U.S. citizens and some non-citizens can join the military. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must:
He a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)Speak, read, and write English fluentlyYou cannot join the military to enter the U.S. or to get a visa.
Age limitsEach branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty:
Air Force: 17 - 42Army: 17 - 35Coast Guard: 17 - 41Marine Corps: 17 - 28Ny: 17 - 41Space Force: 17 - 42In some cases, you can be older to join the U.S. military. Talk to a recruiter to learn more.
Education and testing requirementsASVAB testingEveryone who wants to enlist in the military must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Each branch sets its own minimum score to join. Your score will help decide which jobs you can do after you enlist.
Use ASVAB online resources to:
Find out where to take the testGet tips for taking the testSee sample questions from the 10 sectionsUnderstand ASVAB scoresContact a recruiter, who can help you set up a time to take the ASVAB and tell you about the scores you will need.
Education requirementsYou must he a high school or general equivalency diploma (GED) to enlist in the military. There are fewer spots for GED holders to enter the military. If you he a GED, you will he a better chance of joining if you he:
Earned college creditsScored higher on the ASVABYou must he a degree from a four-year college to join as an officer.
Physical and medical requirementsA medical exam is part of the enlistment process. The exam will assess if you are healthy enough to serve in the military.
Each branch requires recruits to be physically fit. You will he to pass a physical fitness test as part of your enlistment process. Speak with a recruiter to find out the physical requirements for the branch you want to join.