What are the qualifications for joining the US military?

The United States Military has very strict qualifications for joining their armed forces. To be eligible to join, applicants must meet a variety of requirements which vary depending on which branch they plan to join.

Applicants must first be a citizen of the United States or have permanent legal residence in the United States. Those who choose to join must be between the ages of 17 and 34, although waivers can be given at the discretion of the branch. Applicants must also pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to demonstrate aptitude and knowledge for the branch for which they are enlisting.

Physical fitness is also a very important factor when joining the military. The Army and the Air Force both require applicants to fill out a physical profile questionnaire and to pass a physical fitness and endurance test. The Navy and the Marine Corps do not require a physical fitness test, but prospective recruits will be required to take a medical exam. Additionally, all applicants must be medically cleared by an authorized health professional.

Recruits run sprints during a physical training session inside Freedom Hall at Recruit Training Command. More than 30,000 recruits graduate annually from the Navy's only boot camp.

All recruits are required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Alternative forms of education, such as a General Education Development Test (GED) or an approved home school program, may be accepted by most branches. Generally, any applicant who has a high school diploma or its equivalent will be considered eligible.

When joining the military, applicants must also go through a thorough background check. This includes both criminal and financial records. For additional requirements please visit GoArmy.