Ready to take the first step to becoming an enlisted Soldier or a commissioned Officer? Here’s what you need to know.
Speak with a recruiter
All recruiters know the Army well and can help you understand if it’s right for you. They’ll help you define your goals and guide you in the right direction.
Take a placement exam
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a placement test that helps you find out which job in the Army is right for you.
Complete a physical exam
Your recruiter will help you get an appointment set up at the nearest Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), where an evaluation will take place to see if you are physically ready to serve.
Find an Army Job
There are over 200+ available job opportunities in the Army that your career counselor can help you choose from. The score you get on your placement exam is important since it’s a major factor in deciding which Army job is best for you.
Sign a contract and prepare for Basic Training
The final step is to get sworn into the Army by taking the Oath of Enlistment, which is a pledge to defend the Constitution throughout your military career.
Once you’ve taken the Oath, you’ll prepare to attend Basic Training. This is where you’ll gain the physical and mental skills you’ll need to serve.
More importantly, it’s where you’ll be introduced to the values and traditions that come with being a Soldier.
If you’re thinking about joining the Army, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
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Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
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Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.
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Four Ways to Become an Officer
Officers are important leaders in the Army, tasked with making important decisions and being responsible for the safety of Soldiers under their command. To become an Officer, you must have a bachelor’s degree by the time you are commissioned. Here are the four ways you can earn a commission to become an
Army Officer:
Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
Attend ROTC on your college campus to graduate with a guaranteed career as an Army Officer. Your Recruiting Operations Officer will be the best person to answer any questions about enrolling in ROTC electives, scholarship opportunities, and more.
U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Prepare to lead while earning a degree from the prestigious U.S. Military Academy at West Point. You’ll have to request nomination from a U.S. Congressman or Senator to be eligible to apply.
Officer Candidate School
Train in the Army’s 12-week intensive training program designed for enlisted Soldiers and civilians with college degrees to earn a commission to become an Officer. You’ll be expected to complete Basic Training and other required training if you haven’t already, and pass a board review.
Direct Commission
Put your professional experience to use by earning a direct commission. This path promotes civilians with professional skills in fields like medicine and law directly into an Officer rank. You’ll have to meet the right qualifications and requirements to earn a direct commission, and you’ll be expected to complete the Army’s Direct Commissioning Course and Basic Leadership Course.
Common Questions
How do I know if I meet the requirements to join the Army?
When applying to be an enlisted Soldier or Army Officer, you must be a U.S. citizen by the time you commission and meet the age requirement. To enlist, you must have a high school diploma, GED, or a plan to get one. The main difference when applying to be an Army Officer is that you need to have a bachelor’s degree—not necessarily at the start of the process, but by the time you’re commissioned as an Officer. Find out more details about the age, medical, physical, and education requirements to join for enlisted Soldiers and Army Officers before applying.
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. It also varies on the job assignment and branch of service. For Army Officers, the time to join depends on the path you choose. If you choose Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) or the U.S. Military Academy (USMA), you’ll become an Officer after completing four years of college. If you’re going through Officer Candidate School (OCS) or direct commission, the time it will take to join will depend on when you finish your four-year degree and complete specific courses and certifications related to your branch.
Do I need a college degree to join?
A college degree is not required to enlist in the Army, but you do need to be a college graduate if you plan to become a commissioned Officer.
How do I learn more about joining?
Take a look at the physical fitness requirements for more specific details about becoming an enlisted Soldier or an Army Officer.
Does everyone have to pass a physical fitness test to join?
For both the enlisted Soldier and commissioned Officer paths, you'll need to meet the height and weight requirements for your age and gender before joining. A recruiter will work with you after you join to meet the physical requirements of your chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) evaluates your physical and mental abilities, starting at Basic Training for enlisted Soldiers and during initial training for those commissioning as Officers. Everyone will need to pass the ACFT during training and again several times a year for every year of service. Scores are recorded twice a year for active duty Soldiers in the Army, or once a year for members of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The Army will be there to support your growth with resources during every step of the evaluation process to ensure your success.