Are you interested in serving your country and joining the Mexican Army? The Mexican Army offers various roles beyond traditional military duties, supporting the population in areas like security, health, education, and more. This guide will help you understand the requirements for joining the Mexican Army, including policies on tattoos and piercings, and the benefits you can expect.
Overview of the Mexican Army’s Role
The Mexican Army, known as “Ejército Mexicano,” plays a critical role in national defense and supports various civil activities. During the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the Army’s responsibilities have expanded significantly. The Army now participates in over 20 different areas, such as security, health, research, education, communications, energy, and infrastructure development. This broadened scope includes significant projects like the construction of the Felipe Ángeles International Airport, the Mayan Train, and the Dos Bocas refinery.
Requirements for Joining the Mexican Army
Basic Eligibility
To join the Mexican Army, you either join through the Heroic Military Academy or you must meet the following basic criteria:
- Nationality: Be a Mexican citizen by birth without having acquired another nationality.
- Marital Status: Be single and not living in a common-law marriage.
- Age: Be between 18 and 30 years old.
These basic requirements ensure that candidates are committed and capable of fulfilling the duties required by the Army.
Necessary Documents
You will need the following documents for the selection process:
- National Military Service Identity Card: Proof of completion of your national military service.
- Certified Birth Certificate: This document must be a recent copy, no older than three months.
- Unique Population Registry Key (CURP): Your official identification number.
- Voter Credential: Issued by the National Electoral Institute.
- Secondary Education Certificate: Proof of completion of secondary education.
- Certificate of No Criminal Record: Demonstrates good conduct and absence of criminal history.
- Proof of Relevant Knowledge or Skills: For specialist roles, such as a Diploma, Certificate, Title, Professional Card, or Examination Certificate from the relevant organization.
- Medical Certificate: Confirms that you are healthy and fit for military service, issued by a corresponding Health Department.
These documents are essential to verify your identity, education, and health status, ensuring that all candidates meet the Army’s standards.
Height Requirements
The height requirements vary depending on the role:
- General Units: Minimum 1.63 meters for men and 1.60 meters for women.
- Military Aviation School: Minimum 1.65 meters for men.
These height requirements ensure that candidates are physically capable of performing the demanding tasks required in various military roles.
Policies on Tattoos and Piercings
Tattoos
You can join the Mexican Army if you have tattoos, but they must meet specific criteria:
- Visibility: Tattoos must not be visible when wearing the uniform (e.g., not on hands, arms, neck, or face).
- Size: The maximum allowed size for any tattoo is 10 x 10 centimeters.
- Content: Tattoos must not be offensive or promote crime.
- Coverage: The total area covered by tattoos must not exceed 10% of your body surface.
These restrictions ensure that tattoos do not detract from the professional appearance of Army personnel or undermine the values of the institution.
Piercings
The rules for piercings are stricter:
- Men: No piercings are allowed.
- Women: Only two piercings per earlobe are permitted.
- Facial and Body Piercings: Piercings on the face, nose, eyebrows, lips, etc., are not allowed for any gender.
These regulations help maintain a uniform and professional appearance among all Army personnel.
Health and Fitness Requirements
Applicants must be in good health and physically fit. Some specific disqualifying conditions include:
- Eye Surgery: History of having undergone radiated keratotomy eye surgery.
- Color Perception: Defects in color perception or color blindness.
- Depth Vision: Depth vision is less than 80% (for Military Aviation School) or less than 60% for other roles.
- Eye Deviations: Significant eye deviations, such as strabismus.
- Visual Field: Decreased visual field in one or both eyes.
- Visual Acuity: Distance and near visual acuity less than 20/20 even when corrected with lenses for Military Aviation School; less than 20/30 for other roles.
Maintaining high health and fitness standards ensures that all Army personnel are capable of performing their duties effectively and safely.
Benefits of Joining the Mexican Army
Once you join the Mexican Army, you will receive numerous benefits, similar to those provided in civilian jobs. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Medical Services: Comprehensive medical services for you and your dependents.
- Financial Benefits: Vacation bonus, end-of-year compensation, savings fund, and life insurance.
- Family Support: Assistance with funeral expenses, child welfare centers, affordable pharmacies, and shops.
- Housing: Access to rental housing and mortgage loans.
- Education: ISSFAM Scholarships for children of military personnel, agreements with universities for higher education, and scholarships for scientific and technological training.
- Retirement: Retirement income after 20 years of service and retirement homes for personnel over 60 years of age.
- Loans: Normal unsecured loans and special mortgage loans for long-serving personnel.
These benefits ensure that military personnel and their families are well-supported during and after their service.
Training and Educational Opportunities
The Mexican Army offers free education and training at various institutions, providing opportunities for personal and professional development. Here are some of the key institutions:
- Mexico City:
- Military School of Transmissions
- Military Medical School
- Military Nursing School
- Heroic Military College
- State of Mexico:
- Military School of Engineers
- Military School of Specialist Troops of the Air Force
- Jalisco:
- Military School of Air Force Specialists
- Military Aviation School
These institutions offer specialized training and education to prepare you for various roles within the Army.
Salary Structure
The salary in the Mexican Army varies by rank, ensuring competitive compensation for all personnel. Here is an overview of the monthly salaries:
- Soldier: 12,808 pesos
- Sergeant 1st Class: 14,873 pesos
- Second Lieutenant: 17,808 pesos
- Lieutenant: 21,366 pesos
- Captain 2nd Class: 33,265 pesos
- Major General: 114,903 pesos
This structured salary system ensures that all ranks are fairly compensated for their service.
FAQs
Can I leave the Mexican Army anytime?
Students at military institutions can request discharge at any time. Graduates must fulfill their service commitment before requesting discharge.
Do women perform the same activities as men?
Yes, women perform the same activities as men, considering their physiological conditions. Women are allowed to keep their hair long but must tie it back when in uniform.
How much does it cost to enter Army schools?
There are no registration or tuition fees for Army schools. The Mexican Army provides accommodation, food, clothing, equipment, and a weekly stipend.
Where can I get more information or apply?
You can contact the Mexican Army at 555396-9106 or 555341-4152, or visit the nearest military unit for more information.
Conclusion
Joining the Mexican Army is a noble commitment that comes with various responsibilities and benefits. Understanding the requirements and the policies on tattoos and piercings can help you prepare better for the selection process. With comprehensive training, educational opportunities, and a structured salary system, serving in the Mexican Army offers a rewarding career dedicated to the service of the nation.