Intro
Discover the essential qualifications to join the US Army. Learn the 5 key requirements to enter the Army, including citizenship, education, age, physical fitness, and moral character. Understand the enlistment process and what it takes to become a soldier. Get informed and start your military career path with confidence.
Joining the army can be a life-changing decision that requires careful consideration and preparation. If you're thinking of enlisting, it's essential to understand the requirements to enter the army. Here are five key requirements to help you get started:
Physical Fitness Requirements
To be eligible for army service, you'll need to meet the physical fitness requirements. This includes passing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. The minimum scores required vary depending on your age and sex. For example, for men aged 17-21, the minimum scores are 30 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, and a 2-mile run time of 16 minutes. You'll also need to meet the body fat percentage requirements, which range from 20% to 24% for men and 24% to 30% for women.
Education Requirements
You'll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for army service. If you don't have a diploma, you can take the General Educational Development (GED) test to demonstrate your academic ability. Additionally, if you're interested in serving in a specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), you may need to meet additional education requirements, such as having a college degree or completing a vocational training program.
Background Check Requirements
The army conducts thorough background checks on all potential recruits. This includes reviewing your credit history, employment history, and any past convictions or arrests. If you have a felony conviction or a history of serious misconduct, you may be ineligible for army service. However, in some cases, waivers may be granted for recruits with minor infractions or mitigating circumstances.
Citizenship Requirements
To be eligible for army service, you'll need to be a U.S. citizen. If you're not a citizen, you may be eligible to enlist if you're a permanent resident alien or a refugee. However, you'll need to meet specific requirements, such as having a valid green card or being granted asylum. Additionally, if you're a non-citizen, you may be required to take the Oath of Allegiance and renounce your foreign citizenship.
Aptitude Test Requirements
The Army uses the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to measure your aptitude for various careers. The test consists of nine individual sections, including mathematics, language, and technical skills. Your scores will determine which Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) you're eligible for. You'll need to score a minimum of 31 on the ASVAB test to be eligible for army service. However, some MOS require higher scores or additional testing.
Gallery of Army Requirements
Army Requirements Image Gallery
What are the physical fitness requirements for army enlistment?
+The physical fitness requirements for army enlistment include passing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which consists of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. The minimum scores required vary depending on your age and sex.
What education requirements do I need to meet for army enlistment?
+You'll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for army service. If you don't have a diploma, you can take the General Educational Development (GED) test to demonstrate your academic ability.
What is the ASVAB test, and how does it affect my army enlistment?
+The ASVAB test measures your aptitude for various army careers. Your scores will determine which Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) you're eligible for. You'll need to score a minimum of 31 on the ASVAB test to be eligible for army service.
If you're considering joining the army, it's essential to understand the requirements to ensure you're eligible for enlistment. By meeting the physical fitness, education, background check, citizenship, and aptitude test requirements, you'll be well on your way to starting your army career.