Requirements to Join the U.S. Army

The United States Army has several basic requirements that need to be met in order to join. Some careers within the U.S. Army have more specialized requirements. For example, the military police program within the U.S. Army requires a higher ASVAB score. Check with a recruiter for specifics.

Education Requirement

Although there are ROTC programs in high schools prepare recruits for military programs such as the United States Army, there is no actual education requirement in order to join the United States Army. Being a high school graduate is not necessary.

Age Requirement

The minimum age limit to join the U.S. Army is 17 and the maximum age limit is 34.

Citizenship

The United States Army expects all its recruits to be either a citizen of the United States of America or a resident alien with proper paperwork.

Physical Requirements

Everyone interested in joining the Army is required to take the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Passing this test is crucial to join the Army. There are three sections to the test: sit ups, push ups and a two-mile run.

Written Testing

The United States Army also requires potential candidates to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test (ASVAB). This test measures the general knowledge of potential soldiers.

Miscellaneous Requirements

In addition to all the requirements previously listed, the Army also encourages recruits to be either single with no children or married with less than two children.

References

• U.S. Army