United States Navy Enlistment Eligibility

• September 19, 2008 -- Navy Student Loan Repayment
• August 13, 2008 -- Medical Issues Not Normally Waivered
• July 9, 2008 -- MEPS Drug and Alcohol Testing (DAT) Program
• June 19, 2008 -- Price of Recruiting Just Went Up
• June 15, 2008 -- MEPS Prescribed Weight Reduction or Gain

44 Comments »

• I tried to join the US Navy when I was 31. I was rejected due to medical reason. However that medical reason was not in your list. I passed the ASVAB test and have some college.

  Could someone inform me what to do next if I want to join US Navy even for just the Navy Reserve?

  I seek your wisdom.

  Comment by Ashley — February 12, 2009 @ 8:10 pm

• The list is not all inclusive of issues that could cause you problems with joining.

  If you still meet all requirements I suggest contacting a local Recruiter. If your in Australia the closest Navy Recruiting station is in Guam and it belongs to NRD Los Angeles, their contact information is here – LA Dist

  Good luck!

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — February 12, 2009 @ 8:49 pm

• Is it possible to get a waiver at the age of 37 to be in active navy as desired after been enlisted for a reserve. And if no,what can i do or what part of the reserve can i belong to be able to perform the same duty hours,bonuses and salaries as an active navy? as i am still very young in looks and i really want to be an active navy.

  Comment by kayode honvo — March 2, 2009 @ 4:41 pm

• If you served no prior active military time you would not be eligible to enlist into the active component of the Navy. BUT, there is a new plan in the works that may benefit you if your currently in the Reserve – Just out today as a matter of fact – http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2009/03/02/sailor-for-life

  It isn’t online yet, it may never come online but, the Navy is at least thinking about eliminating the blur between its active and reserve forces.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — March 2, 2009 @ 5:23 pm

• I’m looking at joining the Navy but I have a rare disorder where I have a missing muscle. I still have a few years before I can join, but I still want to know if putting in the extra work I’d need to do to build up my upper body muscular system to meet the qualifications for the Annapolis.

  Comment by Muscle MIA — April 21, 2009 @ 7:26 pm

• @Muscle MIA

  I have recruited an individual who was missing a muscle in his chest, he was able to join after a waiver was approved. Each situation would be case by case, ensure you maintain copies of all relevant medical documentation and any letters from coaches of sports you may have played referencing your physical ability.

  Hope everything works out!

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — April 21, 2009 @ 9:33 pm

• if u ar not a citizen of america and you want to enlist how do you go abut it

  Comment by ify — June 24, 2009 @ 8:19 pm

• I am 32 single mom. I would like to join the navy. I was in the navy reserves for a few years. My father is willing to help me with custody. My question is will I still be able to receive bah and benefits with my father helping me with custody. Thanks.

  Comment by Tomeka — July 16, 2009 @ 12:51 pm

• Tomeka,

  I think your custody question can be this way, “If you are single you must not have physical custody of a dependent if you’re processing for enlistment in the active Navy.” You may still be eligible for re-enlistment into the Navy Reserve.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — July 16, 2009 @ 1:20 pm

• I was placed on SES 2 year unsupervised probation for a DUI offense, i have no prior arrests or convictions on my record. Is it possible for me to be enlisted into the NAVY despite my probation, i was curious specifically about waivers being granted to qualified individuals. Any info would be appreciated.

  Comment by readyandable — July 24, 2009 @ 3:34 pm

• Ready&Able,

  A DUI (BTW) requires a minimum of 1 year waiting time as you can see here – http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2008/09/05/behind-the-wheel

  If the probation is unsupervised and you have no requirement to report and your movement is not restricted you may qualify once the minimum waiting period for the offense is completed.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — July 24, 2009 @ 7:31 pm

• Next month, which is August of 2009, I will most likely be placed on unsupervised probation for petit theft misdemeanor and have 4 months left to complete my probation..I have a Bachelor’s Degree, and been wanting to join the Navy, however been held back due to a poor decision made by me…is it likely I can get a waiver?? Or how long do I have to wait to be able to actually talk to a recruiter and process myself to join?

  Comment by Lazarus — July 30, 2009 @ 4:43 pm

• Lazarus,
  You may not be qualified to start the process today but there is no reason not to approach a Recruiter and start getting yourself ready for when that day comes. (sorry for the double negative, just one more example why I need to go back to school, thank goodness for the GI Bill )

  Your Recruiter can provide you with study materials for the things you will need to know when you arrive at boot camp – you also can start getting ready physically (DEP PT Standard).

