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Enlisting In The Military? What You Must Know…

January 2, 2012 By larryf

While the US Army, US Navy, US Marines, US Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard each have similar entrance requirements, they all have varying admission standards based on their own specific enlistment agenda and quota. Due to the 2012 unemployment rates and the current political climate, the needs for each branch may vary. Naturally, it is always best to contact your area recruiter.

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Age Requirements

The Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard, Air Force and the Coast Guard have varying age requirements. The minimum age for each military branch is currently 18, however you may enlist at 17 with a parental approval. It is always best to confirm with your local military branch recruiter. The maximum age may vary but currently the US Army is age 35, US Marines maximum age is 28, the US Navy maximum age is 34, the US Air Force maximum age is 27 and the US Coast Guard maximum age is 27.

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Educational Requirements

A high school degree is normally a requirement for enlistment in all the US Military service branches. A GED may qualify… you need to confirm with your local military branch recruiter. Regardless of the documented educational requirement, remember you’re potentially competing with many others for a specific military school. With that, your education level may give you a ‘competitive’ edge in getting your desired military ‘school’ training. With the high US unemployment rate, competition may never has been as high.

Citizenship Requirements

U.S. citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (people who have a ?Green Card?) may join the US military. However, due to pending Dream Act legislation in selected states and other pending local, state and federal legislation, each service branch may ultimately have its own 2012 enlistment requirements. It is always best to call your military recruiter for more advice on a specific situation.

Bottom line… Want to enlist? Get active and learn all that you can about the military branch which you’re interested. Learn about all the specific branch jobs that you may desire ‘before’ talking with your recruiter. In other words, don’t be ‘sold’ on a job that the military has a great need… but get the job that best benefits ‘you’. Not only that, be wise with an eye for the future and consider the jobs that leads to an attractive ‘career’ long after your military service. Check out military.net for individual military jobs for all the branches.

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Comments

  1. russell smulders says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:53 pm

    Hi happy new year, i am an australian 17 just about to leave high school i want to live in the US i want to be a part of the navy, what do i need to do to apply to join the US navy, i can pay my own way over to the US, can you please give me some tips thank you.

  2. kof says

    January 9, 2012 at 11:38 pm

    l was in 01/01/1976 and l wanna joint the army. when l met the recruiter about ,he told me ”you too old”. But according to information online the age limit is 42.
    What to do at this point?
    thank you

  3. Amir Khan says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:05 am

    I am just told by an army recruiter that the age limit for the army reserve is 35!!! but here and other online site, the age limit is mentioned as 42, not sure which one is accurate, leaning towards recuiters but hoping for these sites

  4. Deez says

    April 2, 2012 at 1:21 am

    I am wondering the same as above. I will be turning 37 in August and am considering joining the ARMY. If you have any insight on age requirements first hand, please share.

  5. DeSco says

    April 27, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    Can a recruiter clear this up. I just tried and was told the age limit is 35. But here it says 42. I am 39.

  6. robert says

    May 16, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    hey it true that it 42 or 35 iam confuse

  7. Mary says

    May 25, 2012 at 5:14 pm

    The Navy Reserve limit is 41 1/2. The army and air force is 35, unlesss you are prior service for whcih your previous years can be taken off your age. the marines is like 27.

  8. Papalote says

    June 4, 2012 at 5:11 pm

    As of April 1, 2011, applicants with no prior military service must have taken the oath of enlistment on or before their 35th birthday. It used to be 42 before. However, certain states have different age limits. There is an exception for qualified non-prior service applicants assessing into the MOS 09L (interpreter/translators specializing in Dari, Farsi and Pashto). Contact your recruiter to see if you qualify in your state. I hope this can help!

  9. Claude Inniss says

    August 9, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    Could it be possible to join the US Army from overseas.

  10. jo says

    August 21, 2012 at 2:58 am

    Hello, we were just informed that the Navy and possibly the Army are not taking any new recruits at the moment, is this true ? Thanks

  11. Tony says

    September 23, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    Yeah their not taking anyone till they reset the enlistment list for the year and they do espect a working your way up from t he crappiest job.

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  15. Bambata Skosana says

    November 8, 2012 at 10:30 am

    Greetings Im a south african High schooler. I’ll be done with H.S in 2 years, how would I go about joining the U.S army after H.S? If there is a way please notify me A.S.A.P thank you.And note that I have no citizenship in the U.S or a green card.Please try as hard as possible to get me in thank you.

