What are the medical standards for military enlistment?

I'm interested in joining the military after high school but worried about the medical exams. What are the medical standards that I should be prepared to meet, and are there common reasons why people might be disqualified?

The U.S. military sets quite rigorous medical standards prospective recruits should meet. The requirements are meant to assure that individuals are capable of withstanding the physical demands of military service. They vary across branches, but some universal standards exist. Identification of the exact medical conditions that could disqualify someone would go beyond the scope of this post, but commonly, conditions related to cardiovascular, psychological, and musculoskeletal health could result in disqualification.

One common area of concern includes the cardiovascular system, where heart disease or any condition that interferes with exertion could be disqualifying.

In addition, psychological health is heavily screened during the enlistment process. A history of self-harm, anxiety, depression, or any other psychiatric disorder could potentially result in disqualification.

Musculoskeletal conditions are also significant. Any condition that impedes the ability to comfortably wear military gear or perform physical tasks under stress would be problematic. This includes disqualifying conditions such as untreated hernias, current or history of joint dislocations, or certain bone diseases.

Eye and hearing issues are common, too. While requirements aren't extremely strict thanks to corrective procedures, untreated vision or hearing issues might potentially be an obstacle.

Do keep in mind waivers exist for some conditions that would typically disqualify an applicant. These are granted on a case-by-case basis. This doesn't mean, however, that one should hide a condition. Incorrect or incomplete medical information could lead to disqualification, discharge, or legal action.

For specific requirements, the best course of action would be to contact a recruiter of the specific branch you are interested in. They can provide detailed, up-to-date information, guide you through the process, discuss potential waivers, and address any other concerns.

Remember that the medical standards are ultimately about assuring that service members are capable of performing their duties without significant risk to themselves or others.