Updated October 30, 2023

Military Enlistment Age Limits

The minimum and maximum enlistment age for joining the military differs by each branch of the military. The earliest is 17 with parental consent and the maximum is 39 but […]

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    The minimum and maximum enlistment age for joining the military differs by each branch of the military. The earliest is 17 with parental consent and the maximum is 39 but see below for the specific age limits by each branch of service.

    This does not mean that the age requirements are not similar, but there is no Defense Department-wide standard. Each branch of service sets their own. So what’s the oldest age you can be to enlist in the military?

    Here are things to know about military enlistment age limits and other criteria for joining the military.

    Military Age Requirements by Branch of Service

    BranchActive DutyReserveGuardService Academies
    Army17-3517-3517-3517-23
    Marine Corps17-2817-28N/A17-23
    Navy17-3917-39N/A17-23
    Air Force17-3917-3817-3917-23
    Space ForceContact an Air Force recruiter at 1-800-423-8723 for eligibility requirements.
    Coast Guard17-3117-40N/A17-22

    Military Service Branches Age Limits

    #1. The Minimum Age Permitted to Join the Military

    In all cases except for the Navy Reserve, the minimum age permitted is 17 with parental consent in writing. Those 18 and older are permitted to join the military without parental consent. The Navy Reserve minimum age is 18. Federal law says no military branch can enlist someone over the age of 42; however each service may set their own policy below that age limit.

    Military Maximum Age Requirements:

    Did you know there is an upper age limit for all branches of military service?

    Military Age Limits:

    • Army Age Limit: 35 for active duty, Guard, and Army Reserve
    • Navy Age Limit: 39 for active duty, 39 for Navy Reserve
    • Marine Corps Age Limit: 28 for active duty and Marine Corps Reserve
    • Air Force Age Limit: 39 for active duty and Guard, 38 for Air Force Reserve
    • Coast Guard Age Limit: 31 for active duty, 40 for Coast Guard Reserve
    • Space Force Age Limit: 39

    Prior service military members may not be subject to the same age limitations as new recruits depending on age, the nature of military service, recruiting demand, and other factors.

    #2: Age Requirements Are Supplemented by Education Requirements

    In most cases, the minimum age a new recruit may enter military service is 17. However, a high school diploma or GED is usually required. Some branches of service may, depending on recruiting issues at any given time, offer alternatives such as allowing a new recruit who has a GED with college credits. Having a GED may subject the enlistee to additional standards not applied to those who have high school diplomas.

    If the applicant does not meet the stricter standards for GED holders without college coursework, it may be possible to enroll in college (see below) to earn additional credit hours.

    All branches of service restrict how many new recruits may enter military service each year without a high school diploma. According to some reports, this is due to statistics which tend to indicate a higher number of unsuccessful basic trainees come from backgrounds that do not include a diploma.

    Those who want to enter the military as quickly as possible should know that they may technically qualify to serve, but their status as “without a high school diploma” may push their application to the following year if the quota for non-diploma holders has already been met.

    #3: GED Holders Must Score Higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

    Those who do not have a high school diploma will be required to score higher on the ASVAB test, regardless of the branch of service desired.

    Some potential new military members may find that the recruiter will upon learning of the GED status of an applicant wish to have the recruit take the ASVAB first. Those who do not score high enough are often encouraged to take a specified amount of college credits before retaking the ASVAB.

    The reason for this is that those who have GEDs and college credits are put in the same ASVAB scoring category as someone with a high school diploma. The high school graduates do not get more stringent ASVAB scoring requirements.

    #4: Selective Service System

    For almost all male U.S. citizens and male aliens living in the United States who are ages 18 through 25, there is a requirement to register with the Selective Service System.

    #5: Prior Service Enlistments

    Each branch of the military has an enlistment option that allows  people who separated from military active duty, the Guard or Reserve, to enter full-time back into service. The age limit for prior service enlistment for most of the branches is the same as above, except that an individual’s total previous military time can be subtracted from their current age. For example, if an individual has five years of credible military service in the Army and wants to join the Navy. The Navy could waive the maximum enlistment age to 44. The maximum age of 39 for the Navy, plus five years credible service in the Army).

    The Army and Air National National Guard maximum age for prior service enlistment is 59.

    The Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserve maximum age of enlistment for prior service is 32, after computing the prior-service age adjustment.

    If You Haven’t Earned Your Diploma Yet and Want to Join The Military Out of High School

    Any recruiter will urge a potential new recruit to complete high school first before trying to enter the military. That said, military recruiting involves something known as the Delayed Enlistment program where those who are not technically eligible to serve yet due to age or school status may enter into a provisional agreement with the service they wish to join.

    Delayed Enlistment may put the enlistee into a program to familiarize them with military life, procedures, what to expect in basic training, etc. It can be a big help to those who want to serve, but are not yet eligible to become full-fledged military recruits.

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    • Veteran.com Team

      Written by Veteran.com Team

      The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

    Updated June 26, 2023

    The PiCAT Test

    Many veterans entered military service after taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, which scores recruits in a group of ten areas for the best-suited job. The ASVAB is a […]

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      Many veterans entered military service after taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, which scores recruits in a group of ten areas for the best-suited job.

      The ASVAB is a proctored, timed, three-hour test that must be administered under a specific set of conditions as defined by Department of Defense policy and the recruiting standards in each branch of military service.

      During the 21st century, the ASVAB began to supplement its test with the PiCAT, a new technological approach that contained the same kinds of questions in a similar testing format.

      PiCAT, which stands for Pre-screening internet-delivered Computer Adaptive Test, is done on the test taker’s own time at home or on any computer where the test taker can work without interruptions.

      The recruiter will review the results of the test, and if the test taker decides to enlist, a follow-up exam (see below) is administered to verify the results of the first test.

      How is the PiCAT Test Different?

      The PiCAT is identical to the ASVAB, with the exception that it is not proctored or timed. You take this test at home without supervision.

      Cheating on the PiCAT test is a common question. How does the military prevent cheating in such cases where there is no direct monitoring for at-home testing?

      While there are no extraordinary measures taken to prevent people from cheating, there are test rules which state clearly that no outside assistance may be used to solve problems during the test, such as internet resources or reference materials.

      But taking the PiCAT exam at home does not entirely rely on the honor system. Your recruiter will administer a 20-minute exam to verify the results of the PiCAT test. That follow-up exam is supervised. If the results of the follow-up test support the results of the PiCAT test, your at-home scores will replace the ASVAB results.

      PiCAT makes such a big difference for many recruits who may suffer from test anxiety, and who would prefer to endure a three-hour long exam in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

      Eligibility Requirements

      Some recruits may not be allowed to use PiCAT if they have taken the ASVAB at a Military Entrance Processing Station, or if they have taken the student ASVAB, the recruit is not eligible for PiCAT.

      If you sat for ASVAB previously and were not happy with your scores, you will need to discuss retesting options with your recruiter, but you will not have access to PiCAT under DoD policy at the time of this writing.

      Preparing to Take PiCAT

      If you aren’t sure how to prepare for PiCAT testing, it’s best to talk with a recruiter. There are many online preparation guides for both ASVAB and PiCAT, and it is a good idea to review such study guides.

      Some “Ace the ASVAB” type third-party sellers (and those offering PiCAT equivalents) want you to believe that simply reading the study guides can help you get higher scores. Don’t forget to review algebra, geometry, or mathematical story problems, known subject areas some recruits struggle to solve.

