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The Daily Insight

Is it hard to get a waiver for the army

Author

Christopher Duran

Updated on May 16, 2026

Waivers for entrance into the military are available, but they are not easy to obtain. There is a long list of reasons why the military may disqualify a potential recruit: illegal activity, medical conditions, minimum height, and even age.

How long does it take to get a moral waiver approved in the Army?

1. How long does it take for a moral waiver to be approved? Moral waivers can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to be approved. This can vary between branch and the number of waivers they have received.

How long does it take to get a waiver for the army?

Military waivers can take from three weeks to three months to be approved. The time duration depends on a variety of factors, like medical waivers and moral waivers.

How do you get a waiver in the army?

  1. Prove you are U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card)
  2. Be between 17-35 years old.
  3. Achieve a minimum score on the ASVAB test.
  4. Meet medical, moral, and physical requirements.
  5. Be a high school graduate or equivalent.

Is it easy to get a medical waiver in the army?

Nobody can tell you what your chances of waiver approval are, as you consider joining the military. Depending on your issue, it could be an easy process, like LASIK or PRK Laser Eye Surgery, or a difficult and long process for serious knee or shoulder surgeries.

How long do military waivers last?

Waiver/ETP requests are approved individually and based on the needs of the Army. Most waiver/ETP dispositions are valid for one year.

How often are military waivers approved?

Often, a military medical waiver needs to pass varying levels of approval before you are granted permission to enlist. What is this? In general, expect at least two weeks to a month to hear back on a military medical waiver.

Is Asvab hard?

The P&P-ASVAB contains some very easy and very hard questions, but most are of average difficulty. The CAT-ASVAB software adjusts to your ability level and administers questions that are best suited for you. If you are above average ability, you will receive questions that are above average difficulty.

Which branch grants the most waivers?

In general, the Army has the reputation of approving the most moral waivers, while the Air Force and Coast Guard approve the fewest. The Navy and the Marines fall somewhere in the middle. However, this is not always the case.

What would disqualify you from joining the military?

The military doesn’t accept just anyone who wants to join. … There are age, citizenship, physical, education, height/weight, criminal record, medical, and drug history standards that can exclude you from joining the military.

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How do Army waivers work?

If you need a waiver, that means you are ineligible to join the military. The waiver is the process of you asking the service to make an exception in your particular case. … Only a military recruiter can initiate a moral waiver request.

What happens if MEPS disqualifies you?

Originally Answered: What happens if you are disqualified at MEPS? If it’s a waiverable condition, your recruiter can submit a waiver request for it. If the wavier is approved you move forward to basic training. IF it’s a non-wavierable condition or a waiver is not submitted or approved, your contract is null and void.

Can you fail MEPS?

If your 2807-2 is declined or you fail your physical at MEPS, you will receive either a Temporary Disqualification (TDQ) or a Permanent Disqualification (PDQ). Don’t let those terms scare you away.

Do I really want to join the military?

ReasonPercentage (# of votes)Save Money7.41% (10 Votes)GI Bill6.67% (9 Votes)Honor A Family Tradition5.93% (8 Votes)Get Experience For A Civilian Career5.93% (8 Votes)

Which branch is easiest to get waivers?

At the background clearance check stage, the easiest military branch to join is the Army or Navy. At the ASVAB stage, the easiest military branch to join is the Army or Air Force. At the basic training stage, the easiest military branch to join is the Air Force.

How do you write an Army waiver letter?

  1. Use the right program. …
  2. Use the right block format. …
  3. Include an opening or introduction. …
  4. Provide a detailed reason for the body. …
  5. Attach any supporting evidence or letters. …
  6. Wrap up neatly with a clear closing/conclusion.

What if I can't pass the ASVAB?

The ASVAB is the entrance exam required to join the United States military. If you don’t pass this test you won’t be allowed to enlist in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or any branch of the National Guard or Reserves. This test is given to everyone who is considering enlisting in the US military.

Can I use a calculator on the ASVAB?

Are you allowed to use a calculator on the ASVAB? The answer is NO. You are prohibited to use a calculator during the test session. Because the ASVAB test includes many math-focused issues, many of them could be solved with the use of a calculator quickly.

Why would the army reject you?

There are many specific medical conditions that may disqualify you from joining the U.S. Military. These include conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, heart issues, Asperger’s, and PTSD. … They can provide more specifics regarding the condition, and whether or not you’ll pass your medical exam at MEPS.

Will the Army fix my teeth?

While the military does offer dentistry services, there are still strict standards on oral health to prevent the need for excessive dental treatment during active duty and all of the liabilities that come along with tooth pain, infection, and inability to eat properly.

Do military recruiters lie?

Most recruiters are not bad, but they have quotas to meet and that pressure can lead to bending the truth or outright lying. Bottom line- do your research, read your contract and don’t fall for the 12 military recruiter lies below.

Can you get a waiver for hearing in the military?

No, the military does not provide waivers for military personnel that require assistance with their hearing. An example of this is hearing aids because it could prevent you from receiving the correct orders or misinterpreting information in the heat of a battle.

Who approves moral waivers in the Army?

(2) All waiver authority. The Commander, U.S. Army Enlistment Eligibility Activity (USAEEA) may act for the Commanding General, U.S. Army Military Personnel Center (MILPERCEN) to process, approve and disapprove waivers for enlistment. (3) Waiver disapproval authority.

How do I pass MEPS?

  1. Check with your parents/guardians about any medical conditions in your past.
  2. Check with your recruiter about all of your medical history. …
  3. Bring all medical documentation with you to MEPS.
  4. Get a good night’s sleep. …
  5. Prepare well for the ASVAB. …
  6. Bring a book to read during MEPS.

Is the MEPS physical hard to pass?

MEPS is easy. You simply take a physical and pass the physical. And do a lot of paperwork. As for as what you can do, that generally means being in shape going to your delayed entry program meetings.

What charges will disqualify you from the army?

400-level offenders may be able to get waivers, but if they commit more than one offense, this is not possible. These major crimes include manslaughter, murder, kidnapping, grand theft auto, selling drugs, aggravated assault, child sexual abuse, burglary, possession of child pornography and hate crimes.

Can you back out after you swear in at MEPS?

If you went through all the motions of signing up for a military service only to decide it is not right for you and you have NOT been to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and have NOT taken an Oath of Enlistment, you are free to quit the process at any time.

Is 27 too old to join army?

Military Maximum Age Requirements: Army Age Limit: 35 for active duty, Guard, and Army Reserve. Navy Age Limit: 34 for active duty, 39 for Navy Reserve. Marine Corps Age Limit: 29 for active duty and Marine Corps Reserve. … Coast Guard Age Limit: 27 for active duty, 39 for Coast Guard Reserve.

Is 25 too old to join military?

If you’re interested in joining the Air Force at 25 years old, or any branch of the military, you’re in luck. All branches, the U.S. government says, impose a minimum enlistment age of 17. The maximum age varies between the six branches: Air Force: 39.

Is 4 years in the military worth it?

Making a career in the military is definitely worth it if you’re suited for military life. A career offers many benefits that aren’t available in civilian occupations. The most important is a vested retirement that can start after 20 years of service.