What’s the criteria to join the military after high school?

Hello! I'm a junior right now, kind of weighing my options for post-graduation. One path I'm considering is joining the military, but I'm not sure what the requirements are. Can anyone share what I'd need to qualify to enlist right after high school?

Each branch of the U.S. military has its own specific requirements, but here are some general guidelines that apply across the board:

1. Age: For most branches, you must be between the ages of 18 and 42. Keep in mind that if you're 17, you can enlist with parental consent.

2. Citizenship: You generally need to be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (Green Card holder). Some branches allow non-citizens with certain visas to enlist.

3. Education: You need a high school diploma, although in some cases a GED might be accepted. It's important to note that those with a high school diploma generally have better occupation opportunities and promotions.

4. Physical Fitness: You need to pass a military entrance medical exam. This exam will assess your physical qualifications, including vision, hearing, mental health, cardiovascular fitness, and more.

5. ASVAB: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test that measures your qualifications for enlistment. The scores from this test will also help determine your job assignments within the military.

6. Legal Status: You typically need a clean legal record, but some minor infractions may be able to be waived, depending on the branch and the specific offense.

7. Moral Character: Generally speaking, the military also looks for individuals of upstanding moral character. This is somewhat subjective, but it could impact your ability to enlist if you have a criminal record or some other display of questionable character.

Remember, it's essential to check the specific requirements of the branch you're interested in, whether it's the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. They may each have slightly different specifications and processes. It might also be beneficial to get in touch with a local recruiting office; they can certainly guide you through the process! The military can be a rewarding option, offering a range of opportunities for personal growth, training, and education. Good luck on your exploration!