Yes, signing someone up for the military without their knowledge or consent is illegal under multiple federal laws. It can constitute fraud, identity theft, and the making of false statements to the federal government, each carrying serious federal criminal penalties.
Most people who search this question are either curious about a prank or genuinely worried that someone did this to them. Either way, the answer is the same. The US military enlistment process requires the personal consent and signature of the person enlisting. No one can be enrolled on someone else’s behalf.
This guide covers every angle of the question, from what federal statutes apply, to what the real penalties look like, to specific scenarios like parental consent, Selective Service registration, and recruiter fraud.
Is It Illegal to Sign Someone Up for the Military
Yes, signing someone up for the military without their consent is illegal. It violates federal laws covering false statements, document fraud, and identity theft. The military enlistment process requires the recruit’s own signature on binding federal contracts. Signing on someone else’s behalf, without their knowledge, is a federal crime.
The core document at the center of military enlistment is DD Form 4, the Enlistment or Reenlistment Agreement. This form is a binding contract between the recruit and the United States government. Forging someone’s signature on that document is the equivalent of forging their signature on any other federal contract.
Federal law treats this seriously. The act of making a false statement to a federal agency, which military enlistment involves, is covered under 18 U.S.C. 1001. That statute carries penalties of up to five years in federal prison per count.
- DD Form 4 requires the personal signature of the person enlisting
- Signing on someone else’s behalf without consent = federal document fraud
- 18 U.S.C. 1001 covers false statements to federal agencies
- Identity elements used in the process (SSN, name, address) trigger additional fraud statutes
Quick Fact: Every military branch processes enlistment through MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations), where recruits undergo physical exams, sign documents in person, and take an oath. The in-person nature of this process makes secret enrollment nearly impossible in practice, but attempting it is still a federal crime.
Can You Enlist Someone in the Military Without Their Consent
No, you cannot enlist someone in the military without their consent. The enlistment process is specifically designed to prevent this. Every step requires the recruit’s direct, personal participation.
The process involves multiple checkpoints where the recruit must physically appear and affirmatively consent:
- MEPS physical and testing: The recruit must appear in person at a Military Entrance Processing Station
- Background investigation authorization: The recruit signs forms authorizing background checks
- Oath of enlistment: Administered in person; the recruit must verbally take the oath
- DD Form 4 signature: The recruit signs the enlistment contract in the presence of a military officer
Even if someone obtained another person’s personal information and attempted to fill out preliminary paperwork online, the process cannot be completed without the actual person appearing at MEPS and swearing an oath.
The practical impossibility doesn’t eliminate the legal issue. Attempting to enlist someone without their consent, even if the attempt fails, can still result in criminal charges for fraud and false statements.
| Enlistment Step | Requires Physical Presence? | Requires Consent? |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | No | Yes (information must be accurate) |
| MEPS appearance | Yes | Yes |
| Physical and written testing | Yes | Yes |
| Oath of enlistment | Yes | Yes |
| DD Form 4 signing | Yes | Yes |
The built-in safeguards of the MEPS process mean that completing a fraudulent enlistment all the way through is extremely difficult. Attempting it at any stage, however, is still a federal criminal act.
What Is Military Enlistment Fraud
Military enlistment fraud refers to any deliberate deception in the military enlistment process, whether by the recruit, a third party, or a recruiter. It is a broad category that covers several different federal offenses depending on who commits the fraud and what form it takes.
Common forms of military enlistment fraud include:
- A recruit lying about their criminal history, health conditions, or citizenship status
- A third party signing enlistment documents using another person’s identity
- A military recruiter falsifying medical waivers, test scores, or background information
- A recruit using false identification documents during the MEPS process
UCMJ Article 83 specifically addresses fraudulent enlistment by the recruit. It covers cases where someone obtains enlistment, appointment, or separation through knowingly false representations or deliberate concealment.
When a third party, not the recruit, commits the fraud, federal civilian statutes apply instead of the UCMJ. That means charges under 18 U.S.C. 1001 (false statements), 18 U.S.C. 1028 (identity fraud), and potentially 18 U.S.C. 1546 (fraud and misuse of immigration documents and related forms) come into play.
