ENLISTMENT. The act by which a citizen becomes an enlisted man and joins the military or naval forces of the country. In the United States any male citizen, or person who has legally declared his intention to become a citizen, may enlist in the army if above the age of 21 and under 35 years of age. able-bodied, free from dis ease, of good character, and temperate habits. No man is eligible who has been convicted by civil power of felony, or served time in a refor matory, jail, or penitentiary. The physical ex amination of recruits is conducted in accordance with the authorized manual for the examination of recruits. After enlistment, recruits are as signed to regiments or other organizations by the Adjutant-General of the army under the direction of the Secretary of War. The recruiting service is under the management of the Adjutant-Gene•al, and is a branch of the Adjutant.-Gene•al's De partment. Recruits have to conform to certain standards of build and physique, determined generally by the branch of the service for which the man is enlisted. The term of enlistment is
three years. In the English army men are en listed for twelve years. seven with the colors and live in the first-class reserve. in most of the household regiments men are permitted to serve three years with the colors and nine with the ieserve. See RECRUITMENT.
In the naval service of the States all men arc enlisted to serve for four years. Upon reiMlistment at the end of that time they are entered continuous-service mcn, and are given a certificate of continumrs service, wide]] entitles them to an addition of $1.33% to their monthly pay. This increase of pay is given for each term of four years served if the reenlistment takes place within four months of discharge. Failure to enlist within four months causes a forfeiture of all rights and privileges due to previous ser vice.