Intro
Discover the US Army requirements to join the military. Learn about the age, citizenship, education, and physical fitness requirements, as well as the enlistment process and necessary qualifications. Get the facts on how to become a soldier and start your military career, including ASVAB scores, background checks, and medical evaluations.
Serving in the US Army is a great way to serve your country, gain valuable skills and experience, and take advantage of numerous education and career benefits. However, joining the Army requires meeting specific requirements, which can vary depending on your background, education, and career goals. In this article, we'll break down the key requirements to join the US Army.
Basic Requirements
To be eligible to join the US Army, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be a US citizen or a permanent resident alien
- Be between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Meet the Army's physical fitness standards
- Meet the Army's medical standards
- Score a minimum of 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a background check
Physical Fitness Standards
The Army requires all recruits to meet its physical fitness standards, which include:
- Push-ups: 30-40 in 1 minute
- Sit-ups: 30-40 in 1 minute
- 2-mile run: 14-17 minutes
- Body fat percentage: 20-30%
Medical Standards
The Army has strict medical standards to ensure that all recruits are fit for duty. Some medical conditions may disqualify you from joining, such as:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Certain mental health conditions
- Certain physical disabilities
ASVAB Test
The ASVAB test is a multiple-choice test that measures your aptitude in various subjects, including math, science, and language. The test is divided into several sections, and your scores will determine which Army jobs (known as Military Occupational Specialties or MOS) you're eligible for.
Education Requirements
The Army requires all recruits to have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you don't have a high school diploma, you may still be eligible to join if you have a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or a certificate of completion from a recognized homeschooling program.
Background Check
The Army requires all recruits to pass a background check, which includes a review of your:
- Arrest record
- Conviction record
- Military service record (if applicable)
- Credit history
Army Enlistment Process
Once you've met the basic requirements, you can begin the enlistment process, which typically involves the following steps:
- Take the ASVAB test: Schedule a test date with your local Army recruiter.
- Choose your MOS: Based on your ASVAB scores, you'll be eligible for certain Army jobs.
- Enlist: Meet with your recruiter to sign your enlistment contract.
- Attend Basic Combat Training (BCT): Also known as boot camp, BCT is a 10-week training program that teaches you the basics of Army life and combat skills.
- Attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT): After BCT, you'll attend AIT, which provides specialized training in your chosen MOS.
Army Education Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of joining the Army is the education benefits. The Army offers several education programs, including:
- GI Bill: The GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits, which can be used to pursue a degree or vocational training.
- Army Tuition Assistance: The Army offers tuition assistance to help you pay for college courses.
- Student Loan Repayment: The Army offers student loan repayment programs to help you pay off your student loans.
Army Career Opportunities
The Army offers a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Combat roles: Infantry, artillery, armor, and more.
- Support roles: Logistics, communications, medical, and more.
- Technical roles: Engineering, intelligence, cyber, and more.
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FAQs
What are the basic requirements to join the US Army?
+To join the US Army, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident alien, be between the ages of 17 and 35, meet the Army's physical fitness standards, meet the Army's medical standards, score a minimum of 31 on the ASVAB test, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
What is the ASVAB test?
+The ASVAB test is a multiple-choice test that measures your aptitude in various subjects, including math, science, and language. Your scores will determine which Army jobs (MOS) you're eligible for.
What are the education benefits of joining the US Army?
+The US Army offers several education benefits, including the GI Bill, Army Tuition Assistance, and Student Loan Repayment programs.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the requirements to join the US Army. If you're considering a career in the Army, we encourage you to explore the various career opportunities and education benefits available to you.