Key Takeaway: Signing someone up for the military without their consent is a federal crime that can trigger charges under multiple statutes, including false statements (18 U.S.C. 1001) and identity fraud (18 U.S.C. 1028). The in-person requirements of MEPS make completion nearly impossible, but the attempt itself is prosecutable.
Military Enlistment Fraud
Military enlistment fraud is prosecuted under federal law and, where the person actually enlists, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The two systems can operate simultaneously for the same fraudulent enlistment.
For civilians who attempt to enlist someone else, or who assist in fraudulent enlistment schemes, the primary federal statutes are:
| Statute | What It Covers | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. 1001 | False statements to a federal agency | 5 years per count |
| 18 U.S.C. 1028 | Identity document fraud | Up to 15 years |
| 18 U.S.C. 1546 | Fraud with government documents | Up to 10 years |
| UCMJ Article 83 | Fraudulent enlistment by the recruit | Dishonorable discharge, confinement |
| 18 U.S.C. 371 | Conspiracy to defraud the US government | Up to 5 years |
The charges stack. A person who steals another person’s identity to attempt military enlistment on their behalf could face charges under 18 U.S.C. 1001, 18 U.S.C. 1028, and 18 U.S.C. 371 simultaneously. That adds up to decades of potential federal prison time.
Military enlistment fraud cases are investigated by Military Criminal Investigative Organizations (MCIOs), which include the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). These agencies coordinate with the Department of Justice for civilian prosecutions.
Federal Fraud Charges for Military Enlistment
Federal fraud charges related to military enlistment are brought by the Department of Justice and prosecuted in US District Courts. They are not military courts; they are civilian federal courts with the full weight of federal sentencing guidelines.
The most commonly charged federal offense in military enlistment fraud cases is 18 U.S.C. 1001, which makes it illegal to knowingly and willfully make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement to a federal department or agency.
Military enlistment involves constant interaction with federal agencies. Every form submitted to a recruiter, every document provided at MEPS, and every statement made during the enlistment process is made to a federal agency. False information at any point triggers 18 U.S.C. 1001.
Key facts about 18 U.S.C. 1001 in the military context:
- Covers false statements made in writing, orally, or through fraudulent documents
- Each false statement is a separate count; multiple forms mean multiple potential charges
- Maximum five years per count; counts multiply with each false document or statement
- Intent to deceive is required; honest mistakes are a defense
- Federal sentencing guidelines factor in the nature of the fraud and any harm caused
A person who submits false paperwork at three stages of the enlistment process could theoretically face 15 years of federal prison exposure on the 1001 charges alone, before any identity fraud charges are added.
Military Recruitment Fraud Penalties
Military recruitment fraud penalties depend on which statutes are charged and how many counts the government pursues. The penalties are substantial because the fraud targets a federal agency and involves national security interests.
| Offense | Statute | Maximum Prison Term | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| False statements | 18 U.S.C. 1001 | 5 years per count | Up to $250,000 |
| Identity fraud | 18 U.S.C. 1028 | Up to 15 years | Up to $250,000 |
| Document fraud | 18 U.S.C. 1546 | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 |
| Conspiracy | 18 U.S.C. 371 | 5 years | Up to $250,000 |
| Fraudulent enlistment (UCMJ Art. 83) | UCMJ | Dishonorable discharge, confinement | Forfeiture of pay |
Beyond prison and fines, a federal conviction for military fraud carries:
- Permanent federal felony record
- Loss of the right to vote in many states
- Ineligibility for federal employment and many professional licenses
- Deportation risk for non-citizens
- Ineligibility for future military service
The government has prosecuted military enlistment fraud cases aggressively, particularly cases involving identity theft. Cases where someone else’s name, Social Security number, and personal information are used without consent are treated as serious identity crimes, not minor paperwork issues.
Penalties for Military Fraud in the US
Penalties for military fraud in the US span a wide range depending on the specific conduct, the number of victims, and whether the fraud actually resulted in a completed enlistment. Attempted fraud and completed fraud both carry criminal liability.
