I am 42 years old, just had a birthday 2 weeks ago... Am I too old to join the US miltary (any branch)?!?

Question

only serious answers, please. Thank you for helpful anwers in advance.

if i missed the cut off date by 2 weeks, can I get a waiver?

Answer 1

If you are 42 and prier service you take the time in service subtract from age and see. The Army will take you up to 42 y/o. I missed it by 6 months I'm prier service and checked in to this.


Vet-USAF 44MMS

Answer 2

Unless you have prior service, you are too old for the Regular Army. Per regulation 601-210 ' Active and Reserve Components Enlistment Program' Chapter 2, section 2-3 AGE : ALL NPS (non prior service) Regular Army and Reserve Component applicants must enlist and ship PRIOR to their 42nd birthday and be eligible for regular or non-regular retirement by age 62."

This is NOT waiverable for the Regular Army. It is however waiverable in -some- limited cases for the Army Reserve.

Best bet is to see an Army RESERVE recruiter. Just call the local recruiting office and ask for the Reserve recruiter.

Answer 3

The only branch I can think of is the U. S Army which changed the regulation a couple of years ago to allow those up to 42 to enter and go to basic training. Call a local recruiter, look up army regulation 601-210 or go to the army website to find out more

Answer 4

Actually, you might have a chance at the Army:

"FORT KNOX, Ky. (Army News Service, June 22, 2006) – The Army has raised the enlistment age to 42, made possible under provisions of the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization Act. "

"“Experience has shown that older recruits who can meet the physical demands of Army service generally make excellent Soldiers. They are mature, motivated, loyal and patriotic, and bring with them a wealth of skills and experience to our Army,” said Col. Donald Bartholomew, U.S. Army Recruiting Command Assistant Chief of Staff, G5.

“We certainly do not expect for this change to result in a large increase of recruits, however it will allow for those individuals who have the passion for service, but for whatever reason could not serve earlier in their lives, the opportunity to serve the nation now, when the time is right for them,” he added.

All applicants must meet eligibility standards, to include passing the physical standards and medical examinations; however those 40 to 42 will be given additional medical screening."

Answer 5

I believe you can still enlist in the Army and Army Reserves. You might need a waiver but it's definitely do-able. I just wonder if you would be able to live off of the $550 every two weeks you'd be pulling as an ActiveDuty E-1/E-2 at this time of your life.

Answer 6

I think the Army or National Guard are your only choice because I believe they raised their max age to 42. I know you are too old for the Navy, sorry. Good Luck.

Answer 7

I believe the upper age limit for initial enlistment in any branch is 37, up from 35 a few years ago. The only exception would be for doctors and dentists.

Answer 8

They have waivers for just about everything. I know a kid that scored a 20 on the ASVAB, and he was waived in. If you are fit, they'll probably let you in, especially in a reserve component. Talk to a local recruiter.

Answer 9

Go to your nearest US ARMY Recruiter, because the cutoff age is 42 and you might be able to join up.

Answer 10

If it is a non-prior service enlistment, you must report to basic training prior to your 42nd birthday. Since you are 2 weeks past your 42nd birthday, the answer is yes, you are too old.