Qualifying for the Air Force
Qualifying For the Air Force
The first part of job selection in the Air Force is to see what jobs you even qualify for. Every job has unique qualifications based on what the job does. The factors that go into what jobs you qualify for are your ASVAB and medical screening from MEPS. The results of hearing, sight, and strength tests combined with your ASVAB will determine which jobs you qualify for. Here at Airman Vision we have a list of all the jobs in the Air Force and we include the ASVAB and strength requirements for each job.
A general guideline to Air Force joining requirements
Age: 17 with guardian approval. 18 to 39 years old. You must leave for BMT before your 40th birthday.
Height and Weight: The Air Force has strict height and weight requirements. Don’t hope for them to bend the rules. Work hard to make sure you’re within the requirements.
Health and Vision: Recruits must be in good health. Each person is determined on a case-by-case basis. Some common problems people have; you must be off anxiety/depression meds for over a year and have a doctor sign off that you no longer have the condition, if you have rods or screws it usually is a no go, any on going treatment for a condition must be resolved and signed off by a doctor before you can join. Vision is determined on a case-by-case basis and can affect the jobs you qualify for.
Citizenship: Non-citizens can enlist if they have a valid Green Card but will be limited in the jobs they qualify for. The military does not assist you in obtaining U.S. Citizenship.
Education: Have a high school diploma or a GED. GED holders must be 18 years old, score a 65+ on their ASVAB, and have 15+ semester hours of college credits.
Marriage and Dependents: You can join if you are married and/or have 3 or less children. Some situations may require a waiver. It is prohibited to join with 4 or more children and transferring custody of children for the purpose of joining permanently disqualifies you. Always confirm with a recruiter just to be sure though.
Tattoos, Brands and Piercings: If you plan to get a tattoo or body modification it is best to wait until after you’ve joined. Check out our videos, Air Force Tattoo Policy and Air Force Piercing Policy. Designs that are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination are not allowed. Even if removed, excessive scarring can be disqualifying. Tattoos and brands are prohibited on the head, neck, face, tongue, lips, and scalp. Hand tattoos limited to one single-band ring tattoo, on one finger, on one hand. Piercings when removed can’t leave a hole large enough for light to be shown through.
Drug Use: Usually substance abuse is disqualifying. However, prior marijuana use without legal issues in itself is not disqualifying. Discuss with a recruiter to determine if you are eligible. Little to no prior drug use is preferred.
Criminal Records: Felonies almost always will disqualify you depending on what it was. Other criminal charges can affect eligibility as well. Even several traffic violations can prevent you from qualifying for the Air Force. It is always best to stay out of legal trouble if you are planning on pursuing the Air Force.
Test Scores: High School graduates must score a 36 or higher on the ASVAB to qualify for the Air Force. GED holders must score a 65 or higher on the ASVAB and have 15 semester hours of college to qualify.