Sentencing in federal military fraud cases follows the US Sentencing Guidelines. The base offense level for fraud-related crimes starts at 6 under USSG 2B1.1 and increases based on factors including the amount of any financial loss, the number of victims, and whether the defendant was in a position of trust (like a military recruiter).
Real-world sentencing examples from military fraud prosecutions:
- Recruiter fraud cases: Military recruiters convicted of fraudulently enlisting recruits have received sentences ranging from probation to several years in federal prison, depending on the scale of the scheme.
- Identity-based enlistment fraud: Cases involving stolen identities and fraudulent enlistment attempts have resulted in sentences of two to five years in federal prison.
- Large-scale enlistment fraud rings: Organized schemes involving multiple fraudulent enlistments have resulted in sentences exceeding ten years for ringleaders.
Quick Fact: The US Department of Defense Inspector General and MCIOs handle hundreds of military fraud referrals annually. Cases involving civilian perpetrators who attempt to enlist others without consent are referred directly to the Department of Justice for federal prosecution.
Key Takeaway: Federal penalties for military enlistment fraud can reach decades of combined prison time across multiple counts. The charges don’t require a completed enlistment; the attempt itself is enough to trigger prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001 and related statutes.
Is It Illegal to Forge Military Enlistment Papers
Forging military enlistment papers is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 1546, which covers fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. Military enlistment documents, including DD Form 4, are official government documents. Forging them carries up to ten years in federal prison.
The specific act of forging a signature on DD Form 4 also triggers 18 U.S.C. 1001 (false statements) and potentially 18 U.S.C. 1028 (identity fraud) if the forgery involves using another person’s identifying information.
What counts as “forging military enlistment papers”:
- Signing another person’s name on DD Form 4 without their knowledge
- Altering an existing enlistment document to change names, dates, or terms
- Creating a fake enlistment document using military seals, logos, or official formatting
- Submitting forged documents to MEPS or any military processing office
| Document | Classification | Forgery Statute |
|---|---|---|
| DD Form 4 (Enlistment Agreement) | Official federal contract | 18 U.S.C. 1546, 1001 |
| MEPS medical forms | Federal agency documents | 18 U.S.C. 1001 |
| Background check authorization forms | Federal documents | 18 U.S.C. 1001 |
| Parental consent forms (DD 1966) | Official military forms | 18 U.S.C. 1028, 1001 |
The government doesn’t distinguish between a joke attempt and a serious fraud attempt when it comes to prosecution. Filing a forged document is the crime; the intent to complete the enlistment is not required for the forgery charge to stand.
Can Someone Be Forced to Join the Military
No, in 2026, no one can be legally forced to join the US military. The United States has operated an all-volunteer military force since 1973, when the draft ended following the Vietnam War. Military service is entirely voluntary for all Americans.
The Selective Service System still exists and still requires male residents between the ages of 18 and 25 to register. But registration is not enlistment. Being registered with Selective Service does not make you a member of the military or obligate you to serve unless Congress reinstates the draft.
Congress has the constitutional authority to reinstate a draft, and it has not done so since 1973. In 2026, there is no active draft, and no one is being compelled into military service.
Key facts about voluntary military service:
- The all-volunteer force has been in place since July 1, 1973
- Selective Service registration is required for males ages 18 to 25
- Registration does not mean enlistment or active service obligation
- Congress would need to pass legislation to reinstate compulsory service
- No legislation reinstating the draft was enacted as of 2026
The concept of forcing someone into military service without their consent, through fraud or otherwise, runs directly against the legal framework of the all-volunteer military and triggers multiple federal criminal statutes.
Can You Be Tricked Into Joining the Military
Being completely tricked into joining the military, without ever giving any personal consent, is effectively impossible given the in-person requirements of the enlistment process. However, people can be misled or pressured into signing enlistment documents they don’t fully understand, which is a real and documented problem.
Cases of recruiter misconduct have involved:
- Misleading recruits about the terms of their service contract
- Pressuring recruits into signing contracts they weren’t ready for
- Downplaying or concealing negative aspects of specific military occupational specialties
- Falsely promising enlistment bonuses, assignments, or positions that weren’t guaranteed
This is legally distinct from someone signing up a completely unknowing third party. In recruiter misconduct cases, the recruit does consent and sign, but the consent is obtained through deception or undue pressure.
