Eligibility & Requirements

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

AGE

The age requirements for joining the Army depend on the path you take, and they exist mainly to ensure you’re able to succeed in a challenging environment.

Can I join the Army if I’m older than the maximum age requirement?

The maximum age to join the Army as an enlisted Soldier is 35, while Officers must accept their commission before age 31. However, the Army can lift some restrictions based on the need for certain roles to be filled. It’s possible to receive an age waiver if you retire with 20 years of military service by age 55.

MEDICAL & PHYSICAL

Maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health helps you succeed in the Army. These requirements are established to make sure you’re prepared to carry out your duties.

Can I join if I have a medical disqualification?

You can still join with a medical disqualification as long as you get a medical waiver, which is issued on a case-by-case basis.

Are there any restrictions around tattoos?

You can have tattoos almost anywhere on your body, with a few exceptions. There are some limits to the size and number of tattoos on highly visible areas like the hands, neck, and behind the ears. Tattoos in the mouth, ears, or on the eyelids are not allowed. It’s possible to get a waiver in some instances. However, tattoos anywhere on your body that are extremist, racist, sexist, or otherwise indecent aren’t allowed, no exceptions. See all tattoo requirements in the hair and appearance guidelines.

Can I still join if I have asthma, poor vision, or poor hearing?

Asthma will only prevent you from joining if you were diagnosed with it after your 13th birthday. Hearing, vision, and asthma qualifications are usually determined by medical exams and are not service-specific. You can still request an asthma, vision, or hearing loss waiver if a doctor denies your application.

Can I join if I have ADHD?

Yes. It will only prevent you from joining the Army if you’ve been treated with ADD/ADHD medication within the last year, or if you display obvious signs of the condition.

Will my height or weight prevent me from joining?

Height and weight restrictions vary by age and gender, and you can find your height and weight requirements by checking the table below.

Are there any physical fitness requirements to join?

You won’t need to meet any physical fitness requirements before joining the Army as an enlisted Soldier. There are requirements if you join through ROTC or another Officer path—your recruiter will provide the details. Everyone will need to pass the Army’s
fitness test after joining, and again every year of service.

EDUCATION

Enlisted Soldiers need to have a high school degree or equivalent to join, while Officers need a college degree by the time they are commissioned. To enlist, you’ll also need to meet a minimum score on the Army placement exam, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). It’s recommended you check the requirements of your preferred job, since some specific jobs also require minimum scores.

Can I no longer join if I score too low on the ASVAB placement exam?

Not necessarily. The Army understands that some circumstances can impact your ability to score well, and a waiver can be requested in those situations.
View all details about the ASVAB placement exam.

VALUES & CHARACTER

Candidates will be expected to follow and uphold the Army’s code of conduct if they want to join. These include the Army’s seven values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

If I have a previous felony or a conviction, can I still join?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can’t join the Army, but moral waivers or felony waivers are available in some cases.

What offenses or moral behavior-related issues can’t be waived?

The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include:

• If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation
• If you are subject to civil court conviction or adverse disposition for more than one serious offense, or serious offenses with three or more other offenses (apart from traffic)
• If you are found trafficking, selling, or distributing narcotics, including marijuana
• If you have three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years before joining
• If you are convicted for five or more misdemeanors
• If you are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test, or if you have current charges pending against you

CITIZENSHIP

Although the Army wants people from all different backgrounds and experiences, all candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card, (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card).

WAIVERS

What can I do if I don’t meet the eligibility requirements to join?

The Army has a waiver process that you can take advantage of to prove you overcame a disqualifying issue that would otherwise prevent you from joining the Army.
After submitting a waiver, a review takes place to make sure you can join. If your waiver is denied, you can also look into pursuing a
civilian career within the Army.