Can you join the military with dependents?

If a candidate has children (dependents), can he or she enlist? DoD generally prohibits the enlistment of any applicant who has more than two dependents under the age of 18. While the Services are allowed to waive this policy, they often will not.

What exempts 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.

Can I join the Navy if I have a child?

Navy: The Navy requires a waiver for any applicant with more than one dependent (including the spouse). Marine Corps: In the Marine Corps, a waiver is required if an applicant has any dependent under the age of 18. Army: The Army requires a waiver if the applicant has two or more dependents (in addition to the spouse).

Can you join the military with 3 children?

If you have prior military service, enlisting as a specialist, or SPC enlistment rank, does allow you to join with an unlimited number of dependents if you are married. As a married private first class applicant, you can have up to three dependents, and you have a good chance at a waiver if PFCs are in demand.

Can you join the military with a child out of wedlock?

Being in the military does not create any particular rules for establishing paternity. Commanders cannot order military members to support children born out of wedlock absent a court order, and they cannot order a member to undergo a DNA test (again, that’s a civilian court matter).

Can single moms join the Navy?

Can I Serve As A Single Parent? Yes, you can. However, due to the risks associated with serving in the military, the Navy requires a waiver for any single-parent applicant.

Can you join the Air Force with a child?

Single, divorced or separated parents 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 may enlist provided you are otherwise qualified, but a waiver will be required to permit you to enlist.

Can a single soldier adopt a child?

You may qualify to receive many benefits of adopting while a member of the armed forces. If both parents are members of the armed forces, only one is eligible for military adoption leave. Health Insurance is often provided to adopted children under the age of 18 who qualify as dependents of military parents.