How old is too old to join the military?

Answer 1

BLUF - 17 to 34.


2–2. Basic eligibility criteria for all nonprior-service applicants. Persons who apply for enlistment in the RA or the AR must meet eligibility criteria of this chapter and any other requirements for the MOS in which they are enlisting. Persons considered nonprior service (NPS), but previously separated from any Component of the Armed Forces with fewer than 180 days on active duty, are identified as “Glossary NPS.” All provisions applicable to NPS are also applicable to Glossary NPS unless a specific exception exists. Rules or tables that do not apply to Glossary NPS will be annotated to reflect applicability. Note. All disqualifications that exist for PS applicants apply to Glossary NPS as listed in chapter 4. The term Glossary NPS does not
change the fact an applicant has had military service. All provisions of this regulation that refer to basic active service date (BASD),cprevious military service, basic enlisted service date, and so forth apply.


2–3. Age
a. Applicant is eligible for enlistment if applicant is not less than 18 years of age and has not reached his or her 35th birthday, or is not less than 17 years of age and has not reached the 18th birthday, and the DD Form 1966 parental/ guardian consent for enlistment section has been properly completed.
(1) Recruiters will obtain parental consent for any applicant who has not reached the 18th birthday. Parental consent
may not be obtained more than 30 days prior to the 17th birthday; applicants must be 17 years of age at time of the
test, physical, and contracting into the DEP/DTP. This consent of parents or legal guardians must be in writing before
physical examination or enlistment. Enlistment is not authorized if either parent objects. However, if only one parent is
entitled to legal custody and control of the applicant, then only that parent’s consent is required. The recruiter will
identify supporting document used and indicate its identifying marks, such as petition, file, or docket number in DD
Form 1966 remarks section.
(2) If the applicant has neither parents nor a guardian or is married, legally separated, or divorced, a statement
referencing the court document or marriage license will be entered in the remarks block of the form and the applicant
may be enlisted without parental consent of parents. Applicants must be interviewed by commissioned officer assigned
to USAREC and annotated in DD Form 1966 remarks section for enlistment eligibility.
(3) Except as otherwise noted in this paragraph, both parents must generally sign the form. (An exception is that the

Answer 2

Definitly not too old. I work at a Military Entrance processing station and we sign up people all the time your age an older. We have 35 and 38 and even 40 yr olds coming in the front door constantly. As long as you pass the entrance physical and ASVAB test for a specific branch, you will be fine. Most components have programs in place now to provide all new enlistees with pre- basic training guidance or training to improve you performance while at training. Go for it now if its something you really want. Talk to all branches, dont be bullied or rushed into a decision by any one recruiter or branch and kind of have an idea of what you want out of your period of service before you go see a recruiter. Know what you want to do or what you are interested in, dont be afraid to say no and dont settle for anything less than what you want regardless of any guilt trips or pressures they may throw at you. Good luck and dont be afraid. Its all in your head!!

Answer 3

The new limit is 42.

I know, I served as an army officer in the '70's and tried to reactivate my commission after returning from Iraq working as a civilian. Even with 6 years of prior service,I missed the cut off date by 3 years. I am 52 now. Oddly enough I weigh just 3 pounds (178 at 6') more than when I was commissioned at age 22. Even being in good shape doesn't get us "old" guys back in.

Answer 4

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 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How old is too old to join the military?

Answer 6

30

Answer 7

25

Answer 8

If you want to join for the weekend warrior it is 35 years old for the full time military I am not to sure, call and ask a local recruiter!

Answer 9

35

Answer 10

If they are looking for guys who can run and jump and who ask silly questions, then I'd say 25

If they are looking for guys who know what to do in most military activities, then I'd say 45

If they are looking for guys who have been around and who can easily singe the enemy's butt, I'd say 55

But if they are looking for guys who can show them how to win their wars at the minimun cost in money and lives, then I'd say any where from 65 to 95