Joining & Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
While the Services have similar eligibility requirements, they may also reserve the right to enlist recruits using criteria that are based on the needs or vacancies of the current mission. The general requirements listed here apply to the U.S. Military as a whole. For specifics, please contact a recruiter.
Age Requirements
Military and service academy minimum entrance age requirements are 17 with parental consent or 18 without parental consent. Service academy applicants must meet the age requirements as of July 1 of the year of entry.
Active Duty
17-35
Reserve
17-35
Guard
17-35
Service Academies
17-23
Active Duty
17-28
Reserve
17-28
Guard
N/A
Service Academies
17-23
Active Duty
17-39
Reserve
17-39
Guard
N/A
Service Academies
17-23
Active Duty
17-39
Reserve
17-39
Guard
17-39
Service Academies
17-23
ENLISTED
You must be 17–39 years of age, a U.S. citizen and have a high school diploma, GED with 15 college credits or GED.
OFFICER
You must be a U.S. citizen and have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
CIVILIAN
Visit the Air Force Civilian Service site to learn more.
Active Duty
17-35
Reserve
17-40
Guard
N/A
Service Academies
17-22
Physical Requirements
Physical requirements vary greatly across each Service branch. Generally speaking, potential recruits should be in good physical condition, of appropriate weight and able to pass a standard physical screening prior to entry. For specific information, please contact a recruiter.
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Educational Requirements
Success in any branch of the Military depends on a good education. A high school diploma is most desirable. Candidates with a GED (General Education Development) certificate can enlist, but some Services may limit their opportunities. It is very difficult to be considered a serious candidate without either a high school diploma or an accepted alternative credential.
Citizenship Requirements
U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents (people who have valid alien registration form, I-551 or green card, from the US Immigration and Citizenship services). For more information on citizenship and naturalization, visit the USCIS website.
Properly documented noncitizens may enlist. However, opportunities may be limited. Contact a recruiter for more advice on a specific situation.
For enlistment purposes, the United States includes Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau.

Selective Service
For almost all male U.S. citizens and male aliens living in the United States who are ages 18 through 25, there is a requirement to register with the Selective Service.