U.S. Army Del Rio Recruiting Station

You can join as an enlisted member and attend officer training later on.

Requirements for Joining the Military

Age Limits for Enlisting:

You must be at least 17 to enlist, and the oldest you can be to enlist for active duty is 34.

Requirements for Enlisting If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to enlist in the military, but you may have fewer options. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must:

Have a permanent resident card

Currently live in the U.S.

Speak, read, and write English fluently

Educational and Testing Requirements for Enlisting

You must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. The ASVAB has 10 subtests. Your scores on four of those make up your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score. This score determines if you can join. Your scores on all 10 subtests determine which job specialties you qualify for.

You can prepare for the ASVAB by taking sample questions.

You must have a high school diploma or a GED to enlist. You can increase your chances of qualifying with a GED by:

Earning some college credits and/or

Scoring well on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT)

Health and Fitness Requirements for Enlisting

You must pass a military entrance medical exam. This includes a physical exam, hearing test, vision test, and height/weight measurements.

Steps for Joining the Military

Start by doing some research about your options for joining the military. Learn about the various job specialties. Know the main differences between officers and enlisted members.

Once you know which job specialty you’re considering, contact a recruiter. A recruiter will give you an overview and answer your questions about that career option. If you’re interested in joining as an officer, the recruiter will explain any options you may be eligible for.

If you decide to enlist, you will report to a military entrance processing station (MEPS). You’ll spend a day or two completing pre-enlistment steps. These include taking the ASVAB, having a physical exam, meeting with a career counselor, and if you’re accepted, taking the oath of enlistment. From there you’ll receive orders for basic training, usually to start within a few weeks. If you enrolled in a delayed entry program, you’ll go home and get orders for basic training within a year.