joining
Joining overview
When it comes to learning about the Military, knowing where to start your research may seem daunting. Don’t worry — we’re here to help. The first steps to considering service include understanding the Military’s basic entrance requirements, exploring the different Service branches and deciding between enlisted and officer career paths.
Learning about entrance requirements
01. Age Requirements
To join the U.S. military, you must meet the following age requirements:
- Army: 17-35 years old
- Navy: 17-39 years old
- Marine Corps: 17-28 years old
- Air Force: 17-39 years old
- Coast Guard: 17-31 years old
Parental consent is required for applicants under 18.
02. Physical Requirements
Physical requirements vary by branch but generally include:
- Meeting height and weight standards
- Passing a physical fitness test (e.g., push-ups, sit-ups, and a run)
- Completing a medical examination
to ask a Recruiter
Meeting with a recruiter
After deciding which Service branch and service type they're interested in pursuing, the best way for someone to get answers to any questions they have about the Military is to meet with a recruiter.
Each service branch has its unique focus and culture:
- Army: Ground-based operations, extensive land combat training
- Navy: Maritime operations, naval engineering, and aviation
- Marine Corps: Rapid-response, amphibious and expeditionary warfare
- Air Force: Air and space superiority, advanced technological training
- Coast Guard: Maritime safety, security, and environmental protection
- Initial Contact: Meet with a recruiter to discuss eligibility and options.
- ASVAB Test: Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery to determine job qualifications.
- Medical Examination: Undergo a physical exam at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
- Job Selection: Choose a job based on ASVAB scores and service needs.
- Oath of Enlistment: Officially swear in as a member of the U.S. military.
- Basic Training: Attend initial training to build physical fitness, discipline, and basic military skills.
- Patriotism: Serve and protect your country
- Career Opportunities: Access to diverse career paths and job training
- Personal Growth: Develop leadership, discipline, and resilience
- Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare, education, and retirement benefits
- Camaraderie: Build lifelong friendships and a sense of community
- Sign-on Bonuses: Monetary incentives for high-demand roles
- Education Benefits: GI Bill for college tuition and other educational expenses
- Healthcare: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
- Retirement Plans: Pension benefits after 20 years of service
- Travel Opportunities: Assignments and deployments around the world
- Classroom Training: Covers military knowledge, technical skills, and leadership
- Physical Training: Focuses on fitness, combat skills, and endurance
- The balance varies by branch and specific job but typically involves a combination of both.
Today’s drill instructors are highly trained professionals focused on developing recruits through:
- Discipline and Respect: Enforcing military standards and values
- Motivation and Support: Encouraging recruits to push their limits
- Professionalism: Maintaining high ethical standards and a supportive training environment
Completing process
Completing the joining process
If a potential recruit wishes to become an officer, the time from deciding to join to being commissioned and entering the Military will vary. Factors include his or her level of education and the type of experience they’d like to have during their training.
Commissioned officers generally enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater, or receive officer training following tours of enlisted service. Officers are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require professional…