Requirements to enlist in the U.S. military
Every branch of the military sets its own standards for enlisting. Learn about the specific requirements for each.
Contact a military recruiter - Military Branch Contact Information:
Air Force
Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve: Chat with a recruiter
Marine Corps
Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve: 1-800-MARINES (1-800-627-4637)
Navy
Navy and Navy Reserve: 1-800-USA-NAVY (1-800-872-6289)
Space Force
Contact the Air Force to join the Space Force: 1-800-423-USAF (1-800-423-8723)
Citizenship and residency
U.S. citizens and some non-citizens can join the military. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must:
Age limits
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty:
Education and testing requirements
ASVAB testing Everyone 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:
Education requirements
You must have 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 have a GED, you will have a better chance of joining if you have:
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 have 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.
LAST UPDATED: August 23, 2023
Every branch of the military sets its own standards for enlisting. Learn about the specific requirements for each.
Contact a military recruiter - Military Branch Contact Information:
Air Force
- Air Force: 1-800-423-USAF (1-800-423-8723)
- Air Force Reserve: 1-800-257-1212
- Air National Guard: 1-800-TO-GO-ANG (1-800-864-6264)
- Army and Army Reserve: 1-888-550-ARMY (1-888-550-2769)
- Army National Guard: 1-800-GO-GUARD (1-800-464-8273)
Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve: Chat with a recruiter
Marine Corps
Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve: 1-800-MARINES (1-800-627-4637)
Navy
Navy and Navy Reserve: 1-800-USA-NAVY (1-800-872-6289)
Space Force
Contact the Air Force to join the Space Force: 1-800-423-USAF (1-800-423-8723)
Citizenship and residency
U.S. citizens and some non-citizens can join the military. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must:
- Have a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Speak, read, and write English fluently
Age limits
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty:
- Air Force: 17 - 39
- Army: 17 - 35
- Coast Guard: 17 - 31
- Marine Corps: 17 - 28
- Navy: 17 - 39
- Space Force: 17 - 39
Education and testing requirements
ASVAB testing Everyone 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 test
- Get tips for taking the test
- See sample questions from the 10 sections
- Understand ASVAB scores
Education requirements
You must have 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 have a GED, you will have a better chance of joining if you have:
- Earned college credits
- Scored higher on the ASVAB
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 have 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.
LAST UPDATED: August 23, 2023