  16. Brittany M. Scott says

    November 9, 2012 at 11:15 pm

    Hello, there. I started the enlistment process to join the U S Army from the state of Missouri in St. Louis city but have past history of depression caused by unhappiness and feelings of personal insecurity with family relationships at home in August 2007 to November 2008 and took an antidepressant. In November 2008, I got permission from my family care doctor to discontinue the antidepressant. So I slowly weaned myself off the medicine from late February 2009 to August 2011 to avoid the risk of relapse or withdrawal symptoms, which would be a very unpleasant exprience to put myself through. Antidepressants are strong medicines. Even the smallest dosage can have strong side effects while taking the medicine or discontinuing it. Side effects may be increased sadness, suicidal thinking/attempt, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, or dizziness, and in some cases, become habit-forming. That’s why it is never a good idea to quit an antidepressant cold- turkey or stop the medicine unsupervised without first notifying the doctor. Therefore, I simply refused to risk of possibly making myself sick. Then one night my family and I sat down and had a real good long talk about how I was feeling. When we talked, I learned that they do care about me and love me. I was even told on more than one occassion that I had to be more optimistic about most things in my life. I was in my early twenties and in college at the time. And from that night on, I got tired of
    feeling unhappy about my family relationships at home and decided to change the way I felt and thought about things in my life and that helped out a lot. I know personal growth did not just happen to me overnight; it took me lots of time to break that vicious circle of pessimism and overcome it all as I got a bit older into late 20’s. I do not display past suicide attempt/thoughts, harm to self/others,

  17. Brittany M. Scott says

    November 10, 2012 at 12:36 am

    (continued), I had never been admitted to a hospital or residential facility for depression in my lifetime, and I do not have a history of substance use/dependency or distribution. I have been medicine-free for 1 yr and 3 months and hold a steady job with no problems with coworkers and supervisors. In fact, I never was hospitalized, ever, before. My character is of good moral standing and displays no past criminal history. I graduated from a 4yr university with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. I am aware that military service is a privilege and not a right and that some people get kicked out of the service for various reasons like fraudulent enlistment, medical discharge, desertion/dereliction of duty, Absent Without Leave (AWOL), physically/verbally assaulting a superior or fellow soldier, criminal mi misconduct, and other things that jeopardize a servicemember’s military career. None of those apply to me because I am all about showing up to work early and on time, which makes me less likely to do any of these things because I care about my job and employment history and future. I really want to know if I still have a secure chance in still being able to enlist in the military if I can prove that I can be a good soldier in the U S Army by providing the educational and decent moral background and letter of recommendation from my current employer, and even an essay of why I want to join the military to back back me up, despite the fact that I took an antidepressant in the past. And there has never been any incidents of violence on the job/college campus done by me towards a supervisor, coworker, teacher,

  18. Brittany M. Scott says

    November 10, 2012 at 1:56 am

    (continued), I had never been admitted to a hospital or residential facility for depression in my lifetime, and I do not have a history of substance use/dependency or distribution. I have been medicine-free for 1 yr and 3 months and hold a steady job with no problems with coworkers and supervisors. In fact, I never was hospitalized, ever, before. My character is of good moral standing and displays no past criminal history. I graduated from a 4yr university with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. I am aware that military service is a privilege and not a right and that some people get kicked out of the service for various reasons like fraudulent enlistment, medical discharge, desertion/dereliction of duty, Absent Without Leave (AWOL), physically/verbally assaulting a superior or fellow soldier, criminal mi misconduct, and other things that jeopardize a servicemember’s military career. None of those apply to me because I am all about showing up to work early and on time, which makes me less likely to do any of these things because I care about my job and employment history and future. I really want to know if I still have a secure chance in still being able to enlist in the military if I can prove that I can be a good soldier in the U S Army by providing the educational and decent moral background and letter of recommendation from my current employer, and even an essay of why I want to join the military to back back me up, despite the fact that I took an antidepressant in the past. And there has never been any incidents of violence on the job/college campus done by me towards a manager, coworker, teacher, or another student. I am not that type of person, which also makes me 100% less likely to endanger the lives of fellow soldiers in my unit, including myself and 100% less likely to neglect my duty and sabotage my military career…if I ever get accepted into the military ( sigh). Plus, I heard that the army has suspended enlistment waivers on the national guard website due to the tougher requirements to join the services at this time. The military is an important dream to me
    that I will work hard to make happen the legal way and doing whatever is required of me
    like a psych consult required by MEPS and hope to God that I’ll still get to join the Army. MEPS is reviewing my medical records and said that my past history of “depression” might be an issue but I still have hope because it is not official and might is a maybe/maybe not. It is obvious that I truely want to be a soldier because I was honest and disclosed my
    medical history to the recruiter in the very beginning of the Army enlistment.since I have enough sense that honest enlistment secures a rewarding military career with no worries of getting caught in a lie and dishonorabley discharged from the military and imprisoned and owing thousands of dollars for enlistment fraud when a concealed history of a medical condition is discovered during a background check for my chosen MOS. I am still anxiously waiting for more MEPS news from my recruiter. It’s a tough fight for me right now. How can I prove that I won’t become a basket case in basic training or during my military career? I am not joining just for money. I know military service will have a strong impact on my lifestyle but I am positive that a military life is what I really want to do. I am looking for adventure and willing to be exposed to the unknown. I am constantly longing for secured hope to enlist in the army.

