- Men and women between the ages of 17 and 34 can enlist in the U.S. Army. However, prospective soldiers with solid physical records may obtain waivers if their ages exceed this limit.
- Only U.S. citizens or resident aliens may enlist in the U.S. Army. For resident aliens there are many stipulations including limits on re-enlistment, and waivers are required for prospective soldiers from countries deemed hostile to the United States.
- While a high school diploma is not required, a GED will limit a prospective soldier to certain U.S. Army jobs. College credits are required for commissioned officers.
- Prospective soldiers must be single without children or married with two or less children in order to be considered for enlistment. However, during the course of a U.S. Army career, these requirements are lifted.
- The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is required of every prospective member of every branch of the armed forces. While low scores on the ASVAB may be waived in the U.S. Army, certain jobs and enlistment bonuses are reserved for those individuals who score high on the test.
- Criminal and medical histories are required of all prospective soldiers. While not every criminal act or medical condition will disqualify an individual from service in the U.S. Army, some will, and more often than not, waivers will be required.
- Last but certainly not least, the U.S. Army employs strict physical fitness standards. While prospective soldiers will not be required to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) until basic training, they will be required to meet certain height and weight restrictions, and pass a minimal fitness test, prior to enlistment.
