Enlist in the United States Navy!

Basic Requirements for Navy Enlistment

August 3rd, 2008

People wanting to enlist in the United States Navy must meet specific eligibility requirements to be considered qualified. First lets talk about how old you have to be. The days of being 15 years old and lying about your age to get in are long gone. You have to be at least 17 years of age (17 with parents signed permission that is) and not older than 34 (if you have reached your 35th birthday, your ship has sailed as it were) for service in the active Navy, you can be anywhere from 18-39 years of age for service in the Navy Reserve. If you want to be a Sailor in the Full Time Support, New Accession Training and National Call to Service programs you can be anywhere from 17-39 years old (again, 17 yr olds must have parents written permission, unless you’ve been emancipated…).

You need to be a United States citizen, permanent resident alien, or U.S. non-citizen national and possess a Social Security Card. You can’t join if we can’t tax ya!

Must be a High School Diploma Graduate (HSDG) and score at least a 35QT the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). If you don’t have an approved high school diploma you must score a minimum ASVAB score of 50. English doesn’t have to be your first language but you must be proficient in reading, speaking, writing, and understanding English to enlist.

You can have no more than one dependent although waivers may be granted if you have more dependents if you can prove that you are a financially responsible human being. Note: If your single you must not have custody of a dependent if your processing for enlistment in the active Navy.

You must pass a physical examination. This isn’t your every day physical and it must be completed by a doctor at the Military Entrance Processing Station (good ol’ MEPS).

You can not be under civil restraint to include, but not limited to, probation or incarceration nor have a pattern of minor convictions or any non-minor misdemeanor or felony convictions. Waivers may be granted depending on number and severity - your personal conduct and accomplishments are just a couple of the factors used to determine your waiver (remember: if you get to the point where a waiver interview will be conducted, be respectful and polite!).

You can not be a substance abuser to include prescription drugs, alcohol and/or illegal drugs. The Navy has a zero tolerance when it comes to drug usage, it is a ONE strike and your OUT.

Keep in mind this post is very general and is intended to give you a basic overview of enlistment requirements. Make sure you discuss any and all information with your Recruiter and ensure ultimately the information is documented in your enlistment application.