Recruits who believe they were misled by a recruiter have the right to report the misconduct to the recruiter’s commanding officer, the military branch’s Inspector General, or the Department of Defense Inspector General. These agencies investigate recruiter misconduct as a serious offense.
Being truly tricked, in the sense of your name and identity being used without your awareness, would require you to never appear at MEPS, never take an oath, and never sign a contract. The physical requirements make this scenario essentially impossible to complete, but legally prosecutable to attempt.
Key Takeaway: Completing a fraudulent enlistment without the target person’s physical presence is essentially impossible due to MEPS requirements. But attempting it, or misrepresenting terms to pressure someone into signing, are both criminal acts with federal consequences.
Is It Illegal to Register Someone for Selective Service
Yes, registering someone else for Selective Service without their knowledge or consent is illegal. Selective Service registration is a personal legal obligation placed on individual male residents. Submitting a registration on someone else’s behalf without their authorization constitutes making a false statement to a federal agency under 18 U.S.C. 1001.
The Selective Service System collects personal information including name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Submitting that information for another person without their consent also triggers identity fraud concerns under 18 U.S.C. 1028.
Practical considerations about Selective Service registration fraud:
- Registrations are submitted online, by mail, or through certain federal forms
- The information submitted is treated as a federal declaration
- Submitting false or unauthorized information is a federal offense regardless of intent
- Selective Service fraud is separate from military enlistment fraud but carries overlapping penalties
| Act | Legal Status | Applicable Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Registering yourself (ages 18-25) | Required by law | 50 U.S.C. 3811 |
| Registering someone else with their consent | Not authorized; individual must register personally | 50 U.S.C. 3811, 18 U.S.C. 1001 |
| Registering someone else without their consent | Illegal | 18 U.S.C. 1001, 18 U.S.C. 1028 |
| Failing to register (for required persons) | Federal misdemeanor | 50 U.S.C. 3811 |
The Selective Service System does not have a mechanism for third-party registration. The system is designed for individual self-registration. Any submission using another person’s information without authorization is by definition a false statement.
Selective Service Registration Laws
The Selective Service System operates under the Military Selective Service Act, codified at 50 U.S.C. 3811. The law requires male US citizens and male immigrants residing in the United States between the ages of 18 and 25 to register with the Selective Service System.
Key provisions of the Military Selective Service Act:
- Registration is mandatory within 30 days of turning 18 for covered individuals
- Failure to register is a federal felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
- Registered individuals are not automatically inducted into military service
- Induction would require a separate act of Congress
- Women are not currently required to register (as of 2026)
The law specifically requires personal registration. There is no provision for a parent, guardian, or any other person to register on behalf of an 18-to-25-year-old. The obligation is personal to the registrant.
Quick Fact: Congress debated extending Selective Service registration requirements to women in 2021 and 2022. The National Defense Authorization Act for FY2022 included a provision to do so, but it was ultimately removed from the final bill. The issue remained debated as of 2026, but women were not subject to registration requirements.
Non-compliance with Selective Service registration carries consequences beyond criminal penalties. Unregistered men become ineligible for federal student financial aid, federal job training, federal employment, and US citizenship for immigrants. These collateral consequences make registration enforcement primarily administrative rather than criminal in practice.
Military Enlistment Age Requirements
Military enlistment age requirements are set by federal law and individual branch regulations. The minimum age for enlistment in all US military branches is 17, and the maximum age varies by branch.
| Military Branch | Minimum Age | Maximum Age (Active Duty) | Parental Consent Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 17 | 35 | Yes, if under 18 |
| Navy | 17 | 41 | Yes, if under 18 |
| Air Force | 17 | 42 | Yes, if under 18 |
| Marine Corps | 17 | 28 | Yes, if under 18 |
| Coast Guard | 17 | 40 | Yes, if under 18 |
| Space Force | 18 | 39 | No parental consent provision |
For 17-year-olds, parental or legal guardian consent is required. This consent is documented through DD Form 1966 and must be signed by the parent or guardian with legal authority over the minor. The consent must be genuine and voluntary. Forging a parental consent form carries the same federal penalties as forging any other enlistment document.
