Us Marine Corps Age Limits
The United States Marine Corps has 182,000 active duty service members.
Its a competitive military branch to join and the second smallest.
Additionally, the Marine Corps utilizes 38,500 reserve personnel.
The Marine Corps has straightforward rules for their age limits:
Enlisted
Minimum Age: 17 years old Maximum Age: 28 years old
Officer
Minimum Age: 20 years oldMaximum Age: 28 years old
Submit Your Application 5interview
The next step is an interview with a military career counsellor it is your official job interview and a very important step. The application process is very competitive and you will be asked questions about your work history, knowledge of the Canadian Forces, and understanding of the job you selected.
Joining the Canadian Armed Forces
Tattoos Brands And Piercings
Airmen are subject to strict requirements and restrictions pertaining to body modifications. If you plan to get a tattoo or other body modifications, carefully consider placement, size and content before you proceed.
Tattoos, brands or piercings anywhere on the body that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or of a nature that may bring discredit upon the Air Force, are prohibited both in and out of uniform. This includes modifications that are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination. Even if rectified, excessive scarring resulting from tattoo removal may also be disqualifying.
Tattoos are not completely disqualifying, however. There are no size or area limitations for authorized tattoos on the chest , back, arms, and legs. Tattoos, brands, and body markings are prohibited on the head, neck, face, tongue, lips, and scalp. Hand tattoos are limited to one single-band ring tattoo, on one finger, on one hand.
Don’t Miss: Seaworld San Diego Military Tickets
Logically The Branches That Are The Most Physically Demanding Have Lower Enlistment Age Limits
Special Operations branches have stricter age limits for the same reason. Still, if a 38-year-old wants to give back to his country through military service, its now well within his reach to do so. In some cases, you can be well into your 40s and still serve- if you have what the military needs, that is. Age waivers are occasionally offered if you have critical skills or experience thats in short supply, but the commanding officer or community manager will have to approve it. Medical and legal professionals, plus religious officials, are the most likely to get approval.
Submit Your Application 1submit Your Application

You will then need to present original copies of your birth certificate, government issued photo ID, transcripts from your highest level of education, proof of trade qualifications and professional licenses, and any additional forms required for the trade or job you selected. All overseas education must be presented with a Canadian equivalency from Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada
Also Check: How Many Active Us Military
Can I Join The Army At 40
No, it is not possible to join the army at 40. However, people who are above the age of 21 are eligible for joining the army. The age limit for joining the army is 18-39 years. However, there is an exception for people who are 40 years or above. They can join the army with a medical fitness certificate. Hence, you can join the army at 40, with fitness certificate..
At What Age Are You No Longer Able To Join The Army
The US Army has strict regulations on how old you can be to join. If youre under 18, you must have parental consent. If youre 18 or older, you must be able to pass with a score of 45 or better on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery . However, the Army has several exceptions to this rule with regard to age limitations. For example, if you are 17, you can join through a special program known as the Young Soldier Program. Young Soldiers are usually assigned to training positions until they are 18 years of age. Young Soldiers are also allowed to attend certain additional training programs, including some that are not available to older Soldiers. Young Soldiers are also allowed to enlist under the Delayed Entry Program. If you are ready to enlist, dont let your age stop you. Talk with your recruiter to find out if there are any exceptions or options..
Read Also: What Are Meps In The Army
Age Requirements For Military Nurses
A military RN may also work for the U.S. Navy or the Air Force. Age requirements vary from one service branch to another. Air Force nursesmust be 18 to 48 years old and hold a BNS or BAN . The Air Force accepts applications from aspiring nurses in their senior year and registered nurses who have graduated from an approved school.
Those whowish to join the Navymust be at least20 years oldand not more than 62. Additionally, they must be under age 47 at the time of commission. However, aspiring military nurses over 47 may still be eligible for this role under certain conditions, such as when applying for undermanned specialties. NavyRN reserves can serve part-time, while active duty nurses are required to serve full-time.
If you’re 45 years old, you may still join the Air Force or the Navy. Both service branches offer active duty and reserve duty role for registered nurses. The age limit for joining the Army Nurse Corps is 41, but age waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Age Weight And Height Requirements
Recruits must demonstrate physical fitness. Being out of shape and overweight is a health and safety concern. Height and weight of recruits must be proportionate for a person of their age and gender. A chart is used to determine if body fat is within a reasonable range.
