Can 17-year-olds enlist in the military?

I'm a junior in high school and interested in joining the military. I'm turning 17 soon and want to know if I can enlist at that age. If so, what steps do I need to take before graduating?

Yes, a 17-year-old can enlist in the U.S. military, but there are some stipulations. Firstly, you need parental consent. You can't enlist on your own until you turn 18.

Now, as to the steps you need to take before graduating, you'll want to start by talking to a military recruiter from the branch you're interested in joining. The different branches are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. As of 2019, there's also the Space Force, sorted under the Department of the Air Force, though its enlistment process is a bit different.

The recruiter will guide you through the enlistment process, starting with the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This is a multiple-choice test used to determine qualifications for enlistment. It helps define which job roles in the military you're most suited for, so you'll want to prepare to do your best. You can use study guides and practice tests to help you prepare.

After that, if you qualify, you'll visit a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for a physical. If you pass the physical and take your oath of enlistment, you would be in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) and wait to leave for Basic Training, which wouldn't occur until you turn 18 or graduate high school, whichever comes last.

It's crucial to keep up your high school performance and graduate because the military needs all recruits to at least have a high school diploma or GED. Many military jobs require further education, so balance your interest in enlisting with your current educational responsibilities.