What Will Disqualify You from the Military?
Joining the military can be a proud and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to understand what will disqualify you from serving. The military has strict eligibility requirements, and failing to meet them can result in denial of enlistment or commission. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons that can disqualify you from the military.
Physical Disqualifiers
The military requires candidates to meet specific physical standards, including:
• Height and Weight: You must meet the weight requirements for your age, height, and gender.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): A BMI of 30 or higher may disqualify you from service.
• Vision: You must have a minimum visual acuity of 20/40 in each eye, correctable to 20/20.
• Hearing: You must pass a hearing test to ensure you can hear a whispered voice at 15 feet.
• Blood Pressure: You must have a blood pressure of 140/90 or lower.
Medical Disqualifiers
Certain medical conditions can disqualify you from the military. These include:
• Mental Health Conditions: Conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression may disqualify you from service.
• Physical Disabilities: Conditions such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, and amputations may disqualify you from service.
• Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may disqualify you from service.
• Recent Medical History: Certain medical conditions, such as recent surgeries or illnesses, may disqualify you from service.
Character Disqualifiers
The military requires candidates to have good moral character. Factors that can disqualify you from service include:
• Criminal Convictions: Certain criminal convictions, such as felonies or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude, may disqualify you from service.
• Drug Use: Using illegal drugs or engaging in drug-related activities may disqualify you from service.
• Traffic Violations: Accumulating excessive traffic violations may disqualify you from service.
• Credit Problems: Having excessive credit problems or debt may disqualify you from service.
Education and Test Scores
The military requires candidates to have a certain level of education and test scores. Factors that can disqualify you from service include:
• Education: Failing to meet the minimum education requirements for your branch of service may disqualify you from service.
• Test Scores: Failing to meet the minimum test scores for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) or other tests may disqualify you from service.
Other Disqualifiers
Other factors that can disqualify you from the military include:
• Citizenship: Not being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident may disqualify you from service.
• Age: Being over the maximum age limit for your branch of service may disqualify you from service.
• Family Obligations: Having certain family obligations, such as caring for a dependent, may disqualify you from service.
• Other Commitments: Having certain commitments, such as a full-time job or other military service, may disqualify you from service.
Table: Common Disqualifiers by Branch
| Branch | Physical Disqualifiers | Medical Disqualifiers | Character Disqualifiers | Education and Test Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Height and Weight, BMI, Vision, Hearing | Mental Health Conditions, Physical Disabilities, Chronic Conditions | Criminal Convictions, Drug Use, Traffic Violations | ASVAB Scores, Education Requirements |
| Navy | Height and Weight, BMI, Vision, Hearing | Mental Health Conditions, Physical Disabilities, Chronic Conditions | Criminal Convictions, Drug Use, Traffic Violations | ASVAB Scores, Education Requirements |
| Air Force | Height and Weight, BMI, Vision, Hearing | Mental Health Conditions, Physical Disabilities, Chronic Conditions | Criminal Convictions, Drug Use, Traffic Violations | ASVAB Scores, Education Requirements |
| Marine Corps | Height and Weight, BMI, Vision, Hearing | Mental Health Conditions, Physical Disabilities, Chronic Conditions | Criminal Convictions, Drug Use, Traffic Violations | ASVAB Scores, Education Requirements |
| Coast Guard | Height and Weight, BMI, Vision, Hearing | Mental Health Conditions, Physical Disabilities, Chronic Conditions | Criminal Convictions, Drug Use, Traffic Violations | ASVAB Scores, Education Requirements |
Conclusion
Joining the military can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to understand what will disqualify you from service. By knowing the common disqualifiers, you can prepare yourself and increase your chances of being accepted into the military. Remember to focus on your physical and mental health, education, and character, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful military career.