      You will want to practice solving sample problems in any area you don’t feel confident in, especially math and reading comprehension.

      Where You May Take PiCAT Tests

      PiCAT testing is available anywhere there is a reliable internet connection. However access to test materials is controlled, so your recruiter will have to tell you how to log on, where to log on, and provide required passwords about account setup.

      Test Subjects and Knowledge Areas

      PiCAT is essentially a take-home ASVAB that evaluates the test taker in the following areas:

      • General science
      • Arithmetic reasoning
      • Word knowledge
      • Paragraph comprehension
      • Numerical operations
      • Coding speed
      • Auto and shop information
      • Mathematics knowledge
      • Mechanical comprehension
      • Electronics information

      The results are interpreted in different ways depending on the branch of service. The Army breaks down the scores into a set of skill areas that help recruiters determine the new enlistee’s career field. Those skill areas include, as described on the U.S. Army official site:

      • Armed Forces Qualification Test
      • Clerical
      • Combat
      • Electronics
      • Field artillery
      • General maintenance
      • General technical
      • Mechanical maintenance
      • Operators and food
      • Surveillance and communications
      • Skilled technical

      Deadlines for Testing and Completion

      Under the rules in effect at the time of this writing, once your recruiter has provided you with your access code, you will be required to begin taking PiCAT within 72 hours, and you will have 24 hours from the time the test starts to complete it.

      “Instant review” of PiCAT test results by the scoring authority (which may be your recruiter) is possible. If you are anxious to see the results of PiCAT quickly, it’s best not to complete the test on a weekend day when your scores may not be available to you until the next duty day.

      PiCAT Retest Policy

      Traditionally, retesting to improve ASVAB scores has been permitted, but this is administered on a case-by-case basis with your recruiter.

      It’s possible to score lower in some areas on the test and higher in others in such a way that eligibility for specific career fields may be questionable without retaking the test to get a higher score in a needed skill area.

      Retaking PiCAT may be permitted for technical reasons, test compromise, or other issues. Don’t expect a one-size-fits-all policy in this area. It’s best to arrive for your PiCAT test prepared to move forward with the enlistment process rather than expecting to retake the test “just in case.”

      When PiCAT Scores are Low

      Recruits have the option of rejecting the scores they earned on the PiCAT in favor of scores received from the full, proctored ASVAB. You will need to discuss this option with your recruiter to learn what is possible with that branch of service, and what is currently allowed under the most recent regulatory updates.

      After PiCAT, What Next?

      As mentioned at the start of this article, PiCAT testing does require a shorter verification test for the results of the take-home test to count as official ASVAB scores.

      This verification is a short, proctored test that lasts 20 minutes to half an hour. Depending on circumstances, recruits may be required to take this verification test at a Military Entrance Processing Station.

      Some recruits may have a 30-day deadline to take the follow-up test, usually in the case of delayed enlistment or other circumstances that keep the recruit from going to a Military Entrance Processing Station soon.

      Those who do not take the verification test are required to take the full, proctored ASVAB. Additionally, those who do not pass the verification test are also required to take a full ASVAB test.

      Validity of Your Test Scores

      Once you take PiCAT, your score is official for five years.

      PiCAT Test Language Options

      There are no foreign-language options for PiCAT. The test is administered in English.

      PiCAT Test Availability

      To take the Pre-screening internet-delivered Computer Adaptive Test you will need to coordinate with a military recruiter, who will provide you with the necessary access codes and other instructions.

      No recruit should schedule testing without study and test-prep time. Your recruiter may be able to recommend study resources, and there are ASVAB/PiCAT test prep materials for sale online.

      • Andrew Stamp

        Written by Andrew Stamp

        Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

      • Andrew Stamp

        Reviewed by Andrew Stamp

        Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

      Updated May 16, 2023

      Pros & Cons of Joining the Reserve

      Those considering joining the US Reserve Armed Forces must weigh the pros and cons of serving as a Reservist. And it’s not as easy as simply deciding you want to […]

      Table of Contents

        Those considering joining the US Reserve Armed Forces must weigh the pros and cons of serving as a Reservist. And it’s not as easy as simply deciding you want to serve part-time in the military rather Pros & Cons of Joining the Reservethan going for a full time career in uniform.

        There are nuances in each branch of service–some don’t want to join the Navy and would be happier in the Army, for example. Others may be interested in serving in one specific branch of service only. Whatever your motivations, there are things to know before making the commitment so that you make the most informed decision possible based on the pros and cons of becoming a Reservist.

        The Various Branches Of The Reserve

        Your options to become a reservist are as diverse as the number of military branches themselves. You can potentially join any of the following:

        What do you need to do to join as a Reservist? Meeting the following basic standards is the start:

        • U.S. citizenship or resident alien status required
        • In general be between 17 and 42 years old (specific requirements will vary by branch)
        • Pass an Armed Forces physical exam
        • Pass the ASVAB or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
        • Meet the minimum ASVAB eligibility standard for your branch of service
        • Earn a “sufficient score” on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT)
        • Meet service-specific requirements for your chosen branch of military service
        • Be willing to commit to a specific range of service from three to eight years depending on the job, branch of service, etc.

        Joining The Reserve: Circumstances Count

        When talking about pros and cons of becoming a Reserve member, the first thing to enter into the “con” category is that you may not be able to rely on the experiences of those you know who have joined the Reserve if your circumstances aren’t similar.

        What does that mean? If you are a civilian and want to become a member of the Reserve, your experience will be much different (not worse, just different) than those who joined as “prior service” active duty or as reservists in a different branch of the military. As a “con”, this basically means that you will need to do more personal research to learn what your experiences might be like under comparable circumstances.

        On the “pro” side on this subject, your Reserve recruiter can pair you with others who have a similar circumstance to yours.

        Are you a recent high school graduate interested in joining the Reserve while in college? Or are you already in the work force and interested but not sure how currently employed people manage both civilian careers and military duty? Your recruiter can help you talk to those who have actually had those experiences.

        Pros And Cons Of Becoming A Reservist

        This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of every complaint and perk associated with joining a Reserve unit, but it will address some of the more common issues starting with the commitment you must make to become a part-time military member.

        Military Service Commitment

        Pro: Reservists generally serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year in peacetime. That is a reasonable commitment even if you hold a full-time career. Your commitment remains stable from year-to-year in peacetime. Reservists drill for 48 periods or units per year, with a typical drill weekend consisting of four drill periods.

        Con: During contingencies such as natural disasters, combat deployments, and other special circumstances this schedule is subject to change. You may be activated, deployed, placed on active duty, etc. with short notice in some cases.

        Training

        Pro: Military training is provided including career field training. Those looking to break into a technical field may find that Reserve experience is a good stepping stone to experience in that field.

        Con: You will be required to attend basic training the same as any military recruit. After basic training you may also be offered advanced training.

        Pro: All Reservists participate in annual training for two weeks per year which earns you active duty pay for the duration of the training period.

        Activation to Full-Time Service

        Con: You may be activated to full-time service and this may be on an individual basis or as part of a unit activation. You could serve 30 days in a unit near your hometown or up to a year supporting a mission outside of the United States. Opting out of a deployment labeled involuntary is not an option.

        Benefits

        Pro: You get military benefits when you serve in the Reserve. Your pay is based on your rank and time-in-service, and you get active duty pay during training periods.

        There is free training to prepare you for your Reserve Component job. Reservists are offered TRICARE Reserve Select which is described by official sources as a “subsidized, fee-based health care coverage” program for reservists and their families when the military member is not on active duty.

