Join the Military Learn how you can enter the United States military as an officer or enlisted member.

Infographic: Are You Considering Enlisting in the Military? Learn the basic requirements and steps for joining the U.S. military as an enlisted member. View a larger version of the infographic. Show Description of Infographic If you're thinking of enlisting in the military, start with some research. It's a big decision, and you’ll have important choices to make when you sign up. As an active duty enlisted member, you'll learn a job specialty and do hands-on work. You’ll sign a contract, usually for four years active and four years inactive service. The military has five branches: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. Each has its own focus, job specialties, base locations, and more. Requirements to Enlist Citizenship U.S. citizen or Lawful permanent resident with a valid Green Card (You may have fewer job choices.) Age Limits Enlist at 17 with parental consent, or 18 or older without. Each service has a different enlistment age limit: Marines: 28 Coast Guard: 31 Army: 34 Air Force: 39 Navy: 39 Education and Testing High school diploma or GED (Your options may be more limited in some branches.) Everyone must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. It determines which branches and jobs you can pursue. Health and Fitness Pass a physical exam and meet weight limits. Each service has different fitness standards. Steps for Enlisting 1. Contact a Recruiter Get in touch with a recruiter for each branch you’re interested in. They’ll answer your questions. 2. Report to MEPS If you decide to enlist, you'll spend a day at a military entrance processing station (MEPS). You'll take the ASVAB, have your physical exam, and meet with a career counselor. If you're accepted, you'll take the oath of enlistment. 3. Await Orders for Basic Training You'll receive orders for basic training within a few weeks. If you enrolled in the delayed entry program, you’ll get orders within a year. To learn more and to find a recruiter, go to usa.gov/join-military.



Infographic: Five Branches of Military Service The United States armed forces are made up of five service branches, each with a unique mission and place in U.S. military history. View a larger version of the infographic. Show Description of Infographic The U.S. military has five branches of service. The Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy fall under the Department of Defense. The Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security. Each service has a unique mission, which is reflected in its training, equipment, locations, and military culture. U.S. Air Force Mission: "To fly, fight and win in air, space, and cyberspace" This newest service, created in 1920 as the Army Air Force, became its own military branch in 1947. That same year, it broke the sound barrier. The Air Force’s space program detects ballistic missile launches, tracks satellites, assists with rocket launches, and more. U.S. Army Mission: "To deploy, fight, and win our nation's wars by providing ready, prompt, and sustained land dominance…” The Army conducts major ground combat operations. It uses the most powerful, high-tech weapons, tanks, and fighting vehicles available. It’s the largest and the oldest service, founded in 1775. U.S. Coast Guard Mission: “To ensure our nation's maritime safety, security, and stewardship” The Coast Guard has 11 official roles. These include search and rescue, drug interdiction, marine environmental protection, and defense readiness. It's the smallest service, with a budget smaller than the New York subway system. U.S. Marine Corps Mission: “As America's expeditionary force...the Marines are forward deployed to win our nation’s battles swiftly and aggressively in times of crisis…” Marines fight on land, sea, and air. They provide forces and detachments to naval ships and ground operations. They live by the core values of honor, courage, and commitment, on and off the battlefield. Their motto is “Semper Fidelis,” Latin for “Always Faithful.” U.S. Navy Mission: "To recruit, train, equip, and organize...combat ready Naval forces to win conflicts and wars while maintaining security and deterrence…” The Navy makes the seas safe for travel and trade. It’s the largest navy in the world. Its aircraft carriers are like cities, with 5,000 crew members. Its submarines are among the most high-tech vessels in the world. To learn more and to find a recruiter, go to usa.gov/join-military.



Learn About the Military Get a brief overview of the five service branches of the U.S. armed forces: U.S. Air Force (USAF)

U.S. Army (USA)

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)

U.S. Navy (USN) The Air Force is part of the Department of Defense (DOD). It’s responsible for aerial military operations, defending U.S. airspace and air bases, and building landing strips. The Air Force Space Command is under this branch. Service members are known as airmen. The reserve components are Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. The Army is part of the DOD and is the largest of the five military branches. It handles major ground combat missions, especially operations that are ongoing. The Army Special Forces unit is known as the Green Berets for its headgear. Service members are known as soldiers. The reserve components are Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It’s responsible for maritime law enforcement, including drug smuggling. It manages maritime search and rescue and marine environmental protection. It also secures ports, waterways, and the coasts. Service members are known as Coast Guardsmen, nicknamed Coasties. The reserve component is Coast Guard Reserve. The Marine Corps is part of the DOD. It provides land combat, sea-based, and air-ground operations support for the other branches during a mission. This branch also guards U.S. embassies around the world and the classified documents in those buildings. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) members are known as Raiders. All service members are referred to as Marines. The reserve component is Marine Corps Reserve. The Navy is part of the DOD. It protects waterways (sea and ocean) outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. Navy warships provide the runways for aircraft to land and take off when at sea. Navy SEALs (sea, air, and land) are the special operations force for this branch. All service members are known as sailors. The reserve component is Navy Reserve.

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Last Updated: August 28, 2020