Age requirements also apply to Selective Service registration. Males must register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. There is no early registration mechanism for 17-year-olds who may be planning ahead.
The maximum age limits for military enlistment are enforced strictly. No amount of fraudulent paperwork can enlist someone over the maximum age, because age verification occurs at MEPS with government-issued identification.
What Happens If You Sign Someone Up for the Military as a Joke
Signing someone up for the military as a joke, even with no serious intent to complete the enlistment, can result in federal criminal charges. Federal agencies don’t distinguish between a prank and a serious fraud attempt when official documents or systems are involved.
The specific risk depends on what actions were taken as part of the “joke”:
- Filling out an online inquiry form with someone’s real information: This submits false information to a federal agency. Low risk of prosecution, but technically illegal.
- Submitting preliminary enlistment paperwork with someone’s name and SSN: This is identity fraud and a false statement to a federal agency. Real prosecution risk.
- Scheduling a MEPS appointment for someone without their knowledge: This involves submitting false statements to a federal military processing system. Serious federal offense.
- Forging any signature on any official military form: Federal document fraud with penalties up to ten years.
Think of it like pulling a fire alarm as a prank. The fact that there’s no real fire, and that you thought it was funny, does not protect you from criminal consequences. The act of making a false report to a government system is the crime, regardless of the intent behind it.
Courts have found intent to deceive in prank scenarios before. “I was joking” is not a recognized defense to 18 U.S.C. 1001 charges when the act of submitting false information was deliberate, even if the ultimate purpose was amusement rather than actual enlistment.
Key Takeaway: There is no “prank exception” to federal fraud statutes. Using someone else’s real identity and information to sign them up for military service, even as a joke, can result in federal criminal charges for identity fraud and false statements to a federal agency.
Can a Parent Sign Their Child Up for the Military
A parent can provide legally required consent for a 17-year-old to enlist, but they cannot enlist their child without the child’s full agreement and personal participation. The distinction is critical.
Parental consent for minor enlistment works this way:
- The 17-year-old recruit must personally appear at MEPS
- The recruit must personally sign DD Form 4
- The recruit must personally take the oath of enlistment
- The parent or guardian signs a separate consent form (DD Form 1966 or equivalent)
- The parent’s signature authorizes the minor’s enlistment; it does not replace the minor’s consent
A parent cannot walk into a recruiting office, sign paperwork, and have their child inducted into the military without the child’s knowledge or presence. The in-person requirements apply to the recruit regardless of age.
What parental consent does allow:
- Authorizes a 17-year-old to enlist before reaching the age of majority
- Allows the minor to sign a binding federal contract (the enlistment agreement)
- Permits the military to begin processing the minor through MEPS
What parental consent does not allow:
- Enrolling a child who has not personally appeared, sworn an oath, and signed documents
- Overriding a child’s refusal to enlist
- Signing on behalf of a child who is not present at MEPS
A parent who tries to forge their child’s signature on military enlistment documents faces the same federal fraud charges as any other person committing enlistment document fraud.
Military Recruiter Fraud Laws
Military recruiter fraud is a specific form of military enlistment fraud committed by members of the armed forces in the course of their recruiting duties. It is prosecuted under the UCMJ and, in some cases, under civilian federal statutes as well.
Recruiters have been charged with and convicted of conduct including:
- Falsifying medical waivers to push through recruits who were medically ineligible
- Altering test scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
- Submitting false background information to help recruits conceal criminal histories
- Forging parental consent forms for underage recruits
- Creating fake recruits (ghost recruits) to meet enlistment quotas and collect bonuses
UCMJ Articles that apply to recruiter fraud:
| UCMJ Article | Offense | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Article 83 | Fraudulent enlistment | Dishonorable discharge, confinement |
| Article 107 | False official statements | Dishonorable discharge, up to 5 years confinement |
| Article 123 | Forgery | Dishonorable discharge, up to 5 years confinement |
| Article 132 | Fraud against the US | Dishonorable discharge, up to 10 years confinement |
Civilian federal charges under 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 18 U.S.C. 1028 can also be brought against military recruiters in the civilian federal court system, particularly for large-scale fraud schemes. Recruiters in major fraud cases have received sentences of several years in federal prison in addition to military discipline.
