This is a question that goes through the mind of many youngsters who are interested in serving their country by joining the armed forces. But, joining the military takes more than just guts and ambition, the US military look for candidates that have the right abilities. When it comes to joining the military, applicants should be comfortable talking to recruiters since it?s the recruiter?s job to provide valuable information and address the concerns that an applicant is interested in. The following is going to be some useful information for those who wish to join the US military.
Being Eligible for the Military
Though U.S. military activity in recent years has led to some looser standards for recruitment, according to the Wall Street Journal, being ineligible to serve in any branch of the military is typically due to any one of the following reasons:
? Being Obese
? Lack of High School Diploma or GED
? Being a convicted felon
? Using prescription drugs for ADHD
? Having certain tattoos and body piercings
Eligibility Criteria
When it comes to joining the military, the eligibility rules can sometimes be a bit confusing since different branches of the military have their own rules for enlisting officers in their programs. There are two basic groups in the military. Enlisted members have the more hands-on occupation in the military and require at least a high school degree or a GED, which may or may not suffice. Those enlisted as officers are responsible for the management procedures of the military branch they have been selected in. Officer programs are very competitive and require a college degree. Many officers in the US military have masters or higher degrees. The following are the qualifications that are required for all five services of the United States Military.
Army
? Age Limit: 17-34.
? Must have not more than two dependents.
? Must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test with a minimum AFQT score of 31.
Navy
? Age Limit: 17-34.
? Must Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery with a minimum AFQT score of 50.
? Women are also eligible to enlist in all occupations in the Navy except for serving on submarines and as Navy Seals.
Air Force
? Age Limit: 17-27.
? Must not have more than two dependents.
? Must pass the ASVA test with a minimum AFQT score of 50.
Marines
? Age Limit: 17-29.
? Is required to meet exacting mental, physical and moral standards.
? Must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test with a minimum AFQT score of 32.
? Women are eligible to enlist in all occupations in the marines except for combat arms specialties such as infantry, amphibian tractor and tank crew.
Coast Guard
? Age Limit: 17- 39.
? Must have not more than two dependents.
? Must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test with a minimum AFQT score of 45.
? Must be willing to function in both surface and underwater environments.
It is important to note that those who are below the age of 17 will require the consent of their parents. While the age limitations in each branch of the US military has been mentioned above, the age limits can vary based on applicants with prior experience, reserve or active-duty.