  Waiver approval is dependent on a lot of variables – truly a “whole person” review. Having a degree helps!

  Also, good luck when you get your final adjudication for your charge – keep in mind this very important fact; if the court reduces your penalty for the purpose of joining the military you become ineligible for the Navy.

  For specific questions you may not wish to aire is this format feel free to email me

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — July 30, 2009 @ 5:20 pm

• I’ve talked to a local recruiter and as far as I know I don’t have any medical problems worth being disqualified. I passed there ASVAB practice test way above average and at the moment I’m more then physically able to pass the physical requirements. But because I have a GED my recruiter said that it would probably take awhile to be accepted. How long could I except to wait?

  Comment by karma2122 — August 1, 2009 @ 2:25 pm

• karma2122,

  The waiting time can be a few weeks or even months. It depends on many factors including but not limited to; total Navy congressional cap limits, attainment percentages of the district, region you reside in and seats available.

  Good luck and let us know how things work out.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 1, 2009 @ 2:49 pm

• I have taken the ASVAB and scored an 86 and all my paperwork has been turned in and now I’m just waiting to go to MEPS to receive my physical. My only issue is that when I was 6 years old I had an odd illness called Cat Scratch Disease and it caused a single lymph node to be inflamed, resulting in its removal. One of the side effects of the illness was that I had an extremely high fever resulting in a seizure. Once my infected lymph node was removed and the doctors stabilized me, I never had any issues concerning this illness again. The seizure that I experienced was the only one I ever had and it occurred when I was 6 years old (20 years ago). Does this seem like this would be an issue to the doctors at MEPS resulting in a DQ?

  Comment by bxfx29483 — August 9, 2009 @ 11:55 am

• Bxfx,

  Your medical records from the event will be required, I assume your Recruiter has already submitted them. The MEPS doctor will be looking at two things, one will be the biopsy results of the node removed and the time frame of the events. The fact that you have been asymptomatic for the last 20 years suggests to me you should not have any issue. There is a 5 year minimum waiting period for seizures, you have well surpassed that.

  Good luck and let us know how it all turns out!

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 9, 2009 @ 12:22 pm

• Hi I’m 29 yrs old and am want to join the Navy I was readying some of
  The possible enlistment DQ’s, and was wondering if you can clarify the
  Credit and debt parameters? Is it basicly bad credit no military or are
  There specific credit strikes there looking for I.e. bankrupcy, foreclosure,
  Repossessions? Thank you for any info! Al

  Comment by surferdudeAL — August 11, 2009 @ 6:19 pm

• S-Dude-AL,

  Your finances (credit) come into play more so if you have dependents and for certain jobs (security clearance issues). I.E. Having a repo on your record won’t keep you from joining but will keep you from various jobs.

  Having a bankruptcy is not disqualifying. If you are in the process of bankruptcy and have court dates pending you will not be eligible until the court dates are complete or you have letters from the court stating that your presents is not required.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 11, 2009 @ 6:28 pm

• I am 20yrs old,When I was 15yrs old I got a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana, I pleaded guilty and received a sentence of probation with the requirement of substance abuse treatment and it was expunged afterward, since then I have gotten out of that whole scene and I realize the mistake I made when I was was younger, am I eligible to join the navy or does that disqualify me? I talked to the air force and they told me I am ineligible to join, is that the case with the navy? I read that it is possible to get a waiver, is this still a possibility?

  Comment by MrB — August 13, 2009 @ 12:31 am

• MrB,
  Your charges/adjudication (fines/probation/treatment) could be waiverable provided the amount of MJ wasn’t determined to be for distribution. Any other charges you have will also come into consideration, yes, including traffic tickets.

  The chance of approval based on what you provided is possible, go see your local Navy Recruiter.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 13, 2009 @ 7:46 am

• This is bxfx again with an update with the seizure I had when I was 6 yo and its connection with the MEPS process. I went through the physical and other process with ease (except for the duck walk… haha)but then I spoke with the Chief Medical Officer and she blind-sided me with a random question. The CMO asked me when did I discontinue the anti-convulsion medication! Keep in mind the CMO approved me to come up to MEPS without this info as well as never briefing the recruiters or myself with the item in question (like I said I was blind-sided). Trying to hold up military values as well as my own, I told the truth and said I didn’t know. She repeated the question several times but obviously that didn’t help jog my memory. She told me that even though the records weren’t available for the answer, she though she would ask me in order to pass me along. I though that comment was ridiculous! Since I couldn’t address the question with an answer, she told me I needed to discuss the seizure and the details with my current family doctor and have them fill-out an additional medical form. Side note: I have no medical records proving details of my seizure because situation happened exactly 20 years ago this month and the hospital destroys records past the 10 year mark(documentation of this fact was passed along to the CMO prior to me going to MEPS, this is no surprise to the CMO). With this said, I hope that my family doctors comments will suffice and will allow me to pass my physical and enter the Navy. I think that due to all the hops that I’ve jumped through that I should be exempt from boot camp! haha
  Please give me some comments or some POSITIVE insight into my situation.

