Can you get rejected from the military?

Asked by: Dante Nienow  |  Last update: May 8, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (66 votes)

Any disqualifications that appear during your MEPS physical exam or interview may prevent you from joining the Army. These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height and weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others.

Can you be denied from the military?

Each branch of the military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force - has its own unique set of eligibility criteria. These standards can include age, education, physical fitness, medical condition, criminal background, and citizenship status, among other things.

What will disqualify me from the military?

All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony as an adult or juvenile for offenses involving violence, domestic violence, illegal drugs or sexual misconduct will be disqualified.

Why would you get rejected from the Army?

Anyone wanting to join the army has to pass a tough medical . People with heart problems, back problems, hearing or vision problems, among other things, will struggle to make the grade. But a range of other conditions can also affect candidates' chances of being accepted.

Does the military accept anyone?

U.S. citizens and some non-citizens can join the military. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must: Have a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Speak, read, and write English fluently.

What could disqualify you from joining Army or even the military

21 related questions found

Who Cannot join the military?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

What will make the military reject you?

Un-united fractures, history of instability of a major joint, certain retained orthopedic fixation devices, severe scoliosis, or any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, wearing of military equipment, or detract from military bearing and appearance ...

Why won't the Army accept me?

Being in the Army can be challenging both physically and mentally. Therefore, a history of health problems or the presence of health conditions that usually don't affect your everyday life, can mean that you're not able to join, or you might have to wait to join.

Can I join the Army if I have anxiety?

Current or a history of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, simple phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute reactions to stress, and posttraumatic disorder are disqualifying conditions.

What fails a military background check?

You may be disqualified from a high security clearance job if your record contains any of the following: a single serious crime, a series of lesser offenses, embezzlement, income tax evasion (or other financial crimes), sexual offenses, crimes related to excessive alcohol or drug consumption, a history of personality ...

What is the age limit for the military?

[1] Within the 17–35 age range, the Services have different age ceilings. The Army and Navy accept applicants up to age 35; the Air Force accepts recruits prior to their 28th birthday, and the Marine Corps age limit is 29.

Can you deploy with braces?

Individuals with orthodontic equipment require a waiver to deploy. Waiver requests to deploy should include a current evaluation by their treating orthodontic provider and include a statement that wires with neutral force are in place.

What will disqualify you from the military?

Psychiatric and Personality Disorders
  • Any disorder or history of disorders with psychotic features.
  • History of impulse control and conduct disorders.
  • History of depression requiring medication, outpatient treatment or hospitalization.
  • History of anxiety requiring medication, outpatient treatment or hospitalization.

How many people are rejected from military service?

Military enlistment has declined in recent decades. The Department of Defense (DoD) said it faces “unprecedented recruiting challenges,” as 77% of young adults in the US are unqualified to serve.

Can you ever quit the military?

You can't just quit the Army once you are on active duty. You are contractually obligated to remain in service for the period to which you committed. But soldiers are discharged from duty early due to physical or psychological inability to perform duties, for drug abuse, misconduct, and other infractions.

Will the Army accept anyone?

Applicants must be between 17 and 35; meet the mental, moral, and physical standards for enlistment; and must speak, read and write English fluently. The U.S. military branches cannot assist foreign nationals in obtaining admittance into the United States.

Are you allowed tattoos in the Army?

Tattoos that are offensive or obscene, ie those that depict sex acts, violence or illegal drugs for example are a no-no. Tattoos on the hand and the back of the neck are now OK. Most soldiers, however, keep their saluting hand clean out of respect. Tattoos on the head and face are unacceptable.

Do soldiers get weekends off?

30 Paid days off

Get time for vacation, also including 11 paid national holidays off each year along with weekends and sick days.

Does depression disqualify you from the military?

Mood Disorders

You're also disqualified if you have bipolar disorder or affective psychoses. For depressive disorders (for example, major depressive disorder), disqualification from the service occurs if a person had outpatient care that lasted for more than 12 months or any inpatient care.

What STDs disqualify you from the military?

For sti it states: “current or history of genital infection or ulceration, including, but not limited to herpes genitalis or condyloma acuminatum, if of sufficient severity to require frequent intervention or to interfere with normal function, is disqualifying.” also disqualifying is current untreated syphilis.

What is the height requirement for the military?

Your standing height must be not less than 4'10” (58 inches) and not more than 6'8″ (80 inches). Weight standards are indicated in the following weight table. If you exceed the U.S. Air Force Academy weight standards, you must undergo a procedure to determine your percent body fat.

Which branch pays the most?

When it comes to your basic pay, the military branches are all the same. A look at military pay charts shows that military pay is based on a pay grade, or rank, and years of service. In terms of your base pay, there is no fundamental advantage to opting for one branch of service over another.

Do you get paid while in basic training?

Do you get paid in Basic Training? Yes, you do get paid in Basic Training on the first and fifteenth of every month. The amount depends on your rank. See salaries by rank on the Money & Pay page.

How much is e1 pay in 2025?

For instance, in January-March 2025, an enlisted service member with a paygrade of E-1 will receive $2,108.10 per month in basic pay.