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Basic Enlistment Requirements

There are a few requirements to join (or enlist in) the Military. Some jobs may have additional requirements, but generally speaking, to enlist you must:

1. Be 18 (or 17 with parental consent). The maximum age to join most Services is 35. However, the Air Force allows entry up to 39 years of age and the Navy only 34.
   Show Age Requirements [v]
2. Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
3. Have a high school diploma (preferred), but a high school equivalent such as the GED may be accepted.
4. Take the ASVAB test to determine job placement. Each job and each Service requires a different score. The best source of this information is a
   recruiter.
5. Pass a physical fitness exam.

Download the checklist of basic eligibility requirements, here.
The Department of Defense Instruction for qualification standards can be found here.