Military Enlistment Requirements Overview

I'm a high school junior thinking about enlisting in the military after graduation. Can anyone provide a summary of the general requirements for enlistment? Stuff like age limits, education requirements, and anything else important.

Sure, happy to provide a quick overview of the general enlistment requirements for the U.S. military. Do keep in mind that each branch could have slightly different requirements.

Age Limits: Generally, the minimum age for enlistment is 17 years (with parent consent) and the maximum age limit can vary per branch, ranging from 28 for the Marines to 42 for the Air Force and Space Force. The ages of 18-35 are most commonly accepted.

Citizenship: U.S. citizenship isn't always required, but you must at least be a legal permanent resident (Green Card holder).

Education: A high school diploma is preferred, but a GED can be accepted, although this might limit some opportunities. In some cases, branches may require a certain number of college credits in addition to a GED.

Physical Fitness: Each branch of the military has specific physical requirements and fitness tests. These can include running, sit-ups, pull-ups, and other exercises.

Medical Standards: Depending upon the branch, there could be medical requirements and limitations concerning mental health, eyesight, hearing, and general health conditions.

Moral or Legal Standards: A clean legal record is important. Major criminal offenses could disqualify you, and each branch has its own specific guidelines on waivable offenses.

ASVAB: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test that helps determine your qualification for enlistment. Your score can affect your job placement.

Lastly, I'd recommend sitting down with a recruiter from your branch of interest to discuss your eligibility with respect to your personal circumstances. Ensure you have a thorough understanding of these requirements before proceeding with your decision to enlist.