Army Enlistment Requirements
Many people seem to believe that enlistment in the Army is a fairly simple process. While the process itself may not be too complicated, the requirements that must be met for successful enlistment are rather strict. Although some people may feel that these requirements are difficult, please keep in mind that the Army is seeking individuals who are not only talented, but who also possess the necessary physical and mental capabilities needed for military service. The following list comprises the requirements needed for successful enlistment in the Army.
Age: The Army is looking for individuals who are able to offer at least 20 years of service before they turn 55 years, so, for this reason, the age guidelines are 18 to 35 years of age. There are times when, under special circumstances such as war time, the Army will, with parental consent, allow someone 17 years of age to enlist, as well as accepting someone up to 41 years of age. Be prepared for a background and identity check to ensure that you have not misled the recruiter about your age.
Citizenship: Anyone who has full United States citizenship may enlist. This also applies to permanent residents. Those individuals who do not possess full citizenship may still enlist and serve in the capacity of member of the Army Reserve.
Education: While the Army requires a high-school diploma in order to enlist, there is a loop-hole. Should an applicant meet all of the other requirements, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test or ASVAB can be administered and, if the applicant scores in the 31st percentile or higher, then they may enlist. Just remember that the higher the score is, the better the candidate’s prospects will be. Another factor is the possession of a GED. Many areas of the country will not accept applicants with a GED, but it is possible to get a waiver. If you score well on the ASVAB, you can usually enlist, but you will not be eligible for bonuses. If you have a minimum of 15 credit hours from a college, then you can enlist and receive bonuses. If you have a minimum of 30 college credit hours, then you can enlist normally, without requiring a waiver.
Aptitude: As part of the enlistment process, each candidate will be given an aptitude test in order make certain of their eligibility to serve in the Army. A score of 30 or higher must be achieved in order to be qualified for enlistment
Physical Fitness: While being capable of competing in the Iron Man Triathlon need not be a requirement, being an appropriate weight for your height is required in order to enlist. The weight requirements can vary slightly, depending on a candidate’s age, but being in excellent physical shape will certainly give someone a decided advantage when heading for basic training. A complete medical physical will be conducted by a military physician to make certain that a candidate for enlistment is medically sound. Keep in mind that should you have a medical condition, not disclose it, and manage to keep it from being discovered during the examination process, when it is discovered at a later time, there is a possibility of being court-martialed for fraudulent enlistment. Make certain that you are completely honest with the physician and disclose all medical conditions and your complete medical history during your examination. Aside from the medical examination that will be conducted, there will also be mental examination done, to make certain that a candidate will be mentally suited for military life.
Dependency Status: The terms of the dependency requirement are that should an applicant be a single parent then these individuals will typically not qualify for enlistment. They can only enlist if their dependents are in the legal custody of another qualified adult, such as a former spouse, and they submit a certification that they do not intend to regain custody after enlisting. Dependency is slightly different for a married applicant. A waiver is required if the applicant has two or more dependents, in addition to their spouse, due to a military requirement that you provide adequate financial support to your dependents. Waivers due to dependency issues are very rarely granted.
Moral Character: In order for a candidate to qualify for enlistment they must meet the moral code that has been set forth by the Army. This code includes no criminal record involving felonies, no dishonorable discharge from any other branch of military service and the candidate must not possess any trait of anti-social behaviors or any other traits that have been identified by a doctor as those that might lead to poor moral choices.
Sexual Conduct: Most people are aware of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, but this policy has been revoked and it is now possible for people who are openly homosexual to enlist in the military. This is a very recent development and military personnel are still working to accept this change. Please keep in mind that social change is not an easy process and it will probably be a while before anyone who is openly gay will be welcomed into the military, rather than just being permitted to enlist.
If an applicant meets all of the above listed requirements for entry into the Army, then the only thing left to tackle for successful enlistment is finishing the paperwork. Do not be surprised if you meet with the Army recruiter at least a couple of times. This is a big step and one that should not be taken lightly, which is why the Army has these requirements in place, to make certain that all candidates have not made this decision on the spur of the moment
Tags: Army Enlistment Requirements, Phases of Army Basic Training, Preparing For Army Basic Training, What To Bring To Bootcamp
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