AR 601-210 — Regular Army And Reserve Components Enlistment Program
AR 601-210 governs eligibility and processing for enlistment in the Regular Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National Guard.
- Publication number: AR 601-210
- Title: REGULAR ARMY AND RESERVE COMPONENTS ENLISTMENT PROGRAM
- Date: 03/20/2026
- Proponent: G-1
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 601-210 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers enlistment waivers, applicant processing, Military Entrance Processing Station procedures, civilian-acquired skills, and post-enlistment actions. It also establishes enlistment programs, options, incentives, and Selected Reserve incentive policies.
Applies to: This regulation prescribes eligibility criteria governing the enlistment of persons, with or without prior service (PS), into the Regular Army (RA), the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR), and the Army National Guard (ARNG).
Topics covered
- Enlistment waivers
- Applicant processing
- Military Entrance Processing Station procedures
- Civilian-acquired skills
- Enlistment programs and incentives
- Selected Reserve incentives
- Reentry eligibility codes
- Offense classifications
Questions and answers
Is a physical examination outside the MEPS system authorized?
Physical examination outside of the MEPS system is not authorized (except in authorized overseas locations). (paragraph 6-2)
What happens if REQUEST is used for an unauthorized purpose?
Any use of REQUEST for a purpose or in a manner other than authorized is prohibited. (paragraph 2)
What certification is required to use REQUEST?
Due to the complexity of the reservation process all users must have attended and been awarded certification for the Guidance Counselor Operations Course. (paragraph 2)
When is processing a new Soldier complete?
Processing a new Soldier is not complete until they finish training. (paragraph 8-1)
How should waivers of enlistment commitments be used?
After a person enters the Army, any portion of the enlistment commitment may be waived. However, such waivers should be used sparingly and only when reasons are valid (for example, compassionate or hardship reasons, or when the Army is unable to fulfill an enlistment commitment). (paragraph 2-01)