Age requirements vary depending on the path you choose:

●      To enlist or join as an officer, you must be between the ages of 17 and have not reached your 42nd birthday.

●      To join as a healthcare or ministry professional, you must be between 17 and 48 years of age.

The Air Force Reserve maintains height and weight requirements to ensure our Airmen are physically capable of carrying out their tasks. These vary slightly depending on your desired position.

We utilize a Body Mass Index (BMI) range of 17.5 to 27.5 to determine height-to-weight ratio for body composition. When a recruit is outside of this BMI range, recruiters will use a body fat measurement (BFM) with a maximum range of 26% for males and 36% for females.

Air Force Reserve careers are often physically and mentally demanding, and Airmen must be in good health to meet our strict standards. If you have a preexisting health condition, your recruiter can help you consider the general guidelines for medical conditions and your eligibility for entrance.

Additionally, your vision will be fully evaluated during your pre-entry qualification physical. You may have an eye refraction level of no worse than + or - 8.0. Note that some careers, like pilots, have stricter vision requirements to meet.

ENLISTED:

All female applicants must be a minimum of six months postpartum to be eligible for enlistment.

Please check with your local recruiter for specific eligibility requirements regarding applicants with dependents.

OFFICER:

Pregnant applicants are authorized to apply but must obtain a qualifying commissioning physical within 14.5 months postpartum before OTS scheduling.

Please check with your local recruiter for specific eligibility requirements regarding applicants with dependents.

If you wish to enlist as a non-citizen in the Air Force, you must be a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) with a valid Permanent Resident Card (INS Form I-551), commonly known as a “Green Card.” LPRs are immigrants admitted for permanent residence to live and work in the United States. The requirements for being an officer are a little more strict, and you must be a native-born or naturalized United States citizen.

U.S. Residency Requirements

Enlistment into the Air Force by non-U.S. citizens is limited to foreign nationals who are legally residing in the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). LPRs must possess a valid Permanent Resident Card (INS Form I-551), or “Green Card,” for two years (conditional) or 10 years (without conditions) and have at least six months or more remaining before expiration. Applicants must be between 17 and 42; meet the mental, moral and physical standards for enlistment; and speak, read and write English fluently.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen

As a member of the Air Force Reserve, Lawful Permanent Residents may qualify for naturalization based on military service. Speak to your local recruiter to learn more about opportunities to become a U.S. citizen through military service.

Law violations can heavily impact your eligibility for enlistment. Even an excessive number of traffic-related law violations within a 365-day period could negatively impact your eligibility. If you have concerns about your record, contact your recruiter to discuss your situation.

The Air Force Reserve also strictly prohibits illegal drug use. In most cases, it’s disqualifying, but preservice marijuana use without exposure to legal proceedings in itself doesn’t disqualify you. Your specific circumstances may be discussed with your recruiter to accurately determine your eligibility.