Before joining, you likely need a run-down of the Air Force requirements for enlistment.
The Air Force pre-screens potential recruits through their recruiters before sending them to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
However, knowing the Air Force requirements helps you make the best decisions for your future.
Table of Contents
Height & Weight Requirements
The Air Force requirements for height and weight for both males and females are as follows:
| Height (Inches) | Max Weight (lbs) | Min. Weight (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | 131 | 91 |
| 59 | 136 | 94 |
| 60 | 141 | 97 |
| 61 | 145 | 100 |
| 62 | 150 | 104 |
| 63 | 155 | 107 |
| 64 | 160 | 110 |
| 65 | 165 | 114 |
| 66 | 170 | 117 |
| 67 | 175 | 121 |
| 68 | 180 | 125 |
| 69 | 186 | 128 |
| 70 | 191 | 132 |
| 71 | 197 | 136 |
| 72 | 202 | 140 |
| 73 | 208 | 144 |
| 74 | 214 | 148 |
| 75 | 220 | 152 |
| 76 | 225 | 156 |
| 77 | 231 | 160 |
| 78 | 237 | 164 |
| 79 | 244 | 168 |
| 80 | 250 | 173 |
It is also helpful to look at the BMI chart to evaluate your weight as it relates to your height.
It is important to note the Air Force wants you five pounds under your maximum weight.
Related Article – Air Force Pilot Requirements
Vision Requirements
Before you officially join the Air Force, you will have a vision screening.
Not everyone has perfect eyesight, and you can join the Air Force as long as your eye refraction level is now worse than +/- 8.0.
However, there are careers where the vision requirements are more demanding.
For instance, a pilot needs their distance vision 20/70 or better with the ability to correct to 20/20.
Other Air Force jobs have similar requirements for vision, such as Combat Controllers (CCT) and Combat systems Officers.
However, you can have an uncorrected vision of 20/200 to be a Tactical Air Control Party as long as your eyes correct to 20/20.
Age Requirements
If you are a brand-new recruit, you must be at least 17 years old.
However, if you are under the age of 18, you must have parental consent.
Furthermore, you cannot be more than 39 years old.
If you wish to be an Air Force officer, you must be at least 18 years old, but not older than 40 years by the time you finish officer training school.
If you have a GED instead of a high school diploma, you must be 18 years old.
Lastly, if you have a professional degree in specific industries such as medicine or the ministry, you can be between the ages of 18 to 48.
Although, you should contact a recruiter to verify since this may change according to the Air Force’s needs.
Related Article – Military Age Limits For Each Branch
ASVAB Score Requirements
If you are a brand-new recruit, you need a minimum score of 36 on the ASVAB test as a high school graduate or senior.
However, if you have your GED instead of a high school diploma, you need a score of 50.
Each job in the Air Force has a different requirement, so if you are interested in specific careers, please talk to your recruiter for MOS-specific requirements.
GPA Requirements
The Air Force does not have requirements for a GPA.
However, the possession of a diploma or GED and the minimum score on the ASVAB test is vital.
It is also essential to know that the Air Force has a limited amount of GED applicant slots, so talk to your recruiter if you have a GED.
Citizenship Requirements
To enlist in the Air Force, you must either be a citizen or a legal permanent resident.
If you are a legal permanent resident, you must have a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a Green Card.
If you are not a permanent resident, obtain your residency before officially applying as a recruit in the Air Force.
Other Requirements
You can join the Air Force if you are married.
However, expect a separation during initial training.
Also, if you are legally married, you can have up to two minor children.
Although, if you have three dependents, you need a waiver to enlist.
Also, if you have body modifications such as piercing and tattoos, please talk to your recruiter about their location.
You are not necessarily disqualified for having body modifications, but there are limits and expectations.
See Also
Vision Requirements for each Military Branch
Military Pilot Vision Requirements
Army Height and Weight Standards
Coast Guard Height and Weight Requirements
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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Originally posted on 03/27/21
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I have a young patient who wants to go flight school. He is a sickle cell carrier (trait) but does not have sickle cell anemia. In fact he is not anemic. Does this disqualify him from entering the Airforce?
Hi Dr. Seidler,
His best bet would be to talk to a recruiter. They will send him to MEPS, and assuming there are no issues, should qualify him as a pilot candidate. Even if it is an issue, they might be able to issue him a waiver. It’s all on a case-by-case basis, so that’s the only way to know for sure.
Best of luck!
Rob V.
Founder
OperationMilitaryKids.org