What disqualifies you from joining the Army?

Author: Anika Senger  |  Last update: Sunday, April 6, 2025

If you have three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years before joining. If you are convicted for five or more misdemeanors. If you are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test, or if you have current charges pending against you.

What are the most common disqualifiers for the military?

These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height and weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others. Additionally, law violations can prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of any crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.

What disqualifies you from being able to join the Army?

Security and Background Checks. Felons and individuals with multiple convictions cannot join, but waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions.

What will get you rejected from the Army?

The reasons the Army won't accept you are numerous; they include age and weight restrictions, medical and criminal histories, and even certain tattoos, according to the team at We Are the Mighty. Similar reasons exist for the other branches, as well.

What conditions can you not join the Army with?

Medical Conditions That Can Keep You from Joining the Military
  • Abdominal Organs and Gastrointestinal System. The following conditions may disqualify you from military service: ...
  • Blood and Blood-Forming Tissue Diseases. ...
  • Dental. ...
  • Ears. ...
  • Hearing. ...
  • Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. ...
  • Upper Extremities. ...
  • Lower extremities.

What could disqualify you from joining Army or even the military

What can the Army reject you for?

Anyone wanting to join the army has to pass a tough medical . People with heart problems, back problems, hearing or vision problems, among other things, will struggle to make the grade. But a range of other conditions can also affect candidates' chances of being accepted.

What are 3 reasons not to join the military?

Physical and emotional trauma are the top reasons.
  • Possibility of physical injury/death. ...
  • Possibility of PTSD or other emotional/psychological issues. ...
  • Leaving family and friends. ...
  • Other career interests. ...
  • Dislike of military lifestyle. ...
  • Too long of a commitment. ...
  • Possibility of interference with college education.

What excludes you from joining the Army?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

Why would the military reject you?

There are several reasons why the military might not accept your application. These include your age, weight, medical condition, criminal history, and even select tattoos. Serving in the military is a privilege, not a right. Hence, you're not entitled to military service just because you're an American citizen.

Does anxiety disqualify you from the military?

Current or a history of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, simple phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute reactions to stress, and posttraumatic disorder are disqualifying conditions.

What fails a military background check?

The most common suitability issues that arise during the review process are past unlawful use of drugs and failure to comply with financial obligations.

Which military branch pays the most?

All branches of the U.S. military offer the same base pay based on rank and years of service. However, other factors can impact a military member's pay, including: Special pay: Some service members receive additional pay based on their job specialty or tasks performed.

How long is basic training boot camp?

In 10 weeks, you'll be physically and mentally stronger than you've ever been, and ready to join the team that protects America. Most recruits are curious about Basic Combat Training (BCT).

What are at least 3 eligibility requirements of the military?

Minimum Enlistment Qualifications

You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. You must be at least 17 years old (17-year-old applicants require parental consent). You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma. You must pass a physical medical exam.

What tattoos disqualify you from the military?

Key Takeaways: All branches actively restrict tattoos on the face, head, and neck. They universally prohibit the ones with racist, sexist, extremist, or anti-American themes. US Army allows tattoos on the hands (one per hand, up to one inch), back of the neck (up to two inches), and behind the ears (up to one inch).

What is the hardest military to join?

Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks.

Why would you get rejected from the Army?

Being in the Army can be challenging both physically and mentally. Therefore, a history of health problems or the presence of health conditions that usually don't affect your everyday life, can mean that you're not able to join, or you might have to wait to join.

How long does it take to join the U.S. Army?

How long does it take to join? For enlisted Soldiers, the time between being sworn in and Basic Training could be as short as five days, or as long as a year, but the average time it takes is usually between 30 – 45 days.

What is the minimum height requirement for the military?

Height and Weight

Your standing height must be not less than 4'10” (58 inches) and not more than 6'8″ (80 inches). Weight standards are indicated in the following weight table. If you exceed the U.S. Air Force Academy weight standards, you must undergo a procedure to determine your percent body fat.

What do military guys look for in a girl?

Military guys, just like anyone else, look for someone they can connect with emotionally, intellectually, and physically. They value qualities such as loyalty, understanding, and flexibility in their partners.

What is the easiest branch of the military?

The Easiest Military Branch: An Overview

The United States Coast Guard is often regarded as the easiest military branch to enter. This is primarily due to its less stringent physical fitness requirements and a more relaxed selection process compared to other branches.

What are 3 cons of the Army?

Some potential drawbacks of joining the military include:
  • It can be a dangerous job. ...
  • You can be away from loved ones. ...
  • It's physically demanding. ...
  • Military life is highly structured. ...
  • It's a huge commitment.

What will stop you from joining the military?

This list is not comprehensive but is intended to provide some guidance to applicants regarding common disqualifying issues.
  • Vision Disqualification. ...
  • Dental Disqualification. ...
  • Ears and Hearing Disqualification. ...
  • Allergic Conditions Disqualification. ...
  • Skin Disqualification. ...
  • Psychiatric Disorders.

Why is no one joining the Army?

Currently, the top two reasons cited by young people for not wanting to join the military are the possibility of physical harm or violent death, and the risk of PTSD, Rand said.

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