        Reservists on active duty for more than 30 days get comprehensive medical/dental care for free. Family members are offered health care coverage when the military member is activated for more than 30 days.

        Con: The benefits you get tend to pale in comparison to full-time, active duty benefits in the same areas. This is a common complaint, and a fact of life in the Reserve.

        Pro: There are Reserve education benefits offered via the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (SR) and there are also options for earning the Post 9/11 GI Bill which can be transferred to spouses and dependents under the right circumstances.

        Con: The education benefits offered require a minimum six-year commitment.

        Balancing Military And Civilian Commitments

        Pro: You are only required to serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year during peacetime. The pro is that federal law requires your employer to work with you to meet your Reserve commitment and the Reserve duty in peacetime is a reasonable commitment to make.

        As a reservist, any time you are called to active duty for 30 days or longer you qualify for protections under the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA). These protections begin on the date active duty orders are received and in certain cases the servicemember’s dependents may be eligible.

        Con: If you fail to meet your weekend duty and training obligations, you are subject to a court-martial or other disciplinary action. The protections offered to you under federal law including SCRA are not helpful if you aren’t in good standing with your duty commitment.

        The con section here includes noting that SCRA protections (credit, interest rate protections, other consumer assistance) are not offered to Reserve members unless they are activated for 30 days or more. The common complaint that active duty troops have it better, while not always applicable or relevant, is definitely a factor in this particular area.

        Joining The Reserve As An Extension Of An Existing Military Career

        Pro: As a prior-service Reservist you can begin a new civilian career and quit worrying about full time duty commitments.

        Con: You can still be activated for full-time duty and/or be deployed overseas if required.

        Pro: Prior-service Reservists who switch from active duty to reserve duty before reaching enough years to qualify for military retirement can still earn your retirement pay in the reserve branch of your choice. You won’t give up your retirement and you aren’t required to serve 24/7.

        Con: You have to wait until age 60 at a minimum to draw your retirement pay in most cases, unlike those who hit a 20-year retirement on active duty. Those troops get their retirement pay right away. Reservists must meet specific criteria when they are transferring from active service to the Reserve in order to qualify for retirement pay:

        • Be at least 60 years old (some may qualify to retire at age 50 depending on circumstances)
        • Have at least 20 years of qualifying service
        • Must have performed the last six to eight years of qualifying service while a member of the Active Reserve depending on circumstances in most cases
        • The Reservist must not “be entitled, under any other provision of law, to retired pay from an armed force or retainer pay as a member of the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve”
        • Veteran.com Team

          Written by Veteran.com Team

          The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

        • Andrew Stamp

          Reviewed by Andrew Stamp

          Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

        Updated May 3, 2023

        Active Duty vs. Reserve or National Guard: What’s the Difference

        What is the difference between military service on Active Duty, as a member of the National Guard, or as a Reservist? There are many nuances, and those new to the […]

        Table of Contents

          What is the difference between military service on Active Duty, as a member of the National Guard, or as a Reservist?

          There are many nuances, and those new to the recruiting process soon learn there are multiple options for a career in uniform; not all involve a full-time commitment to the military.

          Active Duty Military Service

          Active Duty is what most people think of when they consider joining a branch of the military. Active duty service is possible in the following branches:

          • Army
          • Navy
          • Air Force
          • Marine Corps
          • Coast Guard
          • Space Force

          Each branch of the service has its own unique requirements for active-duty recruits. Some branches require far more in the physical departments than others (the Marine Corps is the best example) but all branches have some form of required physical discipline. All branches of active duty service require some form of basic training, which helps new recruits come up to the physical standards while learning military order and discipline.

          Active duty military service is a full-time, 24-7 job and the Department of Defense may assign its active duty forces anywhere in the world. Joining as an active duty member means signing a legally binding contract that obligates the member to a minimum service commitment defined by the individual branch of service.

          Active duty service members can be stationed stateside or overseas, they get full military benefits after meeting minimum time-in-service and training requirements, and are eligible for the full range of education benefits offered to them when they have served long enough. Active duty service members are eligible for:

          …just to name a few.

          In short, joining as an active duty military member means going into the “regular Army”, the full time Air Force, etc. Active duty military service is a career, or potentially a career for any new recruit who joins to do full-time uniformed service.

          Those who want to join the military but want to serve part-time have two basic options in what are commonly known as the “reserve components”, the National Guard and the Reserve.

          Reserve Components: The National Guard And Reserve

          The phrase “reserve components” can include both the Reserve and the Guard. The DoD has a group of reserve components including:

          The Guard and Reserve both have their origins in early American militia groups formed at the beginning of American colonization–more than one National Guard unit has its origins in such militias.

          National Guard

          Described as a “joint activity” of the Department of Defense between the Army and Air Force, both Army and Air Force Guard operations fall under the jurisdiction of state governors but can also operate under Federal authorization when conditions warrant.

          Most members of the Guard hold civilian jobs while serving part-time; but there is a smaller group of full-time Active Guard & Reserve troops.

          The National Guard Commitment: How Long You Will Initially Serve

          The first question many have is, “How long am I committed when I join the National Guard”? Depending on the branch of service, and current mission requirements, that answer may be different but examples of past commitment requirements can tell you a lot.

          In the past, the Army National Guard has informed its new recruits “You can enlist for as few as three years, with an additional commitment to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR Soldiers don’t train with a unit, but can still be called up in the event of an emergency.”

          That’s according to the Army official site. National Guard troops may do monthly drills, musters, or require other training or activities. They may be deployed by the state Governor in times of emergency or unrest, etc. The schedule of your individual National Guard unit will determine your individual time commitment each month.

          Some join the Guard and serve part-time for their entire military career; others join after serving on Active Duty and may have an easier time getting placed due to being prior military. Regardless of how you join, the benefits of National Guard service include VA benefits–two of which are the most asked-about:

          VA Home Loan Benefits For National Guard Members

          Those who join the National Guard and meet minimum time-in-service requirements are eligible to apply for VA home loan benefits. Those minimum requirements were expanded in 2021 with the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act. Under the Act, the following changes should be noted–the Act modified Section 3701(b) of title 38, United States Code to add a paragraph to the end of the section that states:

          “…The term ‘veteran’ also includes, for purposes of home loans, an individual who performed full-time National Guard duty (as that term is defined in section 101 of title 10) for a period—

          (A) of not less than 90 cumulative days; and
          (B) that includes 30 consecutive days” (emphasis ours)

          Note that only 30 consecutive days are required under the Act. But, this legislation also includes a retroactive feature to include full-time National Guard duty “performed before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.”

          VA Education Benefits (GI Bill) For National Guard Members

          Those who join the Guard and serve the minimum time required may be eligible to apply for GI Bill benefits. For members of the National Guard, GI Bill payments are not as high as for active duty veterans. The Army National Guard official site includes discussion of the benefits for Guard members; a monthly expense allowance of up to $384, for more than $13,500 total over a four year college career.

          Army Guard members have the option to apply for a kicker that can help add more education funds; up to $350 per month in living expenses for qualifying applicants.

          The qualifications for joining will vary depending on whether you are exploring your Air National Guard or Army Guard options. For example, the criteria for joining the Army National Guard include being at least 17 years old and all recruits must take and pass the ASVAB. Some recruits may have the option to attend basic training between their Junior and Senior year in high school depending on circumstances and current policy.

          Those who wish to join the National Guard with prior military service will discuss their options with a Prior Service recruiter.

          Why do some people join the Guard instead of becoming a Reservist? Guard units are often closer to home than the nearest military reserve unit. Serving part-time means doing monthly drill and other requirements and the proximity of your home to the nearest unit could make the difference between joining one or the other.

          Joining The Reserve

          Serving in the Reserve forces carries versions of the same benefits as serving in the National Guard–the GI Bill requirements are similar and there are minimum time in service requirements for members of both the Guard and Reserve for VA Home Loan program options.

          The Department of Veterans Affairs says of Reserve component benefits, “Generally, all National Guard and Reserve members discharged or released under conditions that are not dishonorable are eligible for some VA benefits.” The duration of your military commitment, the status, whether you were activated for full time service, and other variables will affect the specific military benefits you qualify for as a Reservist.

          For example, VA mortgage benefits for Reservists include the following requirements:

          • Six years of service in the Selected Reserve, AND
          • Honorably discharged, OR
          • Placed on the retired list, OR
          • Served for 90 days or more on active duty (Title 10) during a wartime period, OR
          • Discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability
          • Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable, OR
          • Continues to serve in the Selected Reserve longer than six years

          Joining the Reserve is similar to joining the National Guard in that each branch of service has its own benefits and requirements for becoming a Reservist-no two Reserve programs are exactly alike.

          Army Reserve members have different requirements than Air Force Reservists, for example, and you may find that some branches of service have smaller Reserve “footprints” than others. One year’s count found more than 38,000 Marine Corps Reserve members; compare that to the Air Force’s numbers which are roughly double.

          The Main Difference Between The Guard And Reserve

          The major differences between the Guard and Reserve have to do with the nature of duty–Reserve members operate under the jurisdiction of the DoD and may be called up to serve in times of war, in expeditionary campaigns, for humanitarian relief, and any other mission-essential function.

          National Guard troops can be activated by the state Governor, and they may also be called up by the President of the United States. In many cases a reserve member may be filling in for an active duty soldier, airman, Marine, etc. who has deployed. In other cases reserve members may be called upon to deploy themselves.

          Reserve troops may be activated by the President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, but time limits apply depending on circumstances. Reserve Troops are subject to some or all of the following different kinds of activations where appropriate:

          • The President, Congress, and Secretary of Defense may involuntarily activate Reserve units
          • Congress may authorize a full mobilization of Reserve units with no time limit until six months following a conflict
          • The President of the United States can order a partial mobilization of reservists for up to two years
          • Presidential Reserve Call-Up authority allows the president to order two hundred thousand reserve members and an additional smaller number of Ready Reserve members to be active for up to one year
          • Disaster Response rules allow state governors to call up Reserve units and individuals to help with domestic emergencies
          • Special missions that fall under “Assured Access Authority” allow the call-up of Reserve units in times that don’t include war or emergency “in support of an active duty combatant command”
          • Reserve members may have the option to volunteer to activate; volunteering for active duty is one way some units augment their numbers when needed

          Things To Remember About Joining The Military

          Joining the active service, National Guard, or Reserve is a personal choice. If you want to serve but don’t want the full time commitment, a Guard or Reserve slot can be just what you need. The important thing to remember is to judge your needs and goals compared to the type of service you are contemplating. Do you want to help your state out in times of natural disaster?

          If you prefer your military service closer to home, the Guard may be a better option. There are no guarantees how close to home you might serve, but in general your options are better with a Guard unit in these cases.

          Reservists often travel around the globe depending on the unit, the mission, and other concerns. If you want to serve with the option of travel, a Reserve job may be a better fit for you than a National Guard option though again, your experience may vary.

          Active duty service is very tempting for those who want both the maximum amount of military benefits offered and the potential for travel and relocation. The best thing to do is to speak to an active duty recruiter plus those recruiting for Guard and Reserve counterparts–learn what the most current demands are and what jobs might be right for you.

          • Veteran.com Team

            Written by Veteran.com Team

            The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

          • Andrew Stamp

            Reviewed by Andrew Stamp

            Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

          Updated February 6, 2025

          Re-Enlistment and Rejoining the Military

          You may want to rejoin the military after your discharge for many reasons. You might miss the camaraderie or you may want to re-enlist for financial, insurance or other benefits. […]

          Table of Contents

            You may want to rejoin the military after your discharge for many reasons. You might miss the camaraderie or you may want to re-enlist for financial, insurance or other benefits.

            No matter your reason, rejoining the military isn’t as simple as filling out an application and picking up where you left off. You might even have to go back to basic training.

            Here’s what to expect if you’re considering re-enlisting in the military.

            Re-Entry (RE) Codes

            Re-entry or reenlistment (RE) codes determine your eligibility to rejoin the military.

            For example, you can rejoin the Army with few issues if you left with an RE-1 re-entry code (or any of its variants), according to Army Regulation (AR) 601-210, “Regular Army and Reserve Components Enlistment Program.”

            You may be ineligible with an RE-2 re-entry code unless you meet specific qualifications first, like taking another ASVAB test or meeting branch height and weight standards. An RE-3 code means you can’t reenlist without a waiver for a condition or situation specified in your separation code.

            Separation Codes Matter

            Your separation code tells your recruiter what they must prove to get you back into the military and may determine if a recruiter will pursue your case.

            Together with your RE code, your separation code determines your eligibility to reenlist and how easily you’ll be able to get any needed reenlistment waivers.

            For example, suppose you get a JFV separation code (physical condition, but not a disability that interferes with duty performance) with an RE-3 re-entry code. In that case, you’ll need a general surgeon’s waiver and several medical evaluations to prove you can perform the duties of your job in the military.

            It’s a lot of paperwork. Some recruiters may be hesitant to take your case, while others may specialize in helping service members re-enter the military. Shop around for the best recruiter for your situation. You may even find your new home in a different branch of service.

            What Is Required to Re-enlist (Aside from RE Codes)

            Besides your separation and re-entry codes, your type of discharge (honorable, other than honorable, bad conduct or dishonorable) can also significantly impact your eligibility to rejoin. Consider special prior-service placements, as your re-enlistment also depends on whether the branch of service you are trying to join has a position open that you can fill.

            Military enlistments and reenlistments are also subject to age limits. Each branch of service has its own method for calculating enlistment age for those with prior service.

            For example, Marine Corps recruiters subtract recruits’ prior service time from their age. So a 39-year-old Marine would be considered 29 and wouldn’t need an age waiver, according to the Marines website.

            Here are the new recruit age limits for each branch of service, according to USA.gov:

            • Marines: 28
            • Coast Guard: 31
            • Army: 35
            • Navy: 39
            • Air Force: 39
            • Space Force: 39

            What About Basic Training?

            You may not need to return to basic training if you have prior service. Each branch has its own criteria for what counts as prior service.

            The Army, for example, defines prior service personnel as those with “180 days or more on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces,” according to Army Regulation 612-201, “Initial Military/Prior Service Trainee Support.”

            Many military branches also consider the time you’ve spent away from service as a factor.

            For example, Air Force prior service recruits “must not have a break in service exceeding six years,” according to the Air Force website.

