How Old Can You Be To Join The Army
One would think that any aged person could enlist in the U.S. Army. But, the Army has minimums and maximums. Federal law dictates that you have to be at least 17 to join, and that is with parental consent. Otherwise, you have to be 18 years old. As of 2019, the maximum age for enlisting in the Military is 39, though the Army has set its own lower age limit. Or, as the Army puts it, you must not have reached your 35th birthday before the time of accession.
However, if you have prior military service, you can be older. To determine how old, just subtract your total active duty time from your age. If this number is less than 35, you meet the age eligibility requirements for active duty. For the Army Reserve you must be able to retire with 20 years of federal service before the age of 60.
And, if you want to enter one of these Army programs, you can be older than 35:
Army JAG:Applicants must be able to serve 20 years of active commissioned service before reaching the age of 62. Applicants must be under the age of 42 at the time of entry into active duty service.
Army Chaplin:Must be at least 21 years of age, but younger than 42 at time of Regular Army commissioning or less than 45 at time of Army Reserve commissioning. Prior service applicants with at least 3 years of prior AFS or creditable USAR service must be younger than 47 at time of Army Reserve commissioning.
3-3. AgeApplicant is eligible for enlistment if any of the following apply:
Birth certificate.
Military Age Restrictions By Branch
At age 66, Broun still serves as a doctor in the Navy Reserve. In an interview with Army Times, he called the enlistment age cap an arbitrary policy.
There are people who want to serve and are physically fit, he said. There are some 20-year-olds who cannot run a mile.
Since Brouns attempt in 2012, the military policy on age restrictions has changed. The Air Force, for example, raised its maximum age. See the age requirements for Active Duty enlistees of each branch below:
- Army: 17-35 years old
- Navy: 17-34 years old
- Air Force: 17-39 years old
- Coast Guard: 17-27 years old
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In general, the Defense Department restricts enlistment to those 35 and younger. Prior enlisted service members can subtract their previous years of service from their age in order to extend eligibility. For example, the current age cutoff in the Air Force is 39. This means that a 31-year-old veteran with four years of prior service experience would still be eligible to reenlist.
Rep. Susan Davis of the Armed Services Committee personnel panel has said the risks outnumbered gains when it came to enlisting older personnel. She said they are not only more likely to become injured, but also take more time to recover than their younger counterparts.
What Is The Oldest Age You Can Join The Army
Though the oldest that anyone can be drafted into the Army is 26, different rules exist for the maximum age that it takes to go into service. The reason for a maximum age is twofold. First, the military wants people who are as able-bodied as possible to complete the tasks that are required in many of the positions, particularly those that are entry-level. Second, they are hoping to have a long-term commitment from many of the enlistees, and because of this, they want people who are young, and not people who are almost at retirement age, or even halfway there. In 2011, the Army briefly made that age limit 42, but when it became clear that political forces were not going to need to institute a draft or broaden the need for military forces, they removed that cap and pulled it back. Though a federal cap of 42 for any military branch still exists, all of the branches have more strict guidelines than this.
1. If you have never served in any branch of the military, then the maximum age that you can enlist in the Army is 35. This is also the case for people who are interested in joining the army reserves, as the original boot camp training and the physical requirements for both versions of the service are the same. This means that the paperwork must be finished, the medical exam completed, and you are on the bus on your way to basic training before you reach your 35th birthday, not your 36th.
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What Are The Marine Specialties Available For Marine Corps Officers
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Marine Corps Officers are assigned to many Military Occupational Specialties which fall under three main categories: Ground, Air, and Law.Ground: the majority of Marines operate in ground specialties, in roles ranging from infantry to combat service support.Air: Marine Pilots and Naval Flight Officers train on jets, helicopters, tilt-rotor aircraft, and turboprop aircraft.Law: training for Judge Advocates supplements a law degree, with instruction for practicing law in the military. Please see Roles In The Corps for more information.
What Are The Qualifications To Join The Army Reserve
Applicants must first meet the basic qualifications to join the Reserves. A candidate must be at least 17, a legal U.S. citizen, and have at least a high school diploma or a GED and a minimum of 15 college credits. They cannot have been convicted of a felony, and they must pass the Army physical.
What is the minimum enlistment for the US Army Reserve?
Active Reserve and National Guard enlistments are usually for a minimum of six years . If you are commissioned as an officer through the ROTC or Service Academy college programs, you owe the military five years of active duty service with a two-year option of Reserve Duty or IRR.
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Will The Army Pay For Tattoo Removal
Generally speaking, visits to a tattoo removal clinic will be on your own dimethe government will not pay for you to have a tattoo removed, nor will health insurance. Fortunately, we do offer special discounts for military recruits, active duty, and veterans it’s our way of saying, thank you for your service!
What Is The Maximum Age To Be Drafted Into The Us Military
All men who are permanent residents in the US or are US citizens are required to register with the selective service when they are18 to 26 years old.
Those registered will be drafted, should the US enter a state of national emergency that prompts The White House and Congress to reinstate the draft.
If a draft were to occur, men would be liable to be conscripted into the US military from 20 years old until the age of 25.
However, the US military has been voluntary only since 1973 and President Biden says he does not have any intention of reimplementing it.
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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.
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In 2012, U.S. Rep. Paul Broun Jr. , tried to push through legislation that would allow people of any age to join the military as long as they could meet the minimum health and fitness requirements. The House voted 256-164 against the military age restrictions measure.