The military requirements for females on the Army chart, for example, show that a 5-foot-7 woman between the ages of 17 and 20 must weigh no more than 159 pounds. A male of the same age and height can weigh a maximum of 165 pounds.
Don’t Miss: Military Discount Enterprise Rental Car
How Long Will I Be Away From Home
Sailors rotate between sea and shore duty. You may spend three years assigned to a ships command and then rotate to serve three more years at a shore command. You will not be at sea during your entire Navy career. During your sea tour, you may live off-base nearby, but must be available to travel with the ship for deployments or training.
A typical sea deployment on a Navy ship can last anywhere from six to nine months. Ships typically deploy once every 18-24 months. In preparation for deployment, Sailors should be prepared to go to sea for 10 to 14 days each month for training.
Will Age Affect How You Are Treated In The Military
Age does not entail getting better or worse treatment in the military. Although there may be a few jokes and roasts here and there , there may also be more people looking up to you and some expectations given the perception that you have slightly more life experience. However, you will be held to the same standard as everyone else.
Consider watching this Youtube video of Jocko Willink and Echo Charles sharing their thoughts about entering the military after the age of 30.
Also Check: How Can I Find My Dad’s Military Photo
Joining The Military With A College Degree
It benefits you to join the military with a college degree.
Why?
Recruits that already have a college degree have several advantages over recruits with just a high school diploma or GED.
First, youll likely begin your military career at a higher rank compared to recruits that lack a college degree.
A higher rank not only grants you more power and prestige but also guarantees a higher wage and benefits.
Additionally, recruits with a college degree are far more likely to advance in military rank quicker.
In fact, it is possible to begin your military career with the ranking of an officer with a college degree.
Joining the military with a college degree also gives you more control over your destiny.
For example, you generally qualify for more military occupations and can further your education through the GI Bill.
Joining the military at 30 is an exciting way to become a doctor or lawyer while having most or all of your education expenses covered by Uncle Sam.
Thus, you dont have to stop with just a bachelors degree as many enter service later in life to pursue a masters degree or Ph.D.
The only real downside to joining the military with a college degree is youll likely earn less compared to people doing the same job in the civilian world.
However, free military housing, food, healthcare, and education aid help offset the lower wages.
Related ArticleJoining The Military After College: How To Do It The Right Way
Leaving Behind Family The Ultimate Sacrifice

While serving the military will entitle you to outstanding benefits that provide housing, food, and healthcare to your family it also means that youll see them way less.
It can especially be hard on young parents who are going to miss out on several key life events because of service obligations.
Females encounter additional downsides as it might force a partner to put pregnancy on hold or avoid having children altogether.
Since most of the drawbacks are related to family, you need to make sure you have a supportive partner to help make the process easier.
Lastly, youll likely earn less working for the government compared to the private sector which means many adults joining the military at 30 take a substantial pay cut.
Related Article: 20 Reasons to Join the Military
Recommended Reading: How To Become An Army Helicopter Pilot
More People Are Joining The Air Force In Their Late 30s
Yoko Holdren wants to work.
She tried to find jobs for more than a decade but seemingly hit a roadblock at every turn. First it was the frequent moves with her husband, Master Sgt. Donovan Holdren, and the cost of child care for their three kids.
Then it was German employment and citizenship rules at Ramstein Air Base, where the family is stationed. Her green card neared expiration. And, just as she looked to get a job when her youngest son started school, the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Holdren turned to the Air Force and enlisted two weeks before her 40th birthday.
I thought, If I join the Air Force, they can train me from zero, she told Air Force Times. Whatever job is available, I will take it.
RELATED
Threats to the free world must be met with mature individuals who know what is to be lost, say the authors of this commentary.
Now an airman first class in security forces technical school, Holdren is one of hundreds of people who have joined the Air Force in their late 30s since the service raised its age limit for new recruits nearly a decade ago. The career change has offered new challenges and second chances while offering the service another way to grow and diversify the force.
In 2014, the service increased the age cutoff from 27 to 39 for those without prior military service to enlist on active duty. The Air Force Reserve changed its age limit from 34 to 39 as well.
RELATED
RELATED
RELATED
Getting Fit With Fitt
As a rule of thumb, ease into your activities, gradually increase each element of FITT, and end each session with a cool-down. For example:
- Begin with a 5- to 10-minute warm-up. Walking, biking or a slow jog will increase blood flow to the muscles and lightly increase your heart rate. Follow up with some light stretching of the muscles you will be using in your workout.
