Who is not allowed to join the Army?

Asked by: Prof. Johan Boehm IV  |  Last update: July 10, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (56 votes)

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 joining the Army?

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 people cannot join the military?

Security and Background Checks. Felons and individuals with multiple convictions cannot join, but waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions.

What makes you unable to enlist in the military?

For instance, a history of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia can result in disqualification. Physical conditions, such as asthma, certain heart conditions, or a history of concussions or traumatic brain injuries can also disqualify you.

Why would you be denied from the Army?

There are several reasons why the military might not accept your application. These include your age, weight, medical condition, criminal history, and even select tattoos. Serving in the military is a privilege, not a right. Hence, you're not entitled to military service just because you're an American citizen.

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What makes you not eligible for the Army?

If you are found trafficking, selling, or distributing narcotics, including marijuana. 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.

What crimes prevent you from joining the military?

Certain criminal charges can disqualify individuals from joining the army, like:
  • Felony offenses.
  • Domestic violence charges.
  • Drug-related offenses.
  • Sex crimes and sexual misconduct.
  • Financial misconduct.
  • Traffic and non-traffic misdemeanors.
  • Juvenile offenses.

What would stop you from joining 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 is the height and weight for the Army?

The minimum acceptable height and weight for men is 157.5 cms with correlated weight and for women candidate is 152 cm and 42 kg. In case of candidates belonging to the North East and hilly areas like Gorkhas, Nepalese, Assamese and Garhwalis, the height is relaxed by 5 cms and weight commensurate with reduced height.

Who is unfit for military service?

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

Does the Army accept everyone?

Applicants must be between 17 and 35; meet the mental, moral, and physical standards for enlistment; and must speak, read and write English fluently.

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.

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 are the physical requirements to join the Army?

Each service branch requires its own unique fitness test, but generally, they include:
  • Pushups, between one and two minutes, timed.
  • Situps, between one and two minutes, timed.
  • A one-and-a-half, two or three-mile timed run.
  • Other fitness requirements, such as pullups, flexed-arm hang and lifts.

What happens if you get diagnosed with ADHD while in the military?

That said, in the Army, it's possible to receive an ADHD diagnosis and treatment during active service. Commencing treatment, especially stimulant use, may require other role-, training-, and/or division-specific considerations.

What is overweight for the Army?

The maximum allowable percentage of body fat for men ranges from 18 to 26 percent depending on service and age, while for women it ranges from 26 to 34 percent (See Table 2-3). Each of the services screens active duty personnel either annually or semiannually for fitness and compliance with weight-for-height standards.

What are 3 cons of joining the military?

Some potential drawbacks of joining the military include:
  • It can be a dangerous job. ...
  • You can be away from loved ones. ...
  • It's physically demanding. ...
  • Military life is highly structured. ...
  • It's a huge commitment.

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 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 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.

Can you join the military instead of going to jail?

A great amount of anecdotal evidence exists that suggests a number of people have performed military service instead of doing time in prison, but from a legal perspective, this is prohibited.

What is the weight requirement for the Army?

These requirements are on a scale based on age, gender, and height. For example, an 18-year old male Army recruit who is 5'5 must weigh no more than 163 lbs. A 25-year old male Army recruit who is the same height can weigh no more than 165, and a 30-year old male Army recruit who is 5'5 can weigh no more than 168.