Today, fewer people then ever before are choosing to enlist in the military. As a result, the military has loosened their grip on the requirement needed to become a member of the armed forces. If you’ve wondered if enlistment is right for you, here are some answers to commonly asked questions, regarding why you should join the U.S. Military.

First, the basic guidelines for enlistment state that you must be a United States citizen, or a resident alien. Next, all enlistees must be at least seventeen years old. Also, if you are seventeen and would like to enlist, you will need your parents consent. You must have a high school diploma; however there are certain circumstances where some people with a GED may enlist. Finally, you must pass a medical health examination. For those who would like to become officers, you will find that to enlist, you will need a college degree. Typically, all officers have obtained Master’s degrees.

Now that you known the very basics, let’s take a look at the various differences between the main military branches: The Air Force, The Army, The National Guard, The Coast Guard, The Marines, and The Navy.

To enlist in the Air Force, you must be between the ages of 17 and 27. Seventeen year olds will need signed consent from their parents. You must not have more than two dependents, and you will need to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test with a minimum AFQT Score of 36.

For enlisting in the Army, you will need to be between the ages of 17 and 42. Seventeen year olds will also need consent from their parents. You may not have more than two dependents. Entrance in the Army is dependent upon a minimum score of 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Test.

If you are interested in joining the National Guard, you must be between the ages of 17 and 42, have no more than two dependents, and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test with a minimum score of 31.

To enter the Coast Guard, you must be between the ages of 17 and 42 years old. Additionally, seventeen year olds will need written consent from their parents before joining. Enlistees may have no more than two dependents, and must be able to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test with a minimum score of 31.

If you would like to enter the Marines, you will need to be between the ages of 17 and 29. All seventeen year olds will need written permission from their parents. You’ll find that the Marines expect more mental and physical demands from its recruits then do the other branches of service. In fact, when women enlist, they will serve in all of the same areas as males, except for combat areas such as: infantry and tank and amphibian crewmembers. To enlist in the Marines, you will also need to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test with a minimum score of 31.

Finally, if you would like to enlist in the Navy, you will need to be between the ages of 17 and 34. Women may enlist in all Navy areas except for the Navy Seals. Additionally, women may not serve on submarines. To enlist in the Navy, you must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test with a score of 35.