What disqualifies you from enlisting in the military?

Asked by: Herta Cruickshank  |  Last update: June 8, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (25 votes)

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.

What are the most common disqualifiers for the military?

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 ...

What makes you ineligible to 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 disqualifies you from the military background check?

Credit history: A poor credit score or outstanding debts can raise concerns about an individual's financial responsibility. Education: Inaccurate or incomplete education information can lead to disqualification. Employment history: A history of job hopping or dishonesty about employment can be a red flag.

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 could disqualify you from joining Army or even the military

22 related questions found

What disqualifies me from enlisting?

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 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 stops you from joining 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.

Why would the army reject you?

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 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 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.

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?

Minimum Enlistment Qualifications

You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. You must be at least 17 years old (17-year-old applicants require parental consent). You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma. You must pass a physical medical exam.

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.

Who is unfit for military service?

Three most common reasons young people are ineligible: Overweight or obesity. Educational deficits. Criminal or drug abuse record.

At what age will the military not accept you?

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.

Does depression disqualify you from the military?

Any individual with current or a history of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, paranoid disorder, or other unspecified psychosis, is disqualified. Current mood disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or depressive disorder not otherwise specified, are disqualifying.

What disqualifies you from a TS clearance?

What can disqualify you?
  • You are not a U.S. citizen.
  • You were dishonorably discharged from the military.
  • You are currently involved in illegal drug use.
  • You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional.
  • You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.

What background checks are done for military enlistment?

This entails looking into a range of factors including your legal record, financial history, education, employment, personal references, and in some cases, a check of your internet activity—particularly if you're interested in a position that requires security clearance.

Does the military check social media?

For those aspiring to join the military, this digital landscape presents a unique challenge: does the military check your social media accounts? The short answer is yes, and the implications can be far-reaching.

How long is basic training boot camp?

Basic Training consists of four phases over 10 weeks, where you'll learn about the Army and train to become a Soldier.

What tattoos disqualify you from the military?

What's Not Allowed. The content of allowed tattoos has not changed. Any indecent, violent, racist, sexist, or vulgar Army tattoos are prohibited no matter where they are on the body. This includes tattoos with exposed nudity, gang affiliations, anti-government statements, or glorified violence.

Does the military check your mental health records?

The third screening measure consists of a review of medical screening forms and a general psychiatric evaluation, which is integrated into the entrance physical examination at military entrance processing stations.