Army Enlistment Rules & Regulations

Many individuals who are thinking of joining the United States Army assume that everyone is accepted. This is not the case. In order to be accepted into the Army, you must first meet some minimum requirements. Knowing what is expected is the first step when making the decision to enter the Army.

Education

You must have a high school diploma or a GED. You will also need to score a minimum of 31 on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB.

Citizenship

You must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien to be eligible to join the Army.

Health

You must not have any diseases or conditions that could be contagious or life threatening. You will be required to pass a physical.

Age

The Army accepts recruits between the ages of 17 and 41. Any enlistees who are under 18 will need parental consent.

Dependents

If you are married, you cannot have more than two dependents. Your spouse will not be considered dependent if she has an income. A single enlistee cannot have any dependents.

Commitment

You must be willing to sign a commitment of service. Generally, your commitment must be between 2 to 6 years.

Resources

• United States Army