What is the new age limit for joining the Army?

Question

I have heard it was up to 42 now. Is it different for Army Reserves?

Answer 1

By federal law (10 U.S.C., 510), the minimum age for enlistment in the United States Military is 17 (with parental consent) and the maximum age is 42. This is to ensure than anyone who enlists on active duty can be eligible for retirement (20 years of service) at the mandatory age of 55 (60 in some cases). However, DOD policy allows the individual services to specify the maximum age of enlistment based upon their own unique requirements. The individual services have set the following maximum ages for non-prior service enlistment:


Active Army - 42
Army Reserves - 42
Active Air Force - 27
Air Force Reserve - 34
Active Navy - 34
Naval Reserves - 39
Active Marines - 28
Marine Corps Reserve - 29
Active and Reserve Coast Guard - 27

However, prior service enlistees can receive an "age waiver." In most cases, the amount of age that can be waived depends upon the amount of time the individual previously spent in the military. For example, let's say that an individual has four years of credible military service in the Marine Corps and wants to join the Air Force. The Air Force could waive the individual's maximum enlistment age to age 31 (Maximum age of 27 for the Air Force, plus four years credible service in the Marines). For the Marine Corps, the maximum age of enlistment for prior service is 32, after computing the prior-service age adjustment.

For the Army National Guard, the maximum age for non-prior service enlistment is age 39. For the Air National Guard, it's 34. For prior service, the maximum age is 59, as long as the member is able to complete 20 years of creditable service for retirement by age 60.

Answer 2

In July 2006 it was raised to 42. It was incrementally raised from 36 over the last few years. Be advised that anyone qualifying around the age limit will not necessarily qualify for all the Army career fields. It's still a young person's vocation. Older recruits may be afflicted with physical limitations and the unfair perception their age is a hindrance to a unit. It is the lack of available recruits that have prompted the Army to expand the window in time of war. The age was as high as 44 in WWII.

Answer 3

You have to complete Initial Entry Training by age 42.

For the reserves you can join at much higher ages if you have prior service and can complete 20 years combined active & reserve component duty by age 60. My Platoon Sergeant had a break in service and came back into the National Guard at age 51 or so.

Answer 4

42

Answer 5

Ok, you can join the US military, at the age of 17, if you are out of High School, and are soon to be 18. They will only accept you up to 27, and then you have to go to the reserves. They will accept you up until you hit 42....

Answer 6

Depends on what country you are in...... I think in the USA, you can legally join when you are 18. I haven't heard of a change in the upper limit....