U.s. air force requirements

Contact a military recruiter

Citizenship and residency

U.S.

citizens and some non-citizens can join the military. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Have a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Speak, read, and write English fluently

You cannot join the military to enter the U.S.

or to get a visa.

Age limits

Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty:

• Air Force: 17 - 42
• Army: 17 - 35
• Coast Guard: 17 - 41
• Marine Corps: 17 - 28
• Navy: 17 - 41
• Space Force: 17 - 42

The age limits are different if you join as an officer or join the Guard or Reserve.

Education and testing requirements

ASVAB testing 

Everyone who wants to enlist in the military must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

Each branch sets its own minimum score to join. Your score will help decide which jobs you can do after you enlist.

Use ASVAB online resources to:

• Find out where to take the test
• Get tips for taking the test
• See sample questions from the 10 sections
• Understand ASVAB
  how to enter in air force
  how to become in air force