Eligibility & Requirements to Join (2024)

Find out what it takes to serve.

Be part of something greater than yourself while becoming stronger by joining the U.S. Army.

Requirements to join the Army.

The requirements to join are different based on how you choose to serve—as an enlisted Soldier or Army Officer. We’re here to help you navigate the requirements, no matter which path you choose.

Enlisted Soldiers

Army Officers

Enlisted
Officer

Perform important day-to-day operations and ensure the success of your unit’s mission. Requirements to join as an enlisted Soldier include:

Be between 17 and 35 years old
Be medically and physically fit
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Earn a minimum score on the Army’s entrance test

Lead missions, make decisions, and ensure the safety of Soldiers under your command. Requirements to join as an Army Officer include:

Be at least 17 but under 31 in the year of commissioning as an Officer, or under 27 if you commission from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Be medically and physically fit
Be a U.S. citizen by the time you commission as an Officer
Be a college graduate by the time you’re commissioned as an Officer
Complete a background check, questionnaire, and interview, and provide the required documentation for a security clearance

YOU’RE

MORE THAN

CAPABLE.

YOU’RE

MORE THAN

CAPABLE.

What to know about joining the Army.

Make sure you’re prepared to take the next step by considering some of the common questions other Soldiers had before they joined. You can always talk to a recruiterif you have any additional questions.

YOU’RE

MORE THAN

CAPABLE.

What to know about joining the Army.

YOU’RE

MORE THAN

CAPABLE.

YOU’RE

MORE THAN

CAPABLE.

What to know about joining the Army.

YOU’RE

MORE THAN

CAPABLE.

YOU’RE

MORE THAN

CAPABLE.

What to know about joining the Army.

Age

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, especially if you have prior military service. Talk to your recruiter to learn more.

Medical & Physical

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. 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. Check the height and weight chart to see if you’re within the requirements to join.

Men (Ages 17 – 20)

Height: 58 – 80 in.
Weight: 234 lb max

Women (Ages 17 – 20)

Height: 58 – 80 in.
Weight: 119 – 227 lb.

If you enlist to become a Soldier and don’t meet the physical requirements at MEPS, you may be eligible for the fitness track of a program called the Future Soldier Preparatory Course. Over 90 days, Army health and fitness experts will help you meet the required body fat composition before you start Basic Training. Talk to a recruiter about program details and if it’s an option for you.

Are there any physical requirements to join?

For both the enlisted Soldier and commissioned Officer paths, you’ll need to meet the height and weight requirements for your age and gender before joining. A recruiter will work with you after you join to meet the physical requirements of your chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Army job.

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) evaluates your physical and mental abilities, starting at Basic Training for enlisted Soldiers and during initial training for those commissioning as Officers
Everyone will need to pass the ACFT during training and again several times a year for every year of service. Scores are recorded twice a year for active duty Soldiers in the Army, or once a year for members of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The Army will be there to support your growth with resources during every step of the evaluation process to ensure your success

Fitness Requirements

Education

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

Yes, the Army understands that some circ*mstances can impact your ability to score well. A waiver can be requested in those situations.

If you want to improve your test score and have a minimum score of 21, the academic track of the Future Soldier Preparatory Course may be an option for you. This 90-day program provides training on all the subjects covered on the ASVAB, as well as opportunities to retake the test. Find out more about the ASVAB entrance test and work with a recruiter to see if this program is right for you.

Entrance Test

Values & Character

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 waivers are available in some cases. 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

What is the U.S. citizenship requirement to join the Army?

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 I-551 Permanent Resident Card).

If you already have a Green Card, serving in the Army can reduce the residency requirement for becoming a U.S. citizen to as little as one day instead of five years. The naturalization process for citizenship can begin as soon as your first day of Basic Training.

Working With a Recruiter

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.

Army Civilians

Height & Weight Requirement Chart

REQUIREMENTS

&nbsp
Height in Inches	Minimum Weight in Pounds	Maximum Weight in Pounds: Ages 17 – 20	Maximum Weight in Pounds: Ages 21 – 27	Maximum Weight in Pounds: Ages 28 – 29	Maximum Weight in Pounds: Ages 40+
58	91	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
59	94	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
60	97	132	136	139	141
61	100	136	140	144	146
62	104	141	144	148	150
63	107	145	149	153	155
64	110	150	154	158	160
65	114	155	159	163	165
66	117	160	163	168	170
67	121	165	169	174	176
68	125	170	174	179	180
69	128	175	179	184	186
70	132	180	185	189	192
71	136	185	189	194	197
72	140	190	195	200	203
73	144	195	200	205	208
74	148	201	206	211	214
75	152	206	212	217	220
76	156	212	217	223	226
77	160	218	223	229	232
78	164	223	229	235	238
79	168	229	235	241	244
80	173	234	240	247	250

&nbsp
Height in Inches	Minimum Weight in Pounds	Maximum Weight in Pounds: Ages 17 – 20	Maximum Weight in Pounds: Ages 21 – 27	Maximum Weight in Pounds: Ages 28 – 29	Maximum Weight in Pounds: Ages 40+
58	91	119	121	122	124
59	94	124	125	126	128
60	97	128	129	131	133
61	100	132	134	135	137
62	104	136	138	140	142
63	107	141	143	144	146
64	110	145	147	149	151
65	114	150	152	154	156
66	117	155	156	158	161
67	121	159	161	163	166
68	125	164	166	168	171
69	128	169	171	173	176
70	132	174	176	178	181
71	136	179	181	183	186
72	140	184	186	188	191
73	144	189	191	194	197
74	148	194	197	199	202
75	152	200	202	204	208
76	156	205	207	210	213
77	160	210	213	215	219
78	164	216	218	221	225
79	168	221	224	227	230
80	173	227	230	233	236

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OTHER ASPECTS OF JOINING THE ARMY

Steps to Join

Fitness Requirements

TAKE THE FIRST STEP.

Find out more about becoming a Soldier and if a career in the Army is right for you.

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