10 U.S.C. § 520: Limitation on enlistment and induction of persons whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below a prescribed level

The number of persons originally enlisted or inducted to serve on active duty (other than active duty for training) in any armed force during any fiscal year whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is at or above the tenth percentile and below the thirty-first percentile may not exceed 4 percent of the total number of persons originally enlisted or inducted to serve on active duty (other than active duty for training) in such armed force during such fiscal year. Upon the request of the Secretary concerned, the Secretary of Defense may authorize an armed force to increase the limitation specified in paragraph (1) to not exceed 20 percent of the total number of persons originally enlisted or inducted to serve on active duty (other than active duty for training) in such armed force during such fiscal year. The Secretary of Defense shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than 30 days after using such authority. A person who is not a high school graduate may not be accepted for enlistment in the armed forces unless the score of that person on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is at or above the thirty-first percentile; however, a person may not be denied enlistment in the armed forces solely because of his not having a high school diploma if his enlistment is needed to meet established strength requirements. If the number of nonprior service enlisted personnel covered under section 520 of title 10 , United States Code, exceeds 10 percent of the total number of persons originally enlisted in an Armed Force during a fiscal year, the Secretary concerned shall establish a future servicemember preparatory course within the Armed Force concerned. The course established under subsection (a) shall be designed to improve the physical and aptitude qualifications of military recruits. All nonprior service enlisted persons whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below the thirty-first percentile must be enrolled in the course prior to attending initial basic training. at least 10 points higher than the individual’s most recent score taken prior to the individual’s date of enlistment; or no longer subject to the restrictions of section 520 of title 10 , United States Code. Any enlisted person who fails to achieve meaningful progress, as determined by the Secretary concerned, within 90 days of enlistment shall be separated under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned. the Armed Forces Qualifications Test score that is at or above the thirty-first percentile is obtained within the same fiscal year in which the individual was originally enlisted to serve on active duty; and such score is obtained during the period the individual was originally enlisted to serve on active duty, as determined by the Secretary concerned. The percentage of nonprior service enlisted persons who scored below the thirty-first percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test upon original enlistment. The percentage of nonprior service enlisted persons who scored below the thirty-first percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test following graduation from the preparatory course or subsequent reclassification, as applicable. The number of individuals who attended the preparatory course. The number of individuals who graduated the preparatory course. The average improvement in the Armed Forces Qualification Test score for individuals who graduated from the preparatory course. The determination of the Secretary regarding the effectiveness of the preparatory course. how to improve the preparatory course; whether to expand the preparatory course. Any other matter the Secretary determines relevant. The requirements of this section shall expire on September 30th, 2028.”