Intro
Discover the essential qualifications and requirements for joining the army. Learn about the basic criteria, including age, citizenship, education, and physical fitness standards. Find out what it takes to enlist and start your military career, including ASVAB scores, medical requirements, and moral character standards.
Are you considering joining the army? Serving in the military can be a rewarding and challenging career, offering opportunities for personal growth, education, and service to one's country. However, before you can enlist, you must meet certain basic qualifications and requirements. In this article, we will outline the key qualifications and requirements for joining the army, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
Basic Qualifications for Joining the Army
To be eligible to join the army, you must meet certain basic qualifications. These qualifications are designed to ensure that you are physically, mentally, and morally fit to serve in the military. The basic qualifications for joining the army include:
- Age: You must be at least 17 years old to join the army, but you must be 18 years old to enlist without parental consent.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen to join the army.
- Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to join the army.
- Physical Health: You must meet the army's physical fitness standards, which include passing a physical fitness test and meeting body fat percentage requirements.
- Moral Character: You must meet the army's moral character standards, which include having no felony convictions and meeting the army's standards for personal conduct.
Meeting the Army's Physical Fitness Standards
The army's physical fitness standards are designed to ensure that you are physically fit to serve in the military. To meet these standards, you must pass a physical fitness test, which includes:
- Push-ups: You must be able to perform a minimum of 30 push-ups in one minute.
- Sit-ups: You must be able to perform a minimum of 30 sit-ups in one minute.
- 2-Mile Run: You must be able to complete a 2-mile run in under 14 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Body Fat Percentage: You must meet the army's body fat percentage requirements, which vary depending on your age and sex.
Additional Requirements for Joining the Army
In addition to meeting the basic qualifications and physical fitness standards, there are several additional requirements you must meet to join the army. These requirements include:
- Background Check: You must undergo a background check, which includes a review of your criminal history and a check of your credit report.
- Medical Examination: You must undergo a medical examination, which includes a review of your medical history and a physical examination.
- ASVAB Test: You must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which is a multiple-choice test that measures your aptitude in various subjects.
- Enlistment Contract: You must sign an enlistment contract, which outlines the terms of your service, including your length of service and your job specialty.
Choosing Your Job Specialty
When you enlist in the army, you will choose a job specialty, also known as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). There are over 150 MOSs to choose from, ranging from combat specialties like infantry and artillery to support specialties like finance and human resources.
How to Join the Army
If you are interested in joining the army, there are several steps you can take to get started:
- Visit the Army Website: Visit the army's website at goarmy.com to learn more about the army and the enlistment process.
- Contact a Recruiter: Contact an army recruiter to discuss your eligibility and the enlistment process.
- Take the ASVAB Test: Take the ASVAB test to determine your aptitude for various job specialties.
- Enlist: If you are eligible, enlist in the army by signing an enlistment contract.
Conclusion
Joining the army can be a rewarding and challenging career, offering opportunities for personal growth, education, and service to one's country. To be eligible to join the army, you must meet certain basic qualifications and requirements, including age, citizenship, education, physical health, and moral character. Additionally, you must meet the army's physical fitness standards and undergo a background check, medical examination, and ASVAB test. By following these steps, you can get started on your path to joining the army.
Army Enlistment Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to joining the army. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.