What automatically disqualifies you from the military?

Asked by: Dr. Judge Hand  |  Last update: December 26, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (7 votes)

These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height and weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others. Additionally, law violations can prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of any crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.

What are the most common disqualifiers for the military?

This list is not comprehensive but is intended to provide some guidance to applicants regarding common disqualifying issues.
  • Vision Disqualification. ...
  • Dental Disqualification. ...
  • Ears and Hearing Disqualification. ...
  • Allergic Conditions Disqualification. ...
  • Skin Disqualification. ...
  • Psychiatric Disorders.

What things make you ineligible for the military?

  • Failing your drug test
  • an unwaivable criminal conviction,
  • being physically unable to pass minimum qualifying standards,
  • Scoring too low on the ASVAB
  • Not having a HS diploma or GED
  • Having an unreasonable conflict of interest
  • Being a single parent who cannot find a guardian
  • A sufficiently severe psychiatric disorder

What disqualifies you from being able to join the Army?

If you have three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years before joining. If you are convicted for five or more misdemeanors. If you are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test, or if you have current charges pending against you.

What diagnosis will keep you out of the military?

Impulsivity and conduct disorders. Any form of anxiety requiring medication, outpatient treatment, or hospitalization. Neurotic, mood, somatoform, dissociative or factitious disorders requiring medication, outpatient treatment, or hospitalization. Eating disorders.

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30 related questions found

What diseases disqualify you from the military?

The following conditions may disqualify you from military service: a. Esophagus. Ulceration, varices, fistula, achalasia, or other dysmotility disorders; chronic or recurrent esophagitis if confirmed by appropriate X-ray or endoscopic examination.

Can MEPS see your medical records?

Yes, they are allowed to look at any medical records that can demonstrate a preexisting condition, many of which occur well before someone is 18. Yes, if there is a disqualifying condition it would keep you from joining.

What are reasons you Cannot join the military?

Physical conditions, such as asthma, certain heart conditions, or a history of concussions or traumatic brain injuries can also disqualify you. Weight and body composition is another area militaries pay attention to. If you're under or overweight for your height, it could result in disqualification.

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 military 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.

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.

Does having anxiety disqualify you from the military?

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 is the hardest military to join?

1. Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.

What are at least 3 eligibility requirements of the military?

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.

What military branch gives the most waivers?

Different branches have different personnel needs and may approve of your waiver. In general, the Army has the reputation of approving the most moral waivers, while the Air Force and Coast Guard approve the fewest. The Navy and the Marines fall somewhere in the middle. However, this is not always the case.

What looks bad on a background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...

What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?

INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.

What background disqualifies you from the military?

Security and Background Checks

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.

How far back does a military base background check go?

All investigations cover the last 10 years of an individuals' background and consist of checks of national records and credit checks. They can also include interviews with individuals who know the candidate. Determining whether to grant a security clearance is based upon these guidelines: Allegiance to U.S.

What are 3 cons of joining the military?

This language means that the military does not have to honor any promises made at the time of your enlistment. You, however, must give eight years of your life, obey all orders, and possibly kill or be killed. You may be subject to health hazards, discrimination, and emotional or physical abuse.

What can get you denied for 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.

What do MEPS doctors look for?

They will test your vision… …and hearing… …and blood pressure. You will undergo a series of maneuvers to determine your physical capabilities. You will have blood drawn to test for the HIV virus. You will have a drug and alcohol test.

Can I join the army with a history of depression?

Disqualifying Mental Health Conditions. According to the Department of Defense, you're disqualified from serving in the U.S. military if you have a current diagnosis or a history of most mental disorders.

Does the military look at your driving record?

Arrest records may appear to military agencies conducting a background check. However, misdemeanor and especially felony records are of greater importance. Civil infractions and non-criminal citations, such as traffic tickets, usually won't appear in these checks.