable. Some army jobs, known as Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), may require higher levels of education or specialized training. If you have a college degree, you may be eligible for officer training or other specialized programs.
Requirement 3: Physical Fitness
To join the army, you must be physically fit and pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The APFT consists of three events:
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- 2-mile run
You must score a minimum of 60 points on each event, with a total score of 180 points or higher. You will also need to meet the army’s body fat percentage requirements.
Requirement 4: Medical Standards
You must meet the army’s medical standards to join. This includes passing a medical exam and meeting specific requirements for:
- Vision: 20⁄40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses
- Hearing: able to hear sounds as low as 500 Hz
- Blood pressure: below 140⁄90 mmHg
- Body mass index (BMI): between 19 and 30
Certain medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, may be disqualifying.
Requirement 5: Moral Character
The army requires that you demonstrate good moral character. This includes:
- Passing a background check
- Not having any felony convictions
- Not having any outstanding warrants or court judgments
- Not being on probation or parole
You will also need to provide character references and pass a personal interview with an army recruiter.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age and Citizenship | 17-35 years old, U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent, GED certificate |
| Physical Fitness | Pass Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), meet body fat percentage requirements |
| Medical Standards | Pass medical exam, meet vision, hearing, blood pressure, and BMI requirements |
| Moral Character | Pass background check, demonstrate good moral character |
Joining the army requires a significant commitment of time, effort, and personal sacrifice. By meeting these five basic requirements, you can take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career in the military.
In summary, to join the army, you must meet the requirements for age and citizenship, education, physical fitness, medical standards, and moral character. By understanding these requirements and preparing yourself accordingly, you can set yourself up for success in your military career.
