What are the eligibility requirements for military enlistment?

I'm curious about the basic requirements I need to meet to be eligible for military enlistment. What should I know about age, education, and citizenship requirements if I'm considering enlisting after high school?

For enlistment in the United States military, there are indeed some criteria you must meet in terms of age, education, and citizenship status:

1. Age: The age eligibility varies slightly for different branches. For example, the Army accepts recruits from ages 17 to 35 and the Marine Corps accepts recruits from ages 17 to 28. However, the Navy extends the upper limit to 41, the Air Force to 42, and the Coast Guard to 41. Parental consent is usually required for enlistment if you're under the age of 18.

2. Education: Candidates are expected to have at least a high school diploma, although exceptions are sometimes made for those with a GED (General Equivalency Diploma). It's worthwhile noting that enlistees with a GED might face some limitations, as some branches limit the number recruited with GEDs each year.

3. Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is not always necessary. Non-citizens with permanent resident status, also known as a Green Card, can enlist. However, some positions, especially those requiring security clearance, may be unavailable to non-citizens.

In addition to these basic criteria, there are also physical and mental health requirements, as well as certain moral standards that must be met, which involve evaluations of legal records. Each branch will also have its own additional qualifications, and their recruiters would be best suited to explain those in detail.

Remember that military service is a serious commitment, and it’s important to understand what you're signing up for. I encourage you to speak with recruiters from multiple branches and also veterans who've gone through the experience. You might also want to explore the option of ROTC programs in college, which combine military training with higher education.