Military Medical Standards for Accession and Retention

The Department of Defense (DOD) medical standards for military accession and retention are developed using the best available scientific evidence. The Accessions Medical Standards Working Group (AMSWG) develops policy recommendations under the guidance of the Medical and Personnel Executive Steering Committee (MEDPERS) which guides the Accession Medical Standards Analysis and Research Activity (AMSARA) team to develop supporting analysis and research. AMSARA issues annual reports and publications to include comprehensive analyses of service member accession and attrition data, allowing DOD stakeholders to make informed policy decisions.

The Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 6130.03, Volume 1: “Military Medical Standards: Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction,” establishes disqualifying medical standards for entry into military service.  These standards support readiness to bring qualified, effective, and able-bodied persons into military service.

Modification of standards are informed by advances in medical care, periodic analysis of attrition through the first period of enlistment, and the success of candidates who receive waivers by their service for standards in DODI 6130.03.

DODI 6130.03, Volume 2: "Medical Standards for Military Service: Retention" establishes minimum medical standards for application on a case-by-case basis by the military services.

Learn more about AMSARA.

View the latest AMSARA annual report.