Department of Defense
INSTRUCTION
NUMBER 1304.26
March 23, 2015
Incorporating Change 2, April 11, 2017
USD(P&R)
SUBJECT: Qualification Standards for Enlistment, Appointment, and Induction
References: See Enclosure 1
1. 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 non-
qualification 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.
2. 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.
