What prevents you from enlisting in the military?

I’m thinking about enlisting, but I’d like to know what factors might disqualify someone from joining the military. Are there specific health or background issues that are deal-breakers?

While the specific requirements can vary between different branches of the military, some general factors can disqualify someone from enlisting. On a broad level, these can be categorized into age, education, citizenship, health, legal, and moral factors.

Let's break down these categories:

1. Age: You typically need to be between 17 and 42 to enlist, though this range can differ depending on the branch and whether you're enlisting for active duty or reserves.

2. Education: A high school diploma is normally required, although some branches may accept a GED.

3. Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is typically required, or in some cases, legal permanent residency.

4. Health: You'll need to meet certain physical, medical, and mental health standards. This includes passing a medical exam, meeting weight and physical fitness standards, and not having disqualifying conditions such as asthma, certain mental health disorders, or color blindness, among others.

5. Legal: A clean legal record is important. Felonies and certain misdemeanors may disqualify you. Large amounts of debt or bankruptcy can also be a disqualifier for security clearance.

6. Moral: The military evaluates the character of potential servicemembers. Findings of drug or alcohol abuse, or a history of behavior issues—even at school—could potentially disqualify someone.

In short, to enlist, someone typically must be in good health, of good character, and willing to commit to the service obligation, among other factors. But anyone considering enlisting should discuss their individual circumstances with a recruiter to get the most accurate information.