Broun introduced the bill after speaking with an unnamed ultra-marathon runner who was denied enlistment in the Army for being a few months over the maximum age. He was also petitioning on behalf of his Congressional colleague and fellow Georgia Rep. Phil Gingrey, who tried to volunteer as a military doctor and was rejected despite his experience as an obstetrician. Gingrey will turn 70 in July.
Those still serving in the military are not exempt from their VA Loan benefits. Learn more: How to Get a VA Home Loan While Still Serving
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Why Does The Military Have Enlistment Age Limits
Minimum and maximum enlistment age limits for potential enlistees ensure they have had the opportunity to meet their minimal education requirements and are in good physical condition. The goal is to recruit educated, able-bodied enlistees, minimize the risk of injury and reduce their recovery time if injured.
Federal law establishes the maximum military recruitment age to be 42, although each service branch has the flexibility to establish its own limits below that agewhich each branch does. The
Ged Holders Must Score Higher On The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
Those who do not have a high school diploma will be required to score higher on the ASVAB test, regardless of the branch of service desired.
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Some potential new military members may find that the recruiter will upon learning of the GED status of an applicant wish to have the recruit take the ASVAB first. Those who do not score high enough are often encouraged to take a specified amount of college credits before retaking the ASVAB.
The reason for this is that those who have GEDs and college credits are put in the same ASVAB scoring category as someone with a high school diploma. The high school graduates do not get more stringent ASVAB scoring requirements.
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Quick Reference Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the questions regarding the Army age limits we receive the most:
Can I join the Army at 45 years old?
Unfortunately, no. Under Federal law, the oldest a recruit can be to enter any branch of the military is 42 years old.
What are the requirements to join the US Army?
In order to join the Army, you need to be a US citizen or resident alien, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, be at least 17 years old, and meet certain physical / medical requirements. Youll also have better chances if you have no criminal history,
Can you have tattoos in the Army?
Like the other military branches, tattoos are allowed, but must meet certain conditions. Learn more here.
Can a felon join the Army?
Depending on the type of felony conviction, it is possible to join the Army. Certain felonies, such as rape, murder, arson, extortion, and grand theft, are automatic disqualifiers.
Whats My Obligation If I Join The National Guard Or Military Reserves
Joining the military reserves or National Guard is a significant time commitment. This is true, especially at the beginning. You will get settled in your permanent unit. Then, you can expect to attend unit assembly, known as drill, one weekend per month. You will also participate in a two-week annual training each year.
- Initial training: As a new military member, you will attend your branchs basic military training. That may last from eight to 12 weeks. Depending on your job, you may also attend an advanced training course.
- Monthly drill: Youll need to drill for 48 periods or units per year. Most units drill one weekend per month. A typical weekend drill has four periods. Some military units have additional drilling requirements, which may include the weekday.
- Annual training: Youll also need to participate in annual training for two weeks per year.
- Activations: You may be activated to full-time service in a voluntary or involuntary status. This can be with your unit or individually. These activations may vary in length and location. They may include 30 days in a unit near your hometown. Or up to a year supporting a mission outside of the United States. Generally, you cannot opt out of involuntary action. This is because the military has ordered you to active service.
- Length of commitment: Your total contract may range from three to eight years. This depends on the branch of service and your specific occupation/job.
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How Old Do I Need To Be To Join The Regular Army
To join as a soldier you must:
- You must be at least 16 years old to join the Army as a soldier.
- You can start your application when you’re 15 years and 9 months.
- Be enlisted before your 36th birthday
- If you’re under 18, you’ll also need parental consent to join
To join as an officer you must:
- Be between 18 and 29
- Higher age limits apply for specialists, eg Doctors
- Over 30s are considered only by exception, on a case by case basis. Please contact us on to discuss your options
- Scholarship applicants must be under 18 on 1 August in the year of the award
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:
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Can You Join The Military At 30
There are two ways for joining the military at 30. You may enlist in a qualifying branch A) with or without a degree as an enlisted soldier or B) as an officer. … However, you can earn a higher salary by considering joining the military at 30 as an officer. The opportunity is only available to college graduates.
What Is The Minimum Asvab Score Needed To Join The Marines
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To enlist in the Marine Corps you must pass the ASVAB with a minimum score of 31, but certain Military Occupational Specialties may require a higher score. A Marine Corps Recruiter is the best person to ask about any specific questions, and he or she may be able to help you develop a plan to ensure that you meet the requirements. Request more information here.
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Why Does The Military Impose Age Enlistment Restrictions
You might think that there should be no age limit on wanting to serve your country. However, the age enlistment limit ensures that every recruit has the time to satisfy minimal education requirements and are adequately fit.
Although we would not like to admit it, the human body tends to become less physically fit as it ages. Over a certain age threshold, it is difficult for a person to be in good physical condition to meet the necessary standard of fighting for a country.
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..
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Can I Join The Marines With A Ged
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Applicants with a GED or other non-traditional diplomas will need to be further reviewed by a Marine Corps recruiter. Additionally, these applicants must meet the same enlistment standards that all applicants do, including being 17 years-old and meeting other physical, mental, and moral requirements. To enlist or discuss opportunities in the United States Marine Corps, contact a Marine Recruiter.
What Does Life As A Marine Officer Look Like
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Promotions are based on time in rank, successful performance in assignments, and appropriate education. During active service, officers and their families have access to a wide range of personal and professional resources such as healthcare, travel, advanced education, and financial benefits. Above all, they are part of the Marine Corps family, and this camaraderie, as well as their leadership training and experience leading Marines, lasts a lifetime.
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