Military Information
Military Enlistment
Enlisting in military service right after high school might be your best option. The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard provide job training in many fields, as well as opportunities for enlistees to take some college-level courses. The services can also help you build a college fund.
The National Guard consists of two components: the Army National Guard (ARNG) and the Air National Guard (ANG). Its mission is to serve the state in times of natural disaster or civil disturbance, and the nation in time of war. Flexible scheduling makes it possible for you to combine service in the National Guard with work or school. The Guard meets one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer. Educational benefits are also offered by the National Guard.
Each service sets its own enlistment qualifications. Contact your local recruiters for information regarding qualifications and program opportunities.
GENERAL MILITARY ENLISTMENT QUALIFICATIONS
Age Must be between 17 and 35 years. Consent of parent or legal guardian required if 17.
Citizenship Status Must be either (1) U.S. citizen, or (2) an immigrant alien legally admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence and possessing immigration and naturalization documents.
Physical Condition Must meet minimum physical standards listed below to enlist. Some military occupations have additional physical standards.
Height Males: Maximum – 6’8”; Minimum – 5’0”
Females: Maximum – 6’8”; Minimum – 4’10”
Weight There are minimum and maximum weights, according to age and height, for males and females.
Vision There are minimum vision standards.
Overall Health Must be in good health and pass a medical exam. Certain diseases or conditions may exclude persons from enlistment; for example, diabetes, severe allergies, epilepsy, alcoholism, and drug addition.
Education High school graduation is desired by all services and is a requirement under most enlisted options.
Aptitude Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB):
· Requires a minimum entry score which may vary by service and occupation.
· Is a test that can help you with educational and career planning.
· Provides academic and occupational composite scores.
· Is a three-hour free exam administered at high schools by a test administrator from the government.
· Does not incur a military obligation.
· May be taken by tenth, eleventh, or twelfth graders.
Moral Character Must meet standards designed to screen out persons likely to become disciplinary problems. Standards cover court convictions, juvenile delinquency, arrests, and drug use.
Marital Status and May be either single or married; however, single persons with one or more minor dependents are not eligible
Dependents for enlistment into military service.
Waivers On a case by case basis, exceptions (waivers) are granted by individual services for some of the above qualification requirements.
SERVICE ACADEMIES
The United States maintains five service academies: the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut; and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
The mission of the service Academies is to provide the instruction and experience necessary to produce graduates with the knowledge, character, and leadership abilities to become career military officers.
Service Academy Admissions Process
1. Determine if you meet the requirements and qualifications. Each candidate must:
- be 17 but not yet 22.
- be a U.S. citizen at the time of enrollment.
- be unmarried with no dependents.
- have an above average high school record.
- have strong scores on the SAT I or ACT.
- be in good physical health.
- have above average strength, endurance and agility.
2. Apply for a nomination. As a minimum you should apply to your two United States senators, your congressional representative, and the Vice President. Some members of Congress will not accept applications for nomination after a specific date. You should request a nomination as soon as possible. In addition to the letter, the nomination process may include a questionnaire and interview.
3. Start a file at the academy. Send a letter to the admissions office requesting a Pre-candidate questionnaire. The academy will open a file for you upon receipt of the completed questionnaire.
4. Fill out the academy forms. These forms will be sent to you after an evaluation of your pre-candidate questionnaire.
5. Take the SAT I or ACT. Send your scores to the academies to which you are applying.
6. Take the Qualifying Medical and Physical Aptitude Exams.
7. Await the evaluation and status of your application. Notification may arrive as early as November for outstanding candidates; final decisions are made in April.
RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS (ROTC)
The ROTC program provides you the opportunity to attend a civilian college while studying military leadership as part of a total undergraduate program. ROTC is a college elective which requires about four hours a week. It is offered at hundreds of campuses. Applications are available upon request from college ROTC units.