  Thanks,
  bxfx

  Comment by bxfx29483 — August 13, 2009 @ 2:21 pm

• MEPS doctors can be a pain in the butt and they always think there is a way to prove prior care. As far as seizure meds, the instructions require at least 5 years seizure free without meds.

  Some places you may want to look;
  1. Your family doctor should have the record of medications prescribed after the seizure (as I think the MEPS Doc is suggesting).
  2. The hospital may destroy the records but I would think the attending doctor would keep a separate record.
  3. The insurance company that paid the bill may still have a record (long shot but hey… )

  Best case the MEPS doc approves you based on the family doctors letter, worst case is the MEPS disqualifys you and your record gets sent off for a CNRC medical waiver. Both cases I feel will eventually have you in boot camp for the Navy

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 13, 2009 @ 3:32 pm

• My son met with a recruiter who said that there were no job openings for ASVAB scores below 50 so he would have to score at least a 50 to sign up. Is there a better time of the year to enlist with a lower score; when more people are leaving? Is there a waiting list for those who do not score at least a 50?

  Comment by New Minimum — August 14, 2009 @ 9:05 pm

• I assume his education credential is the issue.

  For applicants who are seeking enlistment with a traditional high school diploma, sufficient college credit or clock hours to be considered Tier 1 the minimum is 35QT on the ASVAB.

  A minimum of 50QT is required for anyone with a Tier 2 education such as a GED, home school or other alternative means of education certificates that do not fall into Tier 1. The Navy has not for many years accepted a Tier 2 education with less than a 50QT and seriously doubt they will in the future.

  If education is not the issue then the Region may be over bought in schools he may qualify for (50QT in that instance would not necessarily ensure qualification as the QT isn’t the qualifier for jobs in the Navy – it is the line scores that count for that), in this case jobs may open at any time.

  My email address is owner[at]navycs.com if you wish to discuss this further in private. ([at] = @)

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 14, 2009 @ 10:03 pm

• I was told by a Navy recruiter that I would not qualify for enlistment due to the fact I have a non-resident alien wife. I married a woman in Thailand several years ago. Subsequently I returned to the U.S. and have had no further contact with her. The recruiter explained that recent changes have taken place in the enlistment rules which would disqualify me. Can you comment?

  Comment by Mike — August 17, 2009 @ 9:43 pm

• I’ve recently started to think about joining the Navy. I just graduated college with a B.S. degree in Communications. How does that help me if I enlist? If I enlisted, would the Navy help pay for some of the student loans I’ve accumulated? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

  Comment by ven — August 18, 2009 @ 12:42 am

• Ven,
  Yes, there is a loan repayment program – Navy Student Loan Repayment

  With your degree you would start as an E-3 enlisted but I highly suggest you contact an Officer Recruiter first to see if you qualify for one of their programs.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 18, 2009 @ 2:13 am

• I’m prior service(Navy 6 years) and have been thinking of re-enlisting back into Active Duty, really miss the job satisfaction i had while serving =). Is there any site that shows the required procedures necessary to re-enlist into the service? And maybe some restrictions as to what disqualifies an individual from re-enlisting. I been separated since late 05′ and I’m 28 years old. Thanks

  Comment by Joe.M — August 18, 2009 @ 12:38 pm

• Joe,

  Basically if you received an RE-1, RE-R1 reenlistment code, are not bumping up against HYT and have stayed out of trouble and stayed in shape since you got out you shouldn’t have too much trouble qualifying – the problem will be billets available, there isn’t a web site dedicated to the literally daily changes that occur in the prior service realm – only a Recruiter can tell you what is up and if necessary contact you when a billet opens.

  Good luck and let us know how things go!

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 18, 2009 @ 12:50 pm

• Are the scores generally received on the practice ASVAB tests at the recruiters pretty close to what most people get on the actual CAT-ASVAB?

