Army Reserves

The Army Reserve offers citizens the opportunity to serve near home until they are needed to deploy. Reserve Soldiers receive the same training as active-duty Soldiers. After Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Reserve Soldiers return to their civilian lives and spend one weekend a month drilling to keep their skills sharp. For roughly two weeks a year, Reserve Soldiers serve on Active Duty, focusing on challenging field and specialty training. They may even have the opportunity to attend competitive Army training programs such as Airborne and Air Assault schools. Reserve Soldiers may be called to Active Duty when needed.
Today’s Army Reserve is 207,086 troops strong. Service options for the Army Reserve range from three to six years.

Before Serving in the Army Reserve

To enlist in the U.S. Army, you must be between 18 and 41 years old (17 with parental consent). You cannot be older than 42 years. You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. A high school diploma is preferred, but a high school equivalent such as the GED may be accepted. You must also pass the ASVAB test and a physical fitness exam.
All Reserve Soldiers must complete 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, the same boot camp attended by full-time Army Soldiers.

Review Military Entrance Requirements

While the Service branches have similar entrance requirements, each has its own admission standards based on the amount and type of recruits needed. The requirements listed here apply to the U.S. Military as a whole. For more specifics, it’s best to please fill out the form and a recruiter will be in-touch with you to answer your questions.

Age Requirements

Each branch of the Service has different requirements. Minimum entrance-age requirements are 17 with parental consent or 18 without parental consent.

Physical Requirements
Because of the varying physical demands on service members in each branch, physical requirements vary greatly. These differences can vary even within each branch of the Service. Generally speaking, potential service members should be in good physical condition, of appropriate weight and able to pass a standard physical screening prior to entry. For more specific information, please fill out the form and a recruiter will be in-touch with you to answer your questions.

Educational Requirements

Success in any branch of the Military depends on a good education, and a high school diploma is most desirable. Candidates with a GED (General Education Development certificate) can enlist, but some Services may limit opportunities. It is very difficult to be considered a serious candidate without either a high school diploma or accepted alternative credential. In any case, staying in school is important for entering the Military.

Citizenship Requirements

U.S. citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (people who have an INS I-151/I-551 “Green Card”) may join the U.S. Military. For more information about citizenship, visit the U.S. Immigration and Nationalization (INS) website.
Properly documented non-citizens may enlist. However, opportunities may be limited. for more advice on a specific situation.
For enlistment purposes, the United States includes Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Marianas Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau.