GENERAL ARMY REQUIREMENTS
ARMY ENLISTMENT REQUIREMENTS
Service in the Army requires a strong mind, body and soul. You must be willing to make a commitment to your country, and you must be in good moral standing in your community.
Joining the Army will be the most important decision of your life. You’ll become a member of a team. Your duty will be to defend your country, and the American way of life, no matter the odds, no matter the cost. Are you ready to take that step?
On this page, you’ll learn about the basic physical, mental and moral requirements to put on an Army uniform. From your initial entry screening to Basic Combat Training, your journey starts here.
GENERAL ARMY QUALIFICATIONS
To become an enlisted Soldier in the U.S. Army, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- 17-34 years old
- Achieve a minimum score on the ASVAB test
- Meet medical, moral and physical requirements
- A high school graduate or equivalent
For full requirements, fill out the contact form to get in touch with a recruiter.
Have you previously served in the military? See prior service requirements here.
THE ENLISTMENT PROCESS
What you need to join the army
In order to join the Army, you must take the oath of enlistment. It’s the process of officially becoming an Army Soldier. During this process, you will talk to a recruiter, attend Basic Combat Training (BCT), and choose your Army job.
Recruits will generally take these five steps to become enlisted Soldiers:
1. Take the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Your score on this test will determine which Army jobs you are qualified to hold
2. Pass an Army physical
3. Meet with a career counselor to discuss and accept your Army job
4. Take an Oath of Enlistment
5. Ship to Basic Combat Training
After you have completed Basic Combat Training, you will then attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for specialized instruction in the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) you have chosen. Upon graduating AIT, you will receive orders to join your unit.
ARMY OFFICER REQUIREMENTS
Becoming an Army Officer is different from enlistment. As the managers and leaders of the Army, officers hold the responsibility of commanding Soldiers and planning missions. Training and initial requirements for accepting a commision as an offer vary.
Learn about the paths to becoming an Army Officer.