The program is divided into two parts: the basic course and the advanced course. The basic course is normally attended during your first two years of college with no military commitment. After completing this course, selected students may enroll in the advanced course. At this time, you will incur a military obligation.
The National Guard consists of two components: the Army National Guard (ARNG) and the Air National Guard (ANG). Its mission is to serve the state in times of natural disaster or civil disturbance, and the nation in time of war. Flexible scheduling makes it possible for you to combine service in the National Guard with work or school. The Guard meets one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer. Educational benefits are also offered by the National Guard.
Each service sets its own enlistment qualifications. Contact your local recruiters for information regarding qualifications and program opportunities.
GENERAL MILITARY ENLISTMENT QUALIFICATIONS
Age Must be between 17 and 35 years. Consent of parent or legal guardian required if 17.
Citizenship Status Must be either (1) U.S. citizen, or (2) an immigrant alien legally admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence and possessing immigration and naturalization documents.
Physical Condition Must meet minimum physical standards listed below to enlist. Some military occupations have additional physical standards.
Height Males: Maximum – 6’8”; Minimum – 5’0”
Females: Maximum – 6’8”; Minimum – 4’10”
Weight There are minimum and maximum weights, according to age and height, for males and females.
Vision There are minimum vision standards.
Overall Health Must be in good health and pass a medical exam. Certain diseases or conditions may exclude persons from enlistment; for example, diabetes, severe allergies, epilepsy, alcoholism, and drug addition.
Education High school graduation is desired by all services and is a requirement under most enlisted options.
Aptitude Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB):
· Requires a minimum entry score which may vary by service and occupation.
· Is a test that can help you with educational and career planning.
· Provides academic and occupational composite scores.
· Is a three-hour free exam administered at high schools by a test administrator from the government.
· Does not incur a military obligation.
· May be taken by tenth, eleventh, or twelfth graders.
Moral Character Must meet standards designed to screen out persons likely to become disciplinary problems. Standards cover court convictions, juvenile delinquency, arrests, and drug use.
Marital Status and May be either single or married; however, single persons with one or more minor dependents are not eligible
Dependents for enlistment into military service.
Waivers On a case by case basis, exceptions (waivers) are granted by individual services for some of the above qualification requirements.
SERVICE ACADEMIES
The United States maintains five service academies: the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut; and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
The mission of the service Academies is to provide the instruction and experience necessary to produce graduates with the knowledge, character, and leadership abilities to become career military officers.
Service Academy Admissions Process
1. Determine if you meet the requirements and qualifications. Each candidate must:
- be 17 but not yet 22.
- be a U.S. citizen at the time of enrollment.
- be unmarried with no dependents.
- have an above average high school record.
- have strong scores on the SAT I or ACT.
- be in good physical health.
- have above average strength, endurance and agility.
2. Apply for a nomination. As a minimum you should apply to your two United States senators, your congressional representative, and the Vice President. Some members of Congress will not accept applications for nomination after a specific date. You should request a nomination as soon as possible. In addition to the letter, the nomination process may include a questionnaire and interview.
3. Start a file at the academy. Send a letter to the admissions office requesting a Pre-candidate questionnaire. The academy will open a file for you upon receipt of the completed questionnaire.
4. Fill out the academy forms. These forms will be sent to you after an evaluation of your pre-candidate questionnaire.
5. Take the SAT I or ACT. Send your scores to the academies to which you are applying.
6. Take the Qualifying Medical and Physical Aptitude Exams.
7. Await the evaluation and status of your application. Notification may arrive as early as November for outstanding candidates; final decisions are made in April.
RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS (ROTC)
The ROTC program provides you the opportunity to attend a civilian college while studying military leadership as part of a total undergraduate program. ROTC is a college elective which requires about four hours a week. It is offered at hundreds of campuses. Applications are available upon request from college ROTC units.
The program is divided into two parts: the basic course and the advanced course. The basic course is normally attended during your first two years of college with no military commitment. After completing this course, selected students may enroll in the advanced course. At this time, you will incur a military obligation.