scope:

PURPOSE. In accordance with the authority in DoD Directive 5124.02 (Reference (a)), this instruction:

a. Reissues DoD Instruction (DoDI) 1304.26 (Reference (b)).

b. Updates established policies and responsibilities for basic entrance qualification standards for enlistment, appointment, and induction into the Military Services and delegates the authority to specify certain standards to the Secretaries of the Military Departments.

c. Establishes the standards for age, aptitude, citizenship, dependents, education, medical, character/conduct, physical fitness, and other disqualifying conditions, which are cause for nonqualification for military service. Other standards may be prescribed in the event of national emergency.

d. Sets standards designed to ensure that individuals under consideration for enlistment, appointment, or induction are able to perform military duties successfully, and to select those who are the most trainable and adaptable to Service life.

APPLICABILITY. This instruction applies to:

a. OSD, the Military Departments (including the Coast Guard at all times, including when it is a Service in the Department of Homeland Security by agreement with that Department), the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (referred to collectively in this instruction as the "DoD Components").

b. Applicants for initial enlistment into the Military Services Regular and Reserve Components.

c. Applicants for appointment as commissioned or warrant officers in the Regular and Reserve Components.

d. Applicants for reenlistment following release from active duty into subsequent Regular or Reserve Components (including the Army National Guard of the United States and the Air National Guard of the United States) after a period of more than 6 months has elapsed since discharge.

e. Applicants for contracting into the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), and all other Military Services special officer personnel procurement programs, including the Military Service Academies.

f. All individuals being inducted into the Military Services.