A career in the Air Force can be both challenging and rewarding, but there are certain standards you have to meet in order to qualify.
It’s best to be aware of these disqualifying factors before you start your application process, as this will allow you to avoid any disappointment at a later stage.
Age
There are different minimum and maximum ages depending on which career you embark upon in the Air Force.
You have to be at least 17 (18 for GED holders) to enlist in the Air Force, for example, and no older than 39. To join as a healthcare or ministry professional, you need to be at least 18 years of age, and no older than 48.
Height and Weight
The Air Force has strict height and weight standards, and if you are just beginning your Air Force enlistment journey, you'll want to pay particular attention to where you fall within the below chart. There is difference in standards for men and women.
Height (inches) | Weight (pounds) |
58 | 131 |
59 | 136 |
60 | 141 |
61 | 145 |
62 | 150 |
63 | 155 |
64 | 160 |
65 | 165 |
66 | 170 |
67 | 175 |
68 | 180 |
69 | 186 |
70 | 191 |
71 | 197 |
72 | 202 |
73 | 208 |
74 | 214 |
75 | 220 |
76 | 225 |
77 | 231 |
78 | 237 |
79 | 244 |
80 | 250 |
Health
The Air Force is both physically and mentally challenging, which is why there are strict health requirements you need to meet before you can enter the Air Force.
The doctor at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) will assess people on a case-by-case basis, and will discuss any pre-existing conditions with otherwise eligible applicants.
There are also restrictions concerning your vision. Applicants can have an eye refraction level of no worse than + or - 8.0, though some aviation roles, such as pilots, may have stricter regulations for vision.
Education
You can enlist in the Air Force with either a high school diploma or a GED.
However, GED holders are required to be at least 18 years of age and are required to meet a 65 qualifying score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and obtain 15 or more semester hours of qualifying college credit to gain the same eligibility as a high school graduate.
To become an officer, you are required to hold a minimum of a four-year college degree or be within 365 days of attaining your bachelor’s degree when applying.
Citizenship
You can potentially still join the Air Force if you’re a non-citizen, but you’ll require status as a legal permanent resident with a valid Green Card, and you’ll need more than two years of eligibility remaining prior to the expiry date of your Green Card.
You must meet the other requirements for the Air Force, and you need to be able to speak, read and write English fluently.
Prior to entering the Air Force, you’ll also need to complete a background investigation and receive a favorable military security suitability determination (MSSD).
In order to receive a security clearance or to become an officer, you'll need citizenship.
Marriage and dependents
Enlisted Air Force applicants can be married when applying for the Air Force, but there are certain disqualifying factors relating to children.
While you can be married with two children to apply for the Air Force, those with three children will require a waiver in order to enlist.
Parents who are single, divorced or separated or those in common law marriages with legal, physical custody of up to three children under the age of 18 and/or incapable of self care also require a waiver in order to enlist.
However, no waivers will be granted to applicants with four or more dependent children.
Tattoos
According to their website, the Air Force states that “Tattoos, brands or piercings anywhere on the body that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or of a nature that may bring discredit upon the Air Force, are prohibited both in and out of uniform. This includes modifications that are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination.”
Even if these tattoos are fixed, the resulting scarring may also disqualify you, however, tattoos in general are not disqualifying, providing they are hidden by the uniform and meet the above requirements in terms of their nature.
You are limited to one single-band ring tattoo, on one finger, on one hand, though.
Drugs
In the majority of cases, substance abuse is a disqualifying factor for an Air Force applicant.
Criminal Record
The Air Force is strict about criminal records. Even an excessive number of traffic-related law violations within a 365-day period could disqualify your eligibility, but you should discuss any concerns with your recruiter.
Personal Beliefs
Air Force personnel are required to believe in the right “to be able to bear arms in defense of our country.”
Those who display - or have previously suggested - a “firm, fixed and sincere objection to participation in war in any form”, or to the bearing of arms in general may not meet this requirement.
What is the cut-off age to join the Air Force?
To enlist in the Air Force, you cannot be older than 39 years of age, and this applies also for those hoping to join as officers.
Healthcare or ministry professionals on the other hand cannot be older than 48 years of age.