What things disqualify you from the military?

Asked by: Trenton Leffler  |  Last update: June 24, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (36 votes)

Medical Disqualifications
  • Vision Disqualification. ...
  • Dental Disqualification. ...
  • Ears and Hearing Disqualification. ...
  • Allergic Conditions Disqualification. ...
  • Skin Disqualification. ...
  • Psychiatric Disorders.

What would disqualify me from joining 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.

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 does a military background check look for?

The investigation focuses on character and conduct, emphasizing factors like honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, financial responsibility, credit, criminal activity, emotional stability, and other pertinent areas.

What could disqualify you from joining Army or even the military

31 related questions found

What can get you denied 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 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 physically disqualifies you from the military?

Spine and other Musculoskeletal

Any deviation or curvature of the spine likely to impair normal function or wearing of proper military uniform or gear or causes physical symptoms. Lumbar or thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees.

Can you get rejected from the military?

These standards can include age, education, physical fitness, medical condition, criminal background, and citizenship status, among other things. So, if you're rejected from one branch due to a criterion that is specific to that branch alone, it's entirely possible you could be accepted into another.

What is the age limit for the military?

Requirements to join as an enlisted Soldier include: Be between 17 and 35 years old. Be medically and physically fit. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card.

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 are some bad reasons to join the military?

Red Flags: What are some bad reasons to join the military?
  • Escaping Problems: Some people consider the military as a way to escape personal or financial problems. ...
  • Impulsivity or Pressure: Joining on an impulse or under pressure from friends or family without thorough personal reflection and research is not advisable.

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 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.

What automatically disqualifies you from the military?

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.

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.

Can you wear glasses in the military?

Wearing glasses in the military is generally permitted, and allows many service members to successfully manage their vision correction needs while serving. If you're considering a military career and have concerns about your vision, don't hesitate to reach out to a recruiter or eye care professional for guidance.

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

What is considered a failed background check?

There are many reasons why a candidate may “fail” a background check, from criminal history to discrepancies in employment or education history, or an unsafe driving record or failed drug test.

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 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.

Can you join the military with a heel spur?

Entitlement to service connection for a bilateral heel disorder, to include heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, is denied.

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.