If you are interested in joining the largest military branch, consider the 950,000-soldier strong U.S. Army. Find out how to enlist or be commissioned into a diverse set of careers in ground-combat, engineering, medical, intelligence and logistics.
Requirements to Join the Army
Enlisted soldiers make up 82% of the Army and get hands-on training, including for any career field that interests them.
Enlisted
To join the Army as an enlisted soldier, you must:
- Be between 17-42 years old.
- Have a high school diploma, GED or plan to obtain one.
- Be medically and physically fit, and in good moral standing.
- Hold U.S. citizenship or be a permanent resident with a valid Green Card.
- Earn a minimum AFQT score of 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
Officer
Army officers, who make up 18% of the service, are the leaders of the force and lead missions, take responsibility for the well-being of soldiers and make command decisions.
To become an Army officer, you must:
- Be at least 17, but under 31 in the year of commissioning as an officer.
- Be medically and physically fit, and in good moral standing.
- Hold U.S. citizenship by the time you are commissioned.
- Have a college degree by the time you’re commissioned.
- Complete a background check, fill out a questionnaire, be interviewed and provide records.
How to Join the Army
Working with an Army recruiter is the first step to enlisting. Recruiters know the ins and outs of the service and can help you navigate the process and make important decisions along the way.
There is no obligation when working with a recruiter. They will help you decide whether the Army is right for you, and will help shed light on which job opportunities within the service might be of interest if you sign up.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an aptitude test that helps soldiers narrow down which field of work is best suited for them. It is designed to evaluate your skills in several areas, including math, science, language and technical knowledge such as electronics, automotive and mechanical abilities.
The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) is part of the ASVAB test. Enlistees typically need to score at least 31 on the AFQT unless special exceptions are in place. The subtests of the ASVAB will determine which jobs you are qualified for using your line score.
Read More: ASVAB Scores and Army Jobs
Basic Training
One of the best-known aspects of the Army sign-up process is basic training, which lasts about 10 weeks and is designed to transform a recruit into a soldier, physically and mentally.
You’ll learn about Army values and traditions, how to care for your weapon, and security and combat basics, and you’ll take part in running and fitness training. Later in basic training, you’ll move on to marksmanship, then tactical training, leadership skills and teamwork.
Read More: How to Take the Guesswork out of Army Basic Training
Physical Fitness Test
To join the Army, you have to pass, and regularly keep passing, the Army Fitness Test (AFT). The test is designed to assess and improve your physical strength, mental toughness, coordination, and flexibility.
The AFT, sometimes referred to as the Army PT test, is first given during basic training.
The current AFT includes five events:
- Two-Mile Run
- Three Repetition Maximum Deadliest
- Hand-Release Push Up
- Sprint-Drag-Carry
- Plank
The first five events take between two and five minutes each, and the final event, the 2-Mile Run, takes up to 25 minutes to complete.
The AFT is scored on a sliding scale based on gender and age. You’ll need to score a minimum of 60 points on each event to pass the AFT with a total score of 300.
For example, a female soldier between 17 and 21 must deadlift 120-210 pounds while a male soldier has to lift 140-340 pounds. In that same age group, female soldiers have to run two miles between 15:29 and 23:22 minutes while male soldiers must do so between 13:22 and 22 minutes.
The Oath
To be sworn into the Army, you will take the Oath of Enlistment, which is a pledge to defend the Constitution throughout your military career. If you are entering as an officer, you’ll instead take the military oath of office.
Read More: The US Military Oath of Enlistment
Army Jobs
Once you’ve completed basic training, it’s time for your Army job training to begin. This is officially known as your Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). There are over 200 different jobs in fields, including mechanics, engineering, science, medicine, aviation, aerial defense and more.
Benefits of Joining the Army
Joining the Army comes with a variety of benefits.
Basic Pay and Allowances
When you join the Army, you get regular pay raises for time in service and promotions. As of 2026, basic pay for an Private (E-1) begins at $2,407.20 per month, or $28,886.40 annually. Initial basic pay for an Army Second Lieutenant’s (O-1) is $4,150.20, or $49,802.40 per year.
In addition to your salary, as a soldier you will also receive paid vacation time, travel assistance, a retirement plan and a full package of benefits, including allowances for housing, food and clothing.
Bonuses
Full-time recruits can earn combined bonuses up to $50,000 for enlisting in certain jobs, such as $20,000 for a Parachute Rigger or Foreign Language Specialist, or $34,000 for a Special Forces Candidate, as well as many other categories.
Bonuses are also available for recruits who have college credit, complete Airborne School, go into the Army reserves, and even for those who can begin basic training within 30 days. Qualification for bonuses may also be determined by test scores.
Note: All bonus offers are subject to current eligibility requirements and contract terms.
Educational Benefits
The Army offers a Tuition Assistance program for active-duty, Reserve and National Guard members to help pay for school or professional training. Other options under the GI Bill help soldiers with a wide variety of career training.
For those with outstanding student loans, repayment and cancellation programs are available.
You can also attend college and join the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), which helps pay for tuition and other expenses, and offers you a commission as an Army Second Lieutenant upon graduation. Any Army soldier, for free or at a low cost, can obtain licenses and certifications that can boost their career in the civilian world. Under the Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program, these include everything from fitness training to software.
Learn more about the Army’s educational benefits.
When you join the Army, your paycheck grows as you gain more experience and rise up the ranks. The service also offers a variety of allowances that increase your total compensation. These include free or reduced-cost health care, food, housing, education and more.
Healthcare Benefits
Health-care benefits when joining the Army represent a savings of thousands of dollars per year. Enrollment in the Tricare health insurance program costs nothing for full-time soldiers. Dental, vision, pharmacy and life insurance coverage have separate plans and eligibility rules. There are several Tricare programs to choose from, depending on your status and location. Spouses and children are also covered. Medical care at military bases and posts is usually free. Coverage includes pregnancy, mental health and a variety of special needs.
Other Benefits
Soldiers can enjoy other cost-saving benefits by taking advantage of the services offered on base. These include things like grocery stores (commissary), department stores (Post Exchange) and auto repair centers with lower costs than the civilian world. Army bases also offer free entertainment like concerts and comedy shows, free legal services, banks and credit unions, and more. Services, prices and availability vary by installation.
Read More: Learn About Army Benefits
Interested in Joining the Military?
We can put you in touch with recruiters from the different military branches. Learn about the benefits of serving your country, paying for school, military career paths and more: sign up now and hear from a recruiter near you.
Content previously published on Military.com and content from www.army.mil were used in compiling this report.
FAQ
What is the ASVAB and why is it important?
The ASVAB is an aptitude test that measures skills in math, science, language, and technical areas. Your AFQT score determines basic eligibility, while ASVAB line scores determine which Army jobs (MOS) you qualify for.
How long is Army basic training?
Basic training lasts about 10 weeks and covers Army values, weapon care, physical fitness, marksmanship, tactical skills, teamwork, and leadership fundamentals.
Can Army soldiers continue their education while serving
Yes. Soldiers can take college courses while on active duty, use Tuition Assistance, and earn civilian-recognized certifications.
What physical test do I need to pass to join the Army
You must pass the Army Fitness Test (AFT), which includes five events: the Two-Mile Run, 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift, Hand-Release Push-Up, Sprint-Drag-Carry, and Plank. You must score at least 60 points in each event to pass.
What happens after I finish Army basic training?
What happens after I finish Army basic training?
After basic training, you begin your Army job training, officially called Advanced Individual Training (AIT). This is where you learn the skills required for your MOS before moving on to your first duty assignment.
Read the full article here