Identity Theft Military Enlistment
Using someone else’s identity to attempt military enlistment is a serious form of identity theft prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. 1028, the federal identity theft statute. It is treated as an aggravated offense because it targets a federal government process and creates fraudulent military records in the victim’s name.
Identity theft in the military enlistment context means using another person’s:
- Full legal name
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Address
- Any other personal identifying information
To submit military enlistment paperwork, applications, or related documents without that person’s knowledge or consent.
The penalties for identity theft under 18 U.S.C. 1028 in this context:
- Base offense: Up to 15 years in federal prison
- Aggravated identity theft (18 U.S.C. 1028A): Mandatory 2-year consecutive sentence added to any other sentence
- Additional charges under 18 U.S.C. 1001: Up to 5 years per false statement
Quick Fact: Aggravated identity theft under 18 U.S.C. 1028A carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years that must run consecutively to any other sentence. A judge cannot reduce or waive it. If convicted of identity theft to fraudulently enlist someone, that two-year term is automatic and runs on top of everything else.
Beyond criminal penalties, the victim of this type of identity theft may find fraudulent military records attached to their name in federal databases. Correcting those records requires working directly with the Department of Defense and potentially the Social Security Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you actually sign someone up for the military without them knowing?
No, completing a military enlistment without the person’s physical presence and personal consent is impossible.
The enlistment process requires personal appearance at MEPS, an in-person oath of enlistment, and the recruit’s own signature on DD Form 4.
Attempting to submit paperwork on someone else’s behalf, even if the enlistment cannot be completed, is still a federal crime.
It triggers charges under 18 U.S.C. 1001 (false statements) and potentially 18 U.S.C. 1028 (identity fraud).
What federal crime is it to forge military enlistment documents?
Forging military enlistment documents violates 18 U.S.C. 1546 (fraud with government documents) and 18 U.S.C. 1001 (false statements to a federal agency).
The maximum penalty under 18 U.S.C. 1546 is ten years in federal prison.
Each false statement on each document is a separate count under 18 U.S.C. 1001, adding up to five years per count.
If another person’s identity is used, 18 U.S.C. 1028 (identity fraud) adds up to fifteen additional years.
Is registering someone else for Selective Service illegal?
Yes, submitting a Selective Service registration for another person without their authorization is illegal.
The Military Selective Service Act places the registration obligation on the individual, not on third parties.
Submitting someone else’s personal information to the Selective Service System constitutes a false statement to a federal agency under 18 U.S.C. 1001.
If the submission uses that person’s identifying information without consent, it also qualifies as identity fraud under 18 U.S.C. 1028.
What happens if a military recruiter falsifies enlistment paperwork?
A military recruiter who falsifies enlistment paperwork faces prosecution under the UCMJ, including Articles 83, 107, 123, and 132.
Consequences include dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay, and military confinement of up to ten years depending on the offense.
Civilian federal charges under 18 U.S.C. 1001 can also be filed, adding up to five years per false statement in civilian federal prison.
Recruiters convicted of large-scale fraud schemes have received multi-year federal prison sentences in addition to military discipline.
Can parents legally enlist their minor child in the military without the child’s agreement?
No, parents cannot enlist a minor child without the child’s personal agreement and physical participation.
Parental consent (via DD Form 1966) authorizes a 17-year-old to enlist; it does not replace the child’s own consent or signature.
The minor must personally appear at MEPS, sign DD Form 4, and take the oath of enlistment.
A parent who forges a child’s signature on military enlistment documents faces federal document fraud charges identical to those faced by any other person committing enlistment fraud.
The Legal Line Is Clear
Signing someone up for the military without their knowledge or consent is a federal crime, full stop. Whether the motivation is a prank, parental pressure, or deliberate identity theft, the federal statutes make no exception for good intentions or humor.
Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone who has questions about military enlistment laws, consent requirements, or what the government considers fraud in this context. The rules in 2026 are clear, and knowing them keeps you on the right side of them.