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  23. Jude Ichudi says

    December 13, 2012 at 5:59 am

    Hi, am a Kenyan by nationality.I have longing to join the US Army since my childhood.I have completed my high school education just this year.Am 19 years old.Please give me directions.

  24. weight loss diet breastfeeding moms says

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  25. John says

    December 30, 2012 at 12:04 am

    I’m 32 years and I wanted to join the Air Force. The Air Force requires only max of 27 years old can enlist. Any age waive in this branch?

    Thanks
    John

  26. Brittany M. Scott says

    January 18, 2013 at 5:54 pm

    It is January 2013 and I am still waiting for MEPS results on my enlistment fate since September. I wonder if the military is still not taking in people with medical blemishes in their past?

  27. taaron hassell says

    February 19, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    can I join any branch of military if I don’t have my second Amendment anymore?

  28. does not matter says

    April 23, 2013 at 11:21 pm

    Educational Requirements: “….With the high US unemployment rate, competition may never has been as high.” (last sentence) – That’s a shame. It seems that the person who typed that up skipped out on education. – Come on now!

  29. Innocent says

    May 9, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    I’m 36 and I really want to join any of the US Military branches. I think I met other requirements. Can I be considered?

  30. gabriel says

    June 3, 2013 at 6:28 pm

    I’m from Ghana and have completed senior high school 2008. Is been my desire to join the us Marines since childhood. I coming to the states soon nd don’t have a green card with process again can I use to join?

  31. David says

    June 13, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    These postings sound like a bunch of desperate people. This is sad, but I know these are the reasons why a lot of young and older people join. I am a veteran and know what I am talking about. All I ask of you people is to do the best you can for yourself while your in the military and take care of the people you serve with. Serve with honor and be very professional. It will take you a long way in the service. You will find that there is a lot of garbage in the military just like in the civilian world.

    Take care all, and good luck.

  32. kelvin dodzi aloryi says

    October 19, 2013 at 6:39 am

    please, i am a ghanaian 22 completed high school i want to live in the US i want to be part of the army, what do i need to do to apply to join the US army, i can pay my own way over to the US, can you please give me some tips i would, therefore be glad to be given the opportunity to explore the given talent and potential i have in me. thanks

  33. Johnny MacDonald says

    October 21, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    I am a diabetic and i was wondering why cant i join any part of the military i want to be a tank engineer but i am a type 1 diabetic i was diagnosed in 2010 and i am now 15 i was wondering why i cant join the military please reply i am also doing a history report on this and thank you for your time

  34. Festus Kotobridza says

    February 2, 2014 at 6:31 am

    Am festus a Ghanaian citizen. born on the 3rd, november 1988. really want to join the US Air force. how do i go about it.Am having Electrical Engineering Technician Part2 certificate. please i needed a directives as what to do.
    hope to hear from you.

  35. roy davids says

    March 8, 2014 at 1:02 am

    i m an Indian citizen willing to join the US army. Is this possible????

  36. Anthony says

    March 9, 2014 at 4:23 am

    t has been dream to join the u s navy, but I’m not a u s citizen. I need direction.

  37. ryanlang says

    July 16, 2014 at 10:07 pm

    I am 15 years old joining the army is something i really want to do i turn 16 in september am i able to sign with parents permission and take the asvab?

  38. Brian Justice Shibalilah says

    August 27, 2014 at 4:07 am

    hi,am brian and not us citizen. I had applied for the US army last year and am still waiting for there response I wanted to know if my name is there and when exactly will the letters of recruitment be submitted to Kenya ,please write as soon as possible

  39. ian says

    September 8, 2014 at 9:19 am

    Hi, am Ian and a Kenyan citizen, I wanted to apply to join tha u.s navy, I have no greencard but I have a certificate in culinary arts, I completed my high school education,Am 21 years old.Please give me directions.

  40. Isaac Cobbinah Jnr says

    September 8, 2014 at 11:00 am

    Hi,I’m Isaac a ghanaian who wants to join the US air force.Pls any help

  41. Yvonne says

    September 9, 2014 at 5:56 am

    hi,am Yvonne from kenya aged 21 and am interested to join U.S Airforce.please reply.

  42. MESHACK says

    September 14, 2014 at 10:20 am

    I would like to know whether it is possible to join the us army yet I am not a US citizen

  43. Ethan says

    November 13, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    Why can’t I be under 18 or 17 with parent approval and still enter the military?

