Military Heritage Museum Collection

Military Heritage Museum Present

Beyond the Walls of the Museum

Choose Your Destination:

This Exhibit is made possible through a Generous gift from: Dick Panozza Veteran and Military Heritage Museum Volunteer

How to Join the U.S. Military: Requirements and Resources

Thinking about joining the military? Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces has unique entry requirements, age limits, and training locations. This handout helps answer key questions like where to sign up, how to prepare in high school, and where to find official information online.

🪖 U.S. Army

Requirements:

  • – Age: 17-35 years old
    – U.S. citizen or permanent resident
    – High school diploma or GED
    – Pass ASVAB test and physical exam

How to Prepare in High School:

Stay physically active, focus on academic performance, and consider JROTC programs.

Where to Sign Up:

Visit a local Army Recruiting Office or start online.

Online Resources:

  • Army Recruitment Info: 

https://www.goarmy.com

  • Find an Army Recruiter: 

https://recruiting.army.mil/Contact/

 

⚓ U.S. Navy

Requirements:

  • – Age: 17-39 years old
    – U.S. citizen or permanent resident
    – High school diploma or GED
    – Pass ASVAB and physical screening

How to Prepare in High School:

Focus on swimming skills, fitness, and science/math coursework.

Where to Sign Up:

Visit a local Navy Recruiting Station or begin online.

Online Resources:

  • Navy Careers: 

https://www.navy.com

  • Contact a Recruiter: 

https://www.navy.com/start

 

✈️ U.S. Air Force

Requirements:

  • – Age: 17-39 years old
    – U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
    – High school diploma or GED
    – Pass ASVAB and medical evaluation

How to Prepare in High School:

Develop skills in technology and science. Stay physically fit and explore JROTC if available.

Where to Sign Up:

Connect with an Air Force recruiter or start online.

Online Resources:

  • Air Force Careers: 

https://www.airforce.com

  • Find a Recruiter:

 https://www.airforce.com/find-a-recruiter

 

🌊 U.S. Marine Corps

Requirements:

  • – Age: 17-28 years old
    – U.S. citizen or legal resident
    – High school diploma or GED
    – Pass ASVAB, physical fitness, and background checks

How to Prepare in High School:

Maintain high physical fitness. Consider youth programs like Young Marines or JROTC.

Where to Sign Up:

Visit a Marine Corps Recruiting Office or connect online.

Online Resources:

  • Marine Corps Info: 

https://www.marines.com

  • Talk to a Recruiter: 

https://www.marines.com/request-information.html

 

🛟 U.S. Coast Guard

Requirements:

  • – Age: 17-31 years old
    – U.S. citizen or resident alien
    – High school diploma (GED accepted in some cases)
    – Pass ASVAB, background check, and physical

How to Prepare in High School:

Swim training is essential. Focus on academics and volunteer for service programs.

Where to Sign Up:

Visit a local Coast Guard recruiter or go online to apply.

Online Resources:

  • Coast Guard Recruiting: 

https://www.gocoastguard.com

  • Contact a Recruiter: 

https://www.gocoastguard.com/about-us/find-recruiter

 

🛰️ U.S. Space Force

Requirements:

  • – Age: 17-39 years old
    – U.S. citizen
    – High school diploma or GED (college preferred for certain roles)
    – Meet ASVAB and physical standards

How to Prepare in High School:

Excel in STEM subjects, especially math and computer science. Stay active and informed about space science.

Where to Sign Up:

Start online or connect through an Air Force recruiter.

Online Resources:

  • Space Force Careers: 

https://www.spaceforce.com

  • Recruiting Info:

 https://www.airforce.com/spaceforce