United States Armed Forces
Choosing the Military

What qualifications must I meet in order to join the military?

It's simple. In general, the Services require U. S. citizenship or permanent residency (i.e., a green card if a non-citizen), a high school diploma or equivalent, good health, and minimum scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

You should be between the ages of 17 and 35 and have no criminal record. As for physical requirements, the Services require that minimum and maximum heights fall between 5'0'' to 6'8" for men and 4'10'' to 6'8" for women. Weight standards vary among the Services, so talk to a recruiter about them. Some job specialties have additional standards, and some qualifications may be waived on a case-by-case basis. These are general guidelines, and they can—and do—vary by Service. To be 100 percent sure, discuss these details with a recruiter.

I'm not sure which Service I'd like best. How do I decide?

Like any endeavor or adventure you hope to embark on, it's best to talk to people who have already had a similar experience. To determine which Service would be the best fit for you, find friends or relatives who have been in the military, and pick their brains! Visit the Services' Websites and request information from them (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, Air National Guard).

Each of the Services offering active duty—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard—has its own character and spirit. And each Service offers great benefits and many job opportunities, many of them high tech. Visit Military Career Guide Online for descriptions of 152 military occupations and which Services offer them.

Using search engines to ask about military subjects is another effective way to gather information. If you're rusty, these Web searching tips are bound to help. Finally, visit local recruiters who can help you match up your abilities and interests with current active duty openings in their services. Don't forget to ask about part-time service in the Reserves and National Guard, if that interests you. This entails one weekend a month plus two weeks of active duty per year.

How do I go about joining the military?

Step one: Once you've pinpointed the Service or two that most interest you, start gathering information. The Web sites for these Services are indispensable; a great place to start.
Step two: Call a recruiter and make an appointment. Come armed with your questions, and do not allow your self to be pressured into anything. Arrive at your meeting knowing what you want ... what's important to you. More than one visit is entirely okay.

For recruiter numbers, look in the local white pages—the U.S. Government section—where you'll find them listed under the Service's name. To get a head start if you're still in high school, you can also sign up for the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), offered at many high schools. The ASVAB's results will help you identify your career interests and abilities.

How long do I have to serve if I join?

Good question. Most first-term enlistments are four years, but there are also programs with two-, three-, and six-year enlistments. It depends upon the Service and the job to which you're applying. Be sure to ask about enlistment bonuses—some Services offer them. And don't forget part-time opportunities in the Reserves and National Guard— your obligation is generally one weekend a month plus two weeks of active duty a year. In addition, consider military college programs like ROTC. Your recruiter has all the details you'll need about terms of service.

If you want more information, call the Service branch of your choice toll free, visit various military websites, or check in the U.S. Government pages of your local telephone book by Service, under recruiter. No matter where life takes you, the U.S. Armed Forces is a great place to start.

Reprinted from the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Accession Policy Directorate, Joint Recruiting Advertising Program, Department of Defense.