            Here are the general guidelines for each branch about whether you’ll need to return to basic training if you qualify as a prior service member:

            • Marines: Service members from other service branches are considered new enlistees and will need to return to basic training, according to, MCO P1100.72C, Military Personnel Procurement Manual, Volume 2, Enlisted Procurement.” Recruit training is not required for former members of the Marines Corps who completed recruit training or The Basic School.
            • Army: Prior service members attend one of three special courses unless they have completed Army Basic Combat Training, U.S. Marine Corps Basic Training, U.S. Air Force or U.S. Navy Special Operations Forces training or U.S. Air Force Security Forces training, according to Army Directive 2019-31 (Integration or Refresher Training for Prior Service Personnel).
            • Navy: Prior service members, including those from the Navy, who have completed basic training will need to complete the two-week Veterans Orientation Program, according to the Navy’s “Basic Military Training Core Competencies Manual.”
            • Air Force: Service members from other branches of service who have completed basic military training will need to take a mandatory orientation course, according to AFRS INSTRUCTION 36-2001, “Recruiting Procedures for the Air Force.”
            • Coast Guard: Most service members from a non-Coast Guard branch who re-enlist attend the Direct Entry Petty Officer Training Course (DEPOT), rather than initial entry basic training, according to the Coast Guard website.

            Who Cannot Re-enlist?

            Receiving an honorable discharge doesn’t automatically qualify you for reenlistment.  The DOD’s Instruction 6130.03, “Medical Standards for Military Service: Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction” lists several disqualifying conditions. You may be disqualified from re-enlistment if you fall under one of the categories below, whether the condition occurred while you were in service or after you got out:

            • Head – Deformities of the skull that prevent you from wearing proper protective headgear
            • Eyes and vision – Conditions that interfere with vision, including corneal dystrophy, retinal abnormalities and conjunctivitis or vision that does not correct to at least 20/40 in each eye
            • Ears and hearing – Any defect that would interfere with proper wearing of military equipment, diseases of the vestibular system such as Menieres Syndrome and perforated eardrum or not meeting hearing threshold levels
            • Nose, sinuses, mouth and larynx – Defect or deformity that interferes with chewing, swallowing, speech, breathing or wearing of military equipment or severe dental problems or wearing braces
            • Neck – Certain congenital masses or contractions of the muscles of the neck
            • Lungs, chest wall, pleura and mediastinum – Abnormal findings of the lungs, diaphragm or other abdominal organs, pneumonia within the past three months, history of asthma or tuberculosis and other infectious diseases
            • Heart – History of certain valvular conditions, artherosclerotic coronary artery disease, pacemaker implantation, ventricular arrhythmias and conduction disorders
            • Abdominal organs and gastrointestinal system – Gastro-espohageal reflux disease with complications such as reactive airway disease, dyspepsia, ulcers or history of bariatric surgery or chronic Hepatitis B
            • Female genital system – Primary or unexplained secondary amenorrhea, symptomatic endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome
            • Male genital systems – Undescended testicle,
            • Mental conditions – PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression
            • Any discharge other than those labeled “honorable”
            • Gastric or congenital conditions
            • Diabetes or gout
            • Limitations of motion in hands, knees, arms and legs
            • Heart conditions that may pose a threat to your health
            • Kidney or urethral problems
            • Height issues (being too short or too tall)
            • Weight and body-build issues (body mass and body fat percentage can be a problem with current service height and weight standards)
            • Severe allergies
            • Spinal problems

            This is not an exhaustive list. When in doubt, talk over any medical conditions or issues with your recruiter.

            • Veteran.com Team

              Written by Veteran.com Team

              The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

            • Andrew Stamp

              Reviewed by Andrew Stamp

              Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

            Updated November 4, 2022

            Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) Testing

            What is Defense Language Aptitude Battery testing? U.S. Army forms include a request to be administered a DLAB test. These forms describe the program as follows: “The Defense Language Aptitude […]

            Table of Contents

              What is Defense Language Aptitude Battery testing? U.S. Army forms include a request to be administered a DLAB test. These forms describe the program as follows:

              “The Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) evaluates the aptitude of a soldier to learn a foreign language.” Not all troops need to learn another language as part of their military duty; those who do are often assigned to jobs in intelligence, crypto, signals intelligence, data analysis, or work as foreign linguists.

              Those who have an interest in languages and want to join the military to explore that interest will need to pass DLAB testing, then attend technical school, advanced training, etc. at the Defense Language Institute. Those who enter military career fields requiring language proficiency attend classes at DLI, which serves as the central language training facility for the Department of Defense.

              What do you need to know to decide whether a job requiring language skills is for you? Part of that decision making process involves taking the Defense Language Aptitude Battery test itself to see what kinds of skills are required.

              What DLAB Testing Does

              There are two kinds of foreign language testing military members are most likely to encounter while serving. One is DLAB. An examination that tests language skills, but does not require you to know a second language.

              A different kind of language testing happens for service members after they have been tested, approved, and trained in a new language. Language proficiency tests are administered on a regular basis for those drawing proficiency pay in another language.

              Military linguists who have been trained in Mandarin, for example, and use Mandarin in their military work, are retested to ensure they still have the appropriate level of proficiency required for the job and for the incentive pay. We are not covering that kind of testing here.

              How DLAB Testing Is Different

              The idea behind DLAB testing is that untrained and untested candidates are evaluated on their raw ability with language concepts. DLAB testing typically happens at the beginning of a military career, or at the beginning of a new military career for someone who is already serving in a different capacity.

              This kind of testing is basically a screening process to find the best candidates with the right language abilities.

              How The Defense Language Aptitude Battery Works

              If you want to take DLAB, make sure you have a test scheduled for you prior to going to basic training.

              Advice indicates that new recruits opting for DLAB tests should not let the recruiter schedule you to depart for the Military Entrance Processing Station to ship out to boot camp if you have not taken the test yet.

              You should have a conversation about DLAB as early as possible with a recruiter. Some recruiters may not be as familiar with the program and may need to do research on which forms to fill out, who to schedule testing with, etc.

              Last-minute efforts to initiate this process are discouraged. Specialized testing and screening for unique military jobs requires more time than for recruits coming into the military without an assigned career field.

              DLAB Test Details

              Here’s the part about DLAB testing new recruits don’t know right away: The test itself is a bit of a secret. A few of those who have taken the test and write about their experiences indicate that it is “the weirdest test” some have taken. Even military test administrators have gone on record acknowledging the unusual nature of DLAB. Why is it so different?

              An article about these tests on the Air Force official site quotes an Ellsworth Air Force base education services officer who says, “The DLAB tests consist of a mock language designed to measure a person’s language-learning potential.”

              A made-up language is just one of the challenges of this test. In spite of not needing to know any second language prior to test day, the scoring rules for DLAB can be quite unforgiving.

              The Army standard for DLAB scores includes a requirement to score 95 or better on the initial test. If you do not score high enough, you are welcome to retest again after six months. Retests are possible (up to two), but require the approval of the applicant’s chain of command.

              Taking The Test

              Past descriptions of Defense Language Aptitude Battery tests have included mention of a reading section of the test and a listening portion. Tests are always subject to review, but past descriptions of the DLAB test experience include mention of a 90-minute testing period administered online. There are also descriptions of the test featuring more than 120 questions

              Earlier in this article we mentioned the need to discuss scheduling this test with your recruiter before you go to basic training. All recruits must take the ASVAB to enter military service, but not all are required to undergo DLAB tests, and your recruiter must make a special effort to get the testing date you need.

              If you have not taken the ASVAB at the time you’re considering these options, it’s crucial to ask your recruiter what ASVAB scores are required for you to enter a career field requiring DLAB tests.

              If you don’t have the minimum required ASVAB scores or a waiver for your scores, you may not be permitted to take a job in certain fields. Discuss this with your recruiter.

