Are you interested in joining the United States Armed Forces? If so, in this note, we tell you what the requirements are to apply to one of the military institutions and how to contact the recruiters.
You should know that due to the lack of applicants—some institutions do not reach their annual quota—emphasis is placed on the recruitment of legal immigrants, especially those looking for work, education, and training benefits, according to the Los Angeles Times. Belonging to an institution also opens the door to becoming a US citizen more quickly. The Army, for example, provides this benefit when they reach basic training.
It should be clear that you must have residency (“green card”) because it is not possible to register to enter the United States or obtain a visa.
For enrollment purposes, the United States includes Guam, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau.
What are the requirements to join the United States Armed Forces?
The age requirement varies depending on the branch you choose. The minimum age is 17 years, and the maximum age is between 28 and 39 years, depending on the branch you want to join. Some details are below:
- Be a US citizen
- If you are a foreigner, you must have a permanent residence, or “Green Card”. Additionally, you must be able to speak, read, and write English fluently, as well as currently reside in the United States.
Age limit
Age requirements to enlist in active duty vary depending on the branch of the Armed Forces.
- Marine Corps: 17 to 28 years old.
- Army: 17 to 35 years old.
- Air Force: 17 to 39 years old.
- Space Force: 17 to 39 years old.
- Coast Guard: 17 to 31 years old.
- Navy: 17 to 39 years old.
Note: If they are 17 years old, parental consent is required.
Education and exams
You should know that each branch establishes its own minimum score to get enrolled. Your score helps decide what jobs you can do after you enlist or join active duty. All persons applying to the United States Armed Forces must:
- Take the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Test (ASVAB).
- Present a high school diploma. Some branches accept a high school equivalent certificate (GED).
- To join the Armed Forces as an officer, one must have at least a four-year college degree.
- Undergo a medical examination, which will assess whether you are fit enough to serve in the Armed Forces.
- Pass a physical fitness test as part of the enlistment process.
HOW TO CONTACT THE US ARMED FORCES RECRUITER
A military recruiter is someone who can provide you with information about the service, giving you a positive but realistic assessment of opportunities, according to the Department of Defense’s Military Today. Applicants, as well as their parents, can ask them a series of questions. Below are phone numbers and links to speak with recruiters for the various branches of the service.
- United States Marine Corps. Active duty (in English) and reserve (in English) at 1-800-627-4637
- United States Army: Active Duty (in English) and Reserve (in English), at 1-888-550-ARMY (1-888-550-2769). National Guard (in English), at 1-800-GO-GUARD (1-800-464-8273).
- United States Air Force. Active duty: 1-800-423-USAF (1-800-423-8723). Reservations: 1-800-257-1212. National Guard: 1-800-864-6264.
- United States Space Force Call the Air Force recruiter at 1-800-423-USAF (1-800-423-8723).
- United States Coast Guard Active duty and reserve
- United States Navy. Active duty (in English) and reserve (in English): 1-800-USA-NAVY (1-800-872-6289).
