I'm thinking about enlisting in the military after high school and I'm curious about the typical requirements. What do I need academically or physically to qualify for different military jobs?
Enlisting in the military comes with a set of minimum requirements, but it's important to keep in mind that specific roles may come with their own unique prerequisites as well.
1. Age Requirement: For most branches of the US Military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force, you need to be at least 17 years old to enlist with parental consent, or 18 without consent. Age maximums can vary by branch, but typically range from 27-42.
2. Citizenship Status: Typically, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal, permanent resident. Some roles specifically require U.S. citizenship.
3. High School Diploma/GED: Most branches require a high school diploma, although in some cases a General Education Development (GED) certificate may be accepted.
4. Physical Fitness: All branches of the military require a certain level of physical fitness. The specific requirements can depend on the military branch and job field, but a medical examination and physical fitness test are universally required. The fitness test generally evaluates strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility.
5. ASVAB Test: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple choice test, administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command, and is used to determine qualification for enlistment. Each branch has different minimum score requirements which can vary further depending on the military job.
6. Moral Character: All branches examine criminal history and moral character. Certain criminal offenses may disqualify you.
Remember that these are just the base requirements. Certain jobs within the military, for example, roles in intelligence, healthcare, or pilot roles, may require additional education or training. For instance, healthcare roles often require a relevant degree and qualification, while pilot roles require specific vision standards and officer qualifications. It's best to research or reach out directly to recruiters to get specifics on the role you are interested in. Remember that meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee enlistment - the military is a highly competitive environment and often looks at the whole candidate.
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