Requirements, top jobs, boot camp at Fort Jackson, and everything you need to know about enlisting in 2026.
Enlistment Age: 17–35
Min AFQT Score: 31
Contract Length: 2–6 years active
Boot Camp: 10 weeks, Fort Jackson SC / Fort Sill OK / Fort Leonard Wood MO
Active Duty Size: ~480,000
What makes the Army different, and who it's best for.
The Army is the largest branch of the U.S. military with over 150 MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) options, the widest career variety of any branch. Soldiers serve in more than 80 countries, from combat zones to embassy security, cyber operations to medical support.
The Army offers some of the strongest enlistment bonuses, up to $50,000 for in-demand jobs, and has a reputation for faster promotions than other branches. Whether you want hands-on combat experience, tech roles like IT or intelligence, or skilled trades, the Army likely has a fit.
Culture is built on the slogan "Be All You Can Be": emphasizing personal growth, leadership, and adaptability. The Army is best for those who want maximum career variety and don't mind the possibility of combat deployment. If you thrive on options and want to serve on a global scale, the Army may be your path.
What you need to qualify for enlistment.
Age: 17–35. Applicants who are 17 need parental consent to enlist.
Citizenship: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Education: High school diploma preferred. GED holders may qualify with 15 college credits and face a higher ASVAB threshold in some cases.
ASVAB: Minimum AFQT score of 31. Higher scores unlock more job options. Aim for 50+ to maximize your choices at MEPS.
Medical: Pass the physical and mental health screening at MEPS. Certain conditions require waivers; discuss your medical history with your recruiter.
Legal: No felony convictions. Some misdemeanors may be waivable. Be honest on your paperwork.
Height/Weight: Meet Army body composition standards. Your recruiter can provide the exact charts for your age and gender.
Waivers are available for many disqualifying factors: medical, moral, and administrative. If you're unsure, talk to a recruiter before assuming you're ineligible. Learn more in our enlistment process guide.
Popular MOS options: check our job selection guide for full strategy.
Combat arms: no specific line score beyond the AFQT minimum. Front-line ground combat; physically demanding. The backbone of the Army.
Requires ST 101+. One of the most respected MOS: emergency care, trauma treatment, and medical support in the field. Strong civilian transfer.
Requires ST 95+. Network administration, computer systems, and IT support. Strong career path in tech after service.
Requires ST 101+. Analytical work: process and brief intel, support missions. Often requires security clearance.
High-demand role with strong civilian transfer: direct aircraft, manage airspace. Competitive line score requirements.
Bridges, demolitions, and construction. Support infantry with obstacles and breaching; build and maintain infrastructure in the field.
10 weeks of Basic Combat Training: what to expect.
Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) is 10 weeks long and divided into three phases: Red, White, and Blue. Your location depends on your MOS. Most recruits train at Fort Jackson (South Carolina), Fort Sill (Oklahoma), or Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri).
Red Phase (Weeks 1–3): Discipline, physical training, drill and ceremony. You'll learn Army customs, basic movement, and how to follow orders. Expect early mornings, constant correction, and the foundation of soldier behavior.
White Phase (Weeks 4–5): Weapons qualification, land navigation, and first aid. You'll zero and qualify on the M4 rifle, learn to read a map and compass, and practice combat lifesaver skills.
Blue Phase (Weeks 6–10): Field exercises, live-fire drills, and graduation prep. You'll spend time in the field, complete tactical exercises, and cap off with the culminating event before graduation. For more details on all branches, see our boot camp guide.
Practical advice from those who've been there.
Arrive in shape. Aim for a 2-mile run under 16:30, 40+ push-ups, and 50+ sit-ups. The fitter you are, the easier the first weeks will be.
Memorize before you ship. Learn the Soldier's Creed and the Army Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage). You'll recite them constantly. Having them down early helps.
Volunteer for leadership. Squad leader, team leader, and other billets look good on your record and build skills. Raise your hand when opportunities come up.
Keep your head down in the first weeks. Don't draw attention to yourself. Do what you're told, stay in formation, and avoid making yourself a target for correction.
Don't quit. Basic is designed to be tough. Most people who ship will graduate. When it gets hard, remember why you joined, and that it's only 10 weeks.
Active duty contracts range from 2 to 6 years. You also incur a total 8-year obligation that includes reserve time. So if you do 4 years active, you have 4 years in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or reserve component.
The Army minimum AFQT score is 31. However, scoring 50 or above opens most jobs (MOS). Higher line scores unlock technical, intelligence, and medical roles with stronger civilian transfer value.
Yes. At MEPS, you meet with an Army career counselor who shows jobs you qualify for based on your ASVAB line scores and current availability. Never ship without a guaranteed MOS in your contract.
Yes. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition and provides a housing allowance after service. While serving, the Army Tuition Assistance program can pay for college classes with no obligation to extend your contract in most cases.
Your ASVAB score determines which jobs you qualify for. Take a free practice test and prepare for MEPS.