Defense

Pentagon issues new enlistment standards

Service members are facing new enlistment standards.

The Department of Defense (DOD) said Friday it is moving forward with new physical fitness and character requirements for people looking to qualify for military service.

The enlistment standards will make sure prospective soldiers are “suitable for service life” and would be “able to perform military duties successfully.”

“This regulatory action establishes the age, aptitude, character/conduct, citizenship, dependents, education, medical, physical fitness, and other disqualifying conditions that are causes for rejection from military service,” the Pentagon wrote in the Federal Register.

The Pentagon is finalizing interim rules introduced in 2015.

The rules go into effect in 30 days.