Join the Army: Enlistment and Officer Commissioning
Enlistment for Enlisted Soldiers
Enlisting as an enlisted Soldier requires meeting the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 17 years old (with parental consent) and not older than 35 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Meet physical and medical standards
- Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Enlisted Soldiers can choose from a wide range of military occupational specialties (MOSs) that cater to their skills and interests.
Commissioning for Army Officers
Becoming an Army Officer involves completing the following steps:
Through ROTC
- Enroll in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at an accredited college or university
- Complete the military education coursework and training
- Graduate with a bachelor's degree
Through the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
- Receive an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point
- Complete four years of study and training
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree
Other Commissioning Programs
There are also other commissioning programs available, such as:
- Officer Candidate School (OCS)
- Direct Commissioning programs for professionals in specific fields
Army Officers lead and manage units, supervise enlisted Soldiers, and carry out military operations.
Army Reserve and Active Duty
Individuals can choose to serve in either the Army Reserve or Active Duty:
- Army Reserve: Part-time service that allows individuals to balance civilian and military commitments
- Active Duty: Full-time service that requires a commitment of several years
Both Army Reserve and Active Duty Soldiers have opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
Eligibility for Non-Citizens
Non-citizens may be eligible to join the Army under certain circumstances, such as:
- Possessing a green card (permanent resident status)
- Having certain family ties to U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Meeting specific criteria through special programs
Interested individuals should contact a U.S. Army recruiter for more information.
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