I'm considering enlisting after high school, but I'm not sure if I meet all the health requirements. Does anyone know what the current health guidelines are for enlisting in the military? Any help would be appreciated!
To enlist in the U.S. military, there are some general health requirements you must meet. Keep in mind, that specifics can vary between different branches of the military, but here are some overarching guidelines:
You must pass a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam. This includes vision, hearing, mental health, cardiovascular, and other evaluations.
The military requires you to meet certain body composition standards, which factor in your weight, height, and body fat percentage. These standards can vary by branch and age group.
Any chronic health conditions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, conditions that require ongoing medication or could potentially limit your abilities might disqualify you. That can include conditions like asthma, diabetes, recent surgeries, etc.
Some branches also have specific eye vision standards. For instance, if you're trying to fly planes, that would require better vision than other roles.
Past mental health issues, like severe depression or bipolar disorder, could be a disqualifying factor. However, it depends on the severity of the condition and how it is currently managed.
You should check with a military recruiter for the exact requirements for the particular branch you're interested in. Having actual conversations with recruiters can give you the most up-to-date and accurate information. They'll be able to guide you through what you would need to pass medically to enlist and which waivers, if any, you could potentially qualify for based on your situation.
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