  44. Michael says

    December 14, 2014 at 1:15 am

    I didn’t do high school in the US, am I eligible to join US Navy

  45. Nath. Victor. says

    January 17, 2015 at 8:47 am

    I’m a graduate from University of Jos, Nigeria. I’m ready to enroll in the US Military or even prepare for admission into the US Military School to study Computer and IT so as to attain realiable educational-format. Hope to get your favourable reply.

  46. Nath. Victor. says

    January 18, 2015 at 5:20 am

    I’m 23 of age with a BSC/ed in Rehabilitation sciences. I’ve an Inlaw in USA and I dnt have a green card. I’ll love it if I can gets some clue on how to enroll in the USMA or the Military.

  47. Nath. Victor. says

    January 18, 2015 at 3:42 pm

    I don’t know my branch recruitor. Pls can you help me?

  48. jeshrun says

    March 8, 2015 at 3:25 am

    I was in 02/02/1984 and I wanna join the army.I’m a Filipino.,I want to be apart of the us military,what do I need to do yo apply to join the us miliray…thanks and godbless

  49. mike says

    April 19, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    im mike age 27 years of age from kenya and eagerly longing to join the USA navy please call me on this number for more infomation +254735241950

  50. NOSA says

    July 23, 2015 at 6:27 am

    I AM 17 GOOD TO GO BUT I NEED A SENIOR OFFICER TO HELP ME AND I LIVE OUTSIDE THE US AND I DON’T HAVE TO COME TO AMERICA I WANT TO FOLLOW MY DREAMS AS A US MARINE

  51. Samuel ngugi says

    September 27, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    Hi, can i apply for US navy while still in kenya coz my dreams have been to join us navy plz help me on this

  52. Anthony Alphonse says

    December 22, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    I am a Ghanaian by nationality. I want to join the US army any suggestions on how I can do so? I have completed Senior high school. And I am 21 years of age. 6.2ft and don’t have any clinical issues.

  53. elijah says

    February 27, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    Hi,am a kenyan citizen 30yrs of age and i want to join the US military. I have finished my high school and have a certificate in ICT. Please help me out

  54. Antwaun Willis says

    May 4, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    I’ve been suspended all together 13 times from high school,and I have two charges 1 being a 20 dollar larceny and one a disorderly conduct that was dismissed ,what are my chances of being able to successfully enlist

  55. Vincent Ezeoke says

    July 25, 2016 at 8:45 am

    Hi,i am serving in Nigerian Army and 33years of age.Please i want to quit and join the US Army,what should i do and the procedures?

  56. Vincent Ezeoke Simon says

    July 29, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    Sir,for a very long time (age of 10years),i developed passion to serve the world most experienced Army but have never made my dream come through.I love working with the US Army to secure people’s life and properties more especially joining hand in combating crimes and terrorism that has been in the height of outdistancing the effort of the US Government to combat crimes and clean our environment of further criminal activities that is going around the world now.I am not US Citizen neither do i have a green card,thank you,Vincent.

  57. Vincent Ezeoke Simon says

    July 29, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    But if their is anything i will do to fulfill my dreams please,i am ready to comply with the rules and regulations that will accompany me to join the US Army sir thank you sir,Vincent.

  58. Faithful says

    September 23, 2016 at 4:46 pm

    i started having a dream of becoming a U.S soldier at the age of 11, i dont have any clinical problem or neither enroll into any illegal act, i have graduated from high school since 2010, since then i have being trying to travel to U.S to join the U.S millitary. borrowed a huge. sum of money to pay in 3years so to pursue my dream. last month i was not giving a visa when i went to the U.S Embassy For my interview but was not issued a visa for no reason, she only asked me where i was going actually i was going to visit a family memeber, which i told the consulate. my plan was if come over to U.S then i will have to apply for an extension of visa and my passport is a virgin paasport cos its my first time applying for a visa i wanted when i come over i will apply for extension of visa then pursue my dream to join the military in the U.S which has being my dream and I’m jst a fresh person haven’t travel and has never had any case that will restrict them from giving me a visa nd all they did was give me a pink paper. they also denied a family of 6 that want to go for a holiday after so much spending and paying for a hotel they were denied all the money was all wasted with a pink paper, and now I’m still fighting to apply for visa but the money isnt enough and i cant borrow cause i havent paid off the one i borrowed being browing all day to see if i can apply but all to no bt waste of time going through the net and couldn’t find what I’m looking.

  59. Faithful says

    September 23, 2016 at 4:50 pm

    Can I have any assistant from the U.S Army to achieve my dream of becoming a U.S Army, can any help be given ?

  60. Jeff says

    February 6, 2017 at 10:17 am

    Hi,I am in africa 19 years old.I have a desire to join the US army. Finished my high school .how can I do so?

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