How to Join the U.S. Army- Requirements, Eligibility, and Salary Range Explained

The United States of America allows its citizens and non-citizens to join its army once the minimum requirements are met.

US Army has three military departments, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which report to the Department of Defense.

Eligibility to be Enlisted in the U.S. Army

To join the U.S. Army, candidates must meet specific requirements related to citizenship and age according to the Army rules.

Non-citizens must hold a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card Green Card, usually called an I-551 Permanent Resident Card, and be able to speak, read, and write English fluently.

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Individuals cannot join the military solely to enter the United States or obtain a visa. Military enlistment is for those who already have lawful residency or citizenship status.

Age limits vary by branch of the U.S. military

• Air Force: 17–42 years
• Army: 17–35 years
• Coast Guard: 17–41 years
• Marine Corps: 17–28 years
• Navy: 17–41 years
• Space Force: 17–42 years

Education and Fitness Standards

All applicants must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a standardized test that assesses strengths in areas like math, science, and verbal skills.

Each military branch sets its own minimum required score, and higher scores can expand job opportunities after enlistment.

Applicants must have either a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

While GED holders are eligible, there are always fewer available spots for them than for candidates who hold a high school diploma.

GED applicants can improve their competitiveness by earning college credits and achieving strong ASVAB scores.

For those aiming to become commissioned officers, a different educational path is required.

Officers must hold a four-year college degree or higher before commissioning.

Enlisted service members may also have opportunities to become officers through specialized training and commissioning programs.

Officers serve in leadership, management, or highly specialized fields, such as medicine, law, or chaplaincy, according to their educational background.

Every applicant undergoes a medical examination that assesses overall health, vision, hearing, and physical condition to ensure they are fit for service.

In addition to the medical exam, recruits must meet the Army’s physical fitness standards and pass branch-specific fitness tests.

The Army Fitness Test (AFT) evaluates your physical and mental abilities starting at Basic Training for enlisted Soldiers and during initial training for those commissioning as Officers.

Height and weight restrictions vary by age and gender

If one is enlisted to become a Soldier and doesn’t meet the physical requirements at MEPS, one may be eligible for the fitness track of the Future Soldier Preparatory Course.

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Army health and fitness experts help the recruits meet the requirements for 90 days before starting basic training.

U.S. Army Salary Range

Salary in the U.S. Army is determined by rank and years of service.

Enlisted Soldiers start at lower pay grades, with monthly basic pay increasing as they earn promotions and gain experience.

In addition to basic pay, soldiers receive allowances such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), which supplement total earnings.

For enlisted ranks (E-1 through E-9), base pay ranges from around $2,319 per month at E-1 up through over $9,075.00 per month for senior enlisted personnel with many years of service.

Commissioned officers (O-1 through O-10) start at higher base pay due to leadership responsibilities and education requirements.

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