  Thanks!

  Comment by CAST Question — August 21, 2009 @ 1:22 pm

• CAST,
  It is a pretty good indicator, usually within +-10 points

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 21, 2009 @ 9:32 pm

• Hi I am 26 years old and have my GED and have 4 driving on a suspended license charges . I have my license and 6 years has passed since all that . Im trying to pull my record because im not sure if its a felony or not . Can i still join the navy ?

  Comment by Dson — August 29, 2009 @ 7:15 pm

• Dson,

  The suspended license charges are traffic violations, not felonies.

  If those are the only charges you have ever had (what got your license suspended in the first place?) and you meet the other criteria for enlistment, you should not have a problem.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 30, 2009 @ 10:48 am

• NCCM(ret)-thanks for the comment ! I had gotten a DUI when i was 18 . I had a full time job at the time to . So i still had to get to work . So i drove hopeing that i wouldnt get caught . Well ya that didnt work . Got caught like 4 times . (DWLSR) So ya that was 6+ years ago . So i was just wondering my dads dad was in the
  navy , my dad was in and my brother is now so just seems like the right thing to do . We will see thanks for the help .

  Comment by Dson — August 30, 2009 @ 9:30 pm

• You could have received your charges when you were 12 years old – if you were adjudicated with a negative finding for a crime it counts! You have 5 charges so far – how many speeding tickets? Ever been arrested, charged or cited for anything else – even if the court or lawyers told you the charges were dropped? All of it counts! The court may tell you the charge is expunged but I assure you the record of the incident is still there and the military will see it so make sure you have a list of everything when you visit your Recruiter!

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 31, 2009 @ 7:08 am

• So basically i just need to see if i can get my record printed out . So i can take it to the recruiter .

  Comment by Dson — August 31, 2009 @ 4:19 pm

• Hello there,i have been really thinking about joining but my question is i know it is always more favorable and possibly a must to have a high school diploma or even GED but thought i would ask anyhow,is it a must to have graduated high school to get in the navy?

  Another question if i were to get in what are the chances of being sent to war? and what type of warfare would it be,mostly aboard a ship? I am really interested in helping out over there.

  Comment by Don — September 1, 2009 @ 2:21 am

• Don, Where some Navy jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent, it is possible to get into the Navy without a HS diploma or GED. You must score well on the ASVAB test – see your local Recruiter for details.

  We currently are a country at war – everyone serving our country has a “chance” of serving in the war zone. The platform you serve on, ship, aircraft, land base, submarine, etc., will be determined by your job and the needs of the Navy.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — September 1, 2009 @ 2:44 pm

• Does anyone have any information on the navy reserves aia or apg programs. I am really considering joining the reserves. I am 31 with a good job and a family and am looking to minimize the time away from my good paying job.

  Thanks,

  ewj

  Comment by ewj — September 9, 2009 @ 2:04 pm

• Ret. STG1(SW) here, doing my part to talk up the Navy to all young people who have serious questions about joining. What’s your opinion on the supposed lenghtened wait-times for delayed entry over the last year and a half? Has the economic downturn had a negative affect, and are requirements more strict WRT to ASVAB scores, and legal problems prospective recruits may have? V/R

  Comment by Russ — September 10, 2009 @ 10:27 pm

• STG1(SW),

  The wait times are a result of there being a finite number of boot-camp/school seats available during a fiscal year. The Navy end-strength projection is a determining factor.

  The Navy has been doing very well in Recruiting due to a number of factors which include the current state of the economy, but also factors such as increased public awareness of Navy programs and the fact the Navy has been working very hard to be recognized as a top 50 employer. Rating mergers, adjustments in sea-shore rotations, focus on the families and educational priorities are doing great things to encourage a large number our nation’s young people to at least look at the Navy as an option whereas is years past they would not.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — September 10, 2009 @ 11:08 pm

• My son wants to enlist. He had a mole removed 20 yrs. ago. The dermatologist’s Office manager searching whether records exist. Insurance no longer has the record. If Office Manager is unsuccessful, what can be done. It was healthy.

  Comment by Helen Wright — October 12, 2009 @ 3:13 pm

• Helen Wright,

  Each MEPS can be a little different, but most likely what you will need is a letter from the Dermatologist’s office stating that the records have been misplaced or destroyed. Also, a letter from the family doctor stating, to the effect, that no treatment for mole related issues have ever been initiated wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

  Comment by NCCM(ret) — October 12, 2009 @ 5:10 pm

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