              Test Nuances

              The test itself is secret, but some limited descriptions of the testing experience reveal interesting details. One test-taker advises taking time to prepare for the audio version of the test by practicing listening skills, especially for the pitch and tone of people’s voices.

              Some new recruits don’t realize that some foreign languages don’t work like Western versions do; “tone languages” place an emphasis on the rise and fall of the voice in the same way as the actual consonants and vowels. Listening for the “music” of the human voice seems to be an important study tip for the “listening” portion of the exam.

              The same sources say understanding basic grammar and sentence construction is also quite helpful. The ability to visualize words as they are spoken also seems to be useful. But you don’t have to rely on third-party word-of-mouth hints about the testing experience.

              Even though the test itself is secret, there are published study guides for DLAB testing that may be incredibly helpful for those who just don’t know what to expect in spite of the information floating around online.

              DLAB Study Guides

              How do you study for a language test featuring one somebody made up? There are a variety of study guides including:

              These guides feature practice tests, pretests, and advice about DLAB.

              Let The Test-Taker Beware

              The only problem is that your online research for these books turns up lots of them written in 2014 or before. Contemporary study guides may or may not be available, and it’s best to use one of the older guides as a general information source with the understanding that in the years since these guides were written, there have likely been many program changes to both the agency administering the tests and the exam itself.

              Some report turning to YouTube to find videos addressing DLAB prep but the same rules apply – assume these are for general purposes only and ask your recruiter if there is a test prep guide that may serve as a more up-to-date guide when you are ready to explore the option.

              Cross-Training Into A Language Specialty

              All of the information in this article has assumed that a potential applicant for DLAB testing is a new recruit. Those who are already serving have the opportunity to apply for cross-training into language specialties. In these cases, DLAB and attendance of the appropriate training courses at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., would be appropriate for those approved to do so.

              If you are interested in cross-training into a military career field that requires language skills and training, talk to your command support staff, personnel flight, unit orderly room, or detailer about what is currently required by your branch of service to do so.

              Not everyone can cross-train. If you are currently working in a critically staffed career field, you may need a waiver or be applying to an even more mission-critical job than the one you currently hold.

              • Veteran.com Team

                Written by Veteran.com Team

                The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

              Updated February 1, 2024

              Everything to Know About the ASVAB Test

              The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is used by each branch of the military to determine a military recruit’s aptitude in ten different areas. The ASVAB test helps […]

              Table of Contents

                The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is used by each branch of the military to determine a military recruit’s aptitude in ten different areas. The ASVAB test helps assign new recruits into career fields they may be well-suited for, but the ASVAB should not be considered an IQ test. It is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

                The ASVAB test is also administered to millions of high school and post-secondary students making it one of the most widely used tests in the world.

                How Does The ASVAB Work?ASVAB Test

                The ASVAB tests recruits in ten different areas. It is presented as ten short tests administered over a three-hour period. Traditionally, the ASVAB is a “proctored” test, meaning that it has required supervision to administer in order to maintain the integrity of the test. However, changes to military recruiting and technology in general have helped the ASVAB evolve as a 21st century tool.

                The Ten Testing Areas

                Military recruiting needs are subject to change, and the ASVAB may evolve with the times; traditionally the test measures aptitude in the following areas:

                • General science
                • Arithmetic reasoning
                • Word knowledge
                • Paragraph comprehension
                • Numerical operations
                • Coding speed
                • Auto and shop information
                • Mathematics knowledge
                • Mechanical comprehension
                • Electronics information

                ASVAB Scoring, Explained

                The ASVAB is not designed as a “pass/fail” type exam, but each branch of the military will have its own scoring requirements. There’s no single score required, since standards may vary among the various branches of the military.

                Traditionally, ASVAB scores are used to determine the recruit’s suitability for various career fields. Military recruiting trends change over time based on need, changes in the military, legislation, and other factors; interpreting a recruit’s ASVAB scores can be affected by these things.

                Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) Score

                You will receive a report with all your scores on it. The most important score is your AFQT score.  This score determines your eligibility to serve in the military.

                Exceptions to this limit are made for about 1% of recruits who exhibit other exceptional qualities and who have a score of at least 25.

                Current Standards for AFQT Scores by Branch

                Each branch of service has their own minimum standards for the ASVAB test. Here are the minimum standards for each branch of service.

                Service BranchRequired AFQT Score: HSRequired AFQT Score: GED
                Air Force3665
                Army3150
                Coast Guard4050
                Marines3250
                Navy3550

                Minimum AFQT branch scores are subject to change at any time.

                The Best ASVAB Study Guides

                There are a variety of ASVAB study guides including:

                • ASVAB for Dummies: Book + 7 Practice Tests Online + Flashcards + Video by Angie Papple Johnston
                • ASVAB Prep Plus: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video by Kaplan Test Prep
                • ASVAB Practice Test Book: ASVAB Practice Test Questions for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Exam by Trivium Military Exam Prep Team
                • Mometrix ASVAB Study Guide: Test Prep Secrets, Practice Question Book, Step-by-Step Review Video Tutorials by Matthew Bowling

                These guides feature practice tests, pretests and advice about the ASVAB.

                Smarter Academy also offers a Udemy course including ASVAB practice tests.

                The Addition Of PiCAT

                The Pending (formerly Prescreen) Internet Based Computerized Adaptive Test (PiCAT) is a version
                of the ASVAB that applicants can take any time, anywhere, on any personal computer before arriving at
                a MEPS. As an alternative to the current ASVAB testing procedures – the PiCAT saves recruiters’ time, and speeds up the enlistment process.

                Taking the PiCAT exam may, depending on circumstances including scores and other factors, relieve a new recruit of having to take the ASVAB in a proctored setting. In the past, recruits who were preparing to enter military service at Military Entrance Processing Station would take the ASVAB in a group setting; PiCAT can help new recruits avoid having to retake the test. PiCAT test performance and other factors will determine whether or not the ASVAB has to be taken at MEPS.

                Preparing For PiCAT and ASVAB

                One of the most important things a potential military recruit can do to prepare for PiCAT and ASVAB testing is to have a conversation with a recruiter about the state of the current test and what areas the recruit should concentrate on. The “official” word on military sites such as Army.mil includes the following advice:

                You don’t have to go through any special preparation to take the ASVAB. Getting a good night’s rest and arriving on time are the two most important steps you can take to prepare.

                This advice, though well-intentioned, doesn’t address the needs of some new recruits who are interested in specific career fields but are worried about their test performance-especially in areas related to math comprehension. Potential recruits who feel deficient in math, language, or science skills should have a frank conversation with their recruiter to discuss possible refresher study or even supplemental classes in any self-perceived “problem areas” before taking the test.

                Those who are taking PiCAT should ask their recruiter about technical requirements for taking PiCAT remotely including browser issues, security and what happens if there is a technical interruption in the exam process.

                Where Do I Take ASVAB/PiCAT Tests?

                Your recruiter will tell you where, when and how ASVAB and PiCAT tests are administered. Availability of proctored ASVAB tests varies depending on geographic location; coordination of PiCAT testing (rather than scheduling, since PiCAT is designed as an on-demand type of testing) will also be handled by a military recruiting official.

                Army.mil says of ASVAB/PiCAT testing, “The ASVAB is usually given in schools by test administrators from the federal government. Schools determine where and when the ASVAB will be given. See your academic advisor for more information. If you’re not currently in school, contact your local recruiter.” Test administration and scheduling procedures are handled differently by each branch of the military.

                ASVAB/PiCAT Test Languages

                Military testing via ASVAB and PiCAT is in English only.

                Can I Retake the ASVAB/PiCAT?

                Retesting is possible depending on a variety of circumstances. It is possible to retake the ASVAB or PiCAT, but you will need to coordinate this with your recruiting office. In general, you may be required to wait a month or more to retake the ASVAB test; each branch of the service may have different requirements that must be fulfilled in order to retest. The PiCAT can be re-taken only if two or more years have elapsed.

                There may be situations requiring a new test including administrative problems, technical difficulties, perceived or actual test compromise and other factors. Retesting to gain higher scores is permitted.

                Some recruits take the test with a certain career field in mind, don’t score high enough to qualify, and ask for a retest in order to have another shot at the job they want. Talk to your recruiter about this option before you take the test and know what may be required by your branch of service before you may need to retest.

                Can I Bring Study Guides, Notes Or Other Materials To ASVAB/PiCAT Testing?

                No, outside materials are not permitted. PiCAT Test takers are warned not to use internet resources while taking the test.

                If I Take PiCAT, Will I Be Retested At MEPS?

                PiCAT testing does require a shorter “verification test” for new recruits. This is in the form of a short, proctored test that lasts about a half an hour. Depending on circumstances, recruits may be required to take this verification test at a Military Entrance Processing Station, or within 30 days of taking PiCAT if the recruit is not going to MEPS right away. Those who do not pass the verification test will be required to take the ASVAB.

                • Veteran.com Team

                  Written by Veteran.com Team

                  The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

                Updated March 28, 2022

                Joining the National Guard

                The concept of the citizen-soldier is an appealing one for some Americans. Many are eager to explore the opportunity to serve our country in uniform while still keeping a civilian […]

                Table of Contents

                  The concept of the citizen-soldier is an appealing one for some Americans. Many are eager to explore the opportunity to serve our country in uniform while still keeping a civilian job and a life “at home.”

                  joining the National Guard

                  U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher S Muncy/Released

                  Some aren’t sure about a full-time commitment to what Gen. Colin Powell referred to as “the profession of arms,” and National Guard service is (among many other things) an opportunity to explore military service without signing up for a full-time tour of duty.

                  Evolution of the National Guard

                  The Department of Defense considers the Army, founded on June 14, 1775, to be the oldest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, with the Navy following closely behind (founded in October of the same year).

                  Before that, there were militias and proto-Guard units within the original colonies. According to the Army website, the first militia unit formed in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629. The first National Guard units, also from the Bay Colony and with origins in the original colonial militia regiments, activated in 1636:

                  • 101st Engineer Battalion
                  • 101st Field Artillery Regiment
                  • 181st Infantry Regiment
                  • 182nd Infantry Regiment

                  According to the National Guard website, the Militia Act of May 8, 1792, authorized militia units created before the law to “retain their customary privileges.” The Militia Act of 1903, the National Defense Act of 1916, and other federal laws include this provision.

                  The Army National Guard and the Air National Guard

                  Not all branches of service have a National Guard component. The Army and Air Force do. The history and evolution of the Army Guard, as mentioned above, traces back to the beginnings of America itself.

                  A reorganization of U.S. military forces after World War II led to the formation of the Air National Guard, according to the Army website.

                  The National Security Act of 1947 established both the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard, which was added as a reserve component of the USAF. Today, the Air Force has both a reserve and a National Guard option, the same as the U.S. Army.

                  Some of the earliest Air National Guard units were mobilized to support the Korean War in 1950. It would be the first in a long line of support for active-duty forces across a variety of missions and causes, both in peacetime and in wartime.

                  Joining the Army National Guard

                  The requirements for joining the Army National Guard are different for applicants with prior military service than those with none. Keep in mind that additional qualifications may apply and that these standards may change due to updates or adjustments to service regulations or mission requirements.

                  Guard opportunities for prior service members depend on the local Guard unit’s staffing needs, mission requirements, and other variables. It’s best to talk to a recruiter about being a prior-service Guard applicant about the best career choices based on your geographic preference for service and other variables.

                  Joining the Army National Guard as a Prior Service Applicant

                  If you wish to serve in the Army National Guard as a former service member, the requirements include:

                  • You must be able to complete 20 years of qualifying service before you turn age 60.
                  • You must meet education standards for the MOS you want
                  • You must have your current discharge order (such as DD 214 or NGB22), as well as an approved DD Form 368, Request for Conditional Release.
                  • You must meet physical and medical standards.

                  Prior service members with a break in military service may be required to attend basic combat training. They will likely not need to retake the ASVAB.

                  If you are a former service member, speak with a Guard recruiter about the rank you will have once you enter Guard service.

                  Joining the Army National Guard as a Currently Serving Soldier

                  Enlisted Army soldiers and officers may qualify for reductions in their current military contract and up to two years of stabilization, depending on the state they enlist in.

                  Officers who wish to join the Guard directly from active duty cannot have adverse administrative actions on their records. They can speak with a transition officer about how to transition from active service.

                  Joining the Army National Guard as a New Recruit

                  The National Guard website lists the following requirements for recruits without military experience:

                  • Be between the ages of 17 and 35
                  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
                  • Be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
                  • Achieve a minimum score on the ASVAB test
                  • Meet medical, physical and moral requirements

                  Those who join the Army National Guard while they are still in high school participate in the split training option. They must be at least 17 years old, be a junior in high school, and have parental consent.

                  These young recruits complete their high school education while beginning their trainer. They complete basic combat training over the summer between their junior and senior years. Then they train one weekend a month while they complete their final year of high school and attend advanced individual training in the summer.

                  Army National Guard Time Commitments

                  Army National Guardsmen train one weekend each month, along with a two-week training period each year. For most training weekends, members report on Saturday and Sunday only but may occasionally report for Friday-night duty as well.

                  Keep in mind that when warranted, both the president of the United States and the state’s governor may activate the National Guard.

                  Duration of Commitment

                  When you enlist in the Army National Guard, you are committing to serve for eight years. You can also serve in the ANG for three or six years and serve in the Individual Ready Reserve for the rest of your commitment. You do not need to train with a unit as an IRR soldier, but you can still be mobilized for an emergency.

                  Prior service members may have different commitment requirements depending on current policy and other factors.

                  Joining the Air National Guard

                  The requirements for joining the Air National Guard depend on whether you are a prior service member, just as it does with Army National Guard.

                  Keep in mind that additional qualifications may apply and that these standards may change due to updates or adjustments to service regulations or mission requirements.

                  Joining the Air National Guard as Prior-Service Military

                  For those who wish to join the Air National Guard with prior military experience, the following requirements apply:

                  • You must have an honorable discharge from active-duty service. If you have a general discharge, you may be able to upgrade it by completing DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States.
                  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
                  • You must be able to complete 20 years of service before you turn 60.

                  Other requirements, including passing a medical screening test and retaking the ASVAB may apply.

                  If you are a former service member, speak with an Air Guard recruiter about what rank you will receive upon entry into Air National Guard service.

                  Joining the Air National Guard from Active Duty

                  The Air National Guard accepts currently serving members of the Air Force under two programs. Palace Front is for those who want to transition directly out of active duty once their commitment ends and into a Guard unit. 

                  Palace Chase is for those who want to transition into the Guard but have not yet fulfilled their active-duty service commitment to the Air Force. They can apply to the program once they have completed half their commitment.

                  Joining the Air National Guard as a New Recruit

                  • Aged 17-39
                  • Be a legal resident of the U.S.
                  • Have a high school diploma or equivalency
                  • Pass a medical screening test
                  • Pass the ASVAB
                  • Have a secondary school diploma or equivalency or be a senior in high school

                  Air National Guard Time Commitments

                  After basic and technical training, Air National Guardsmen work a minimum of one weekend each month pulse two weeks each year.

                  The president of the United States or the governor of the state may activate Guard units in for support in times of need.

                  Duration of Commitment

                  Those with no military experience who wish to join the Air National Guard with no prior service enter with a six-year obligation. Former service members should ask a Guard recruiter about current enlistment policies for prior service military, as these are subject to change based on mission requirements and other variables.

                  Related Articles
                  Active Duty vs. Reserve or National Guard: What’s the Difference National Guard Tuition Assistance
                  ART vs AGR vs TR Jobs In The Guard/Reserve Top 5 Benefits of the Army Reserve
                  Blended Retirement System: Guard, Reserves National Guard Birthday
                  • Veteran.com Team

                    Written by Veteran.com Team

                    The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

                  Updated January 29, 2024

                  Military and Veteran Resources

                  Resources for Service Members, Military Families and Veterans Coronavirus Resources CARES Act 3rd Stimulus Bill Coronavirus Information & Resources Coronavirus Cases in the US Military Stimulus Checks Travel Restrictions Installation […]

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                    Resources for Service Members, Military Families and Veterans

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                      The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

                    Updated July 11, 2021

                    Military Police Careers

                    Many interested in military service consider Military Police careers. Some choose these law enforcement military specialties because they are interested in building a career in uniform in this specific area. […]

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                      Many interested in military service consider Military Police careers. Some choose these law enforcement military specialties because they are interested in building a career in uniform in this specific area.

                      Others may sign up because they want to eventually wind up working for a federal agency such as the FBI, CIA, or for private security firms. Every branch of military service has security requirements. Military police forces provide this, force protection, and much more.

                      Military Police Forces For Each Branch Of The Service

                      Some branches of service, like the United States Air Force, call their version of the Military Police career field “Security Forces.”

                      Others, like the U.S. Army, have a MOS description specifically for the career field known as Military Police. The U.S. Navy refers to its Law Enforcement and Security professionals as “Masters-At-Arms.”

                      Each branch of service has different requirements, but in general these jobs are open to enlisted candidates who have qualifying ASVAB scores and meet standards that vary depending on the branch of military service.

                      What Military Police Do

                      The Army’s job description for MOS 31B, Military Police, includes the following:

                      “…you’ll protect peoples’ lives and property on Army installations by enforcing military laws and regulations. You’ll also control traffic, prevent crime, and respond to all emergencies. You’ll conduct force protection, anti-terrorism, area security, and police intelligence operations. You’ll also train in corrections and detention, investigations and mobility, and security around the world.”

                      Compare that to the Navy’s Master-at-Arms job description:

                      “The Law Enforcement and Security community provides a wide range of critical services to every part of the Navy” including:

                      •  Security and physical protection
                      •  Training others in security and shore patrol duties
                      •  Security advising
                      •  Crowd control
                      •  Riot prevention
                      •  K9 duties
                      •  Waterborne security patrol and interdiction operations
                      •  Preliminary investigations into Uniform Code of Military Justice violations
                      •  Crime prevention programs

                      As you can see, the descriptions of the duties may vary, but the basic job requirements are very similar.

                      Requirements To Become A Military Police Member

                      Each branch of military service has its own requirements to join a military police or security forces career field.

                      The basic educational requirements for joining the military as an officer or enlisted member apply. Beyond that, minimum ASVAB scores in certain areas (which vary by branch of service) will apply. For the Army the bare minimum requirements to be accepted into the 31B Military Police MOS include:

                      •  91 ASVAB Score: Skilled Technical (ST)
                      • 10 weeks of Basic Training
                      •  20 weeks of One Station Unit Training
                      •  Additional on-the-job training

                      For the Air Force, requirements for the Security Forces career field include:

                      •  Must be between the ages of 17 and 39
                      •  Normal color vision
                      •  No history of excessive alcohol use, drug use or drug- or alcohol-related incidents
                      •  No record of sleep disorders
                      •  No current history of ADD, ADHD or perceptual/learning disorders
                      •  No fear of working around nuclear weapons
                      •  No fear of heights or confined spaces
                      •  No documented record of gang affiliations
                      •  No history of mood or personality disorders
                      •  No speech disorder or noticeable communication deficiency Possession of a valid   state driver’s license to   operate government motor vehicles
                      • Completion of a National Agency Check, Local Agency Checks and Credit

                      The Navy recruiting official site includes the following list of requirements for Law Enforcement And Security career field:

                      “A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor in the Law Enforcement & Security field in the Navy. Those seeking a Master at Arms position should be people-oriented, dedicated, resourceful, and versatile. They should also possess physical strength, manual dexterity and competence with tools equipment. Citizenship requirements may vary.”

                      Career Opportunities

                      Some who start off as Military Police or Security Forces discover other opportunities to work in Law Enforcement while in uniform. Working in this field can lead to jobs in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and other specialized agencies within the military.

                      What newcomers need to know about both these and non-military law enforcement career options? Continuing education is VERY important.

                      Many of the so-called alphabet soup agencies in and outside the military reserve their best opportunities for those with Bachelors degrees or higher. If you entered the 31B MOS as an enlisted member and want to move on to bigger and better military police careers, getting a Bachelor’s degree in an enforcement-related area should be a big part of your future planning.

                      Yes, you can apply to a sheriff’s department, local police force, or private security firm without a degree. But for those who want to be upwardly mobile, a degree is crucial. Investigators, for example, must usually have more education and training. Let’s look at the job requirements for a Special Investigations Officer working for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations:

                      • Bachelor’s degree with specialization in criminal justice, criminology, behavioral science, social psychology, forensic psychology, political science, government, cyber/electronics operations and warfare, computer science or engineering, area/ethnic/cultural studies, public administration, business management, accounting, law or legal studies is desirable.
                      • Force officers (grades O-1 through O-3) with less than 12 years total active federal military service and no more than six years total commissioned service.
                      • Favorable interview by an AFOSI detachment commander.
                      • Certification by Commander of AFOSI.

                      This is not a complete list, but the message is clear–the higher you want to go in the career field, the more education you should plan on.

                      Those with no degree may apply for law enforcement jobs at the state or local level Those with degrees may also do so but have more opportunities for advancement as Sergeants, Lieutenants, etc. Appropriate degrees in law enforcement and the requirements for those degrees all depend on the nature of the job you apply for (local, state, federal, private) and the requirements of the individual agency.

                      The University Of Cincinnati published a list of top jobs offered to those with certain law enforcement degrees. The Criminal Justice degree is specifically referenced for these career options but there are many enforcement-related degrees to consider. Your career options once being a degreed law enforcement professional include:

                      •  U.S. Marshal
                      •  FBI Agent
                      •  CIA Agent
                      •  Private Detective
                      •  Corporate Investigator
                      •  Crime Laboratory Analyst
                      •  Fish and Game Warden
                      •  Police Officer
                      •  Fire Investigator
                      •  Correctional Officer
                      •  U.S. Postal Inspector
                      •  Computer Forensics Investigator
                      •  Court Administrator
                      •  Law Enforcement College Instructor
                      •  Investigative Reporter
                      •  Victim Advocate
                      • Veteran.com Team

                        Written by Veteran.com Team

                        The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

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