- Improving your overall fitness is most effectively done through a combination of 20 to 60 minutes of aerobic and strength exercises. The two sample fitness sessions below are based on Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology guidelines.
- A 5- to 10-minute cool-down helps return your body to its normal, pre-exercise condition. Suddenly stopping an intense workout can make you dizzy, nauseated or even faint. Walking, biking or a slow jog will gradually bring down your heart rate and relieve muscle soreness.
You May Like: How To Sign Up For Army
Is Joining The Reserves Worth It
In todays fast paced world, enrolling in the reserves offers men and women a chance to receive an education or personal development opportunities, while keeping them close to the military and reservists standards while still keeping a civilian lifestyle. Joining the reserves even while doing the full time civilian job is worth it because:.
Review Military Entrance Requirements
While the Service branches have similar entrance requirements, each has its own admission standards based on the amount and type of recruits needed. The requirements listed here apply to the U.S. Military as a whole. For more specifics, its best to please fill out the form and a recruiter will be in-touch with you to answer your questions.
Read Also: Salvation Army Electric Bill Assistance
Can I Join The Military At 41 Years Old
You can join the military regardless of your age. You can choose to enlist into the Reserves or the Active Duty branch, based on your current requirements. __% of all service members are veterans, with 35% of them being veterans between the ages of 18 and 39. This shows that the military has an extensive number of opportunities for people of all ages. For more questions, please click on the link below..
Submit Your Application 4medical Exam
You will then take a two part medical exam: First there is a questionnaire on your medical history including specific information on your medication. Then the medical staff will conduct a physical exam to measure your height, weight, evaluate your vision, colour perception and hearing. The second step is a medical file review to determine any limitations that will affect your training and career.
You May Like: Royal Caribbean Cruise Military Discount
Can I Join The Military At 45 Years Old
The short answer is yes. However, the military is looking for men and women who are fit and healthy, fit into the military structure to serve their country, can move to any location that the military may need them to go to, and are also fit to serve in the time of need. The military does not look at how long you can serve, but the question is if you are fit to serve at your age..
Before Serving In The Army Reserve

To enlist in the U.S. Army, you must be between 18 and 41 years old . You cannot be older than 42 years. You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. A high school diploma is preferred, but a high school equivalent such as the GED may be accepted. You must also pass the ASVAB test and a physical fitness exam. All Reserve Soldiers must complete 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, the same boot camp attended by full-time Army Soldiers.
Also Check: How Much Money Do You Get In The Army
Can I Join The Military At 58 Years Old
Im joining the military in a few months and Im 58 years old, Im a woman. I dont know if it goes the same for men, but I know women can join in their older years. I would suggest joining a branch of the military that you would enjoy the most, I am going in to the Army, but I have a friend that joined in to the Navy and loves it. I also think making sure you can get in to the school or program you would like to after the military is done. Its a major life change and I know I am so excited to be able to get out of my life I had and get in to the future I want. Hope this helps..
How Much Money Can You Make In The Army
When deciding this, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. One of them is that you must be motivated, self-disciplined, and willing to put in the hard work to reach your goals. Another important factor is the amount of effort you put forth in your training. The more time, effort, and dedication you place in your training, the greater your future earnings will be..
Recommended Reading: Fun Facts About The Army
Maximum Age For Military Enlistment
Across the United States Armed Forces, the maximum age for enlistment for someone who has never served in the military before depends on the branch. For the Army, the maximum age is 35. For the Navy, age waivers start at 34-years-old. For the Air Force, the maximum age allowed to join is 39-years-old. The Marines have the lowest maximum age for regular military service at 28-years-old. Special Operations branches also have different maximum ages due to the physical challenges put upon the candidates compared to regular military service. These maximum ages can be waived if the recruit has the education, skills, experience that the military needs to fill its ranks. The same holds true for the Special Operations communities, where waivers are available, but only on a case by case basis and typically approved or disapproved by the commanding officer of the selection program or the community manager/detailer.
Often the age waivers that do get approved are those in the professional jobs fields .
The maximum age of non-prior service enlistment under Federal Law was 35-years-old. In 2006, the Army asked Congress to raise the age limit to 44-years-old. Congress did not approve this change, but raised the maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42.
Regardless of Federal Law, the military services are allowed to impose more strict standards, and many of them have. The maximum age for non-prior service enlistments for each service is: