How do minors sign up for the military?

Question

I am not real sure of how the military (any branch) conducts their recruiting and/or sign-ups for high school students, other than when they get your child's phone number they don't know the word no, but... one specific scenario has occured with my middle son's classmate, so explain this: She, at 16 1/2 signed up with a military branch when the recruiter came to school. She apparently gets a larger sign up bonus the further away from 18 she is. So, she is a totally flighty little gal and what if she now doesn't do whatever they want her to at 18, or doesn't show up where ever they have her scheduled to after high school graduation? I guess I am mainly asking how does a minor (16 years old) sign what seems to be a binding contract, when I thought you had to be 18 to sign any type of binding contract? Does the military fall under some kind of exemption? I also am not real sure kids should be allowed to sign up. If you are actually 18, that's another story.

This specific girl's Mom passed away when she was a baby, her Grandpa raised her, then he died a few years ago, so at like 14 her Aunt took her, so her Aunt is her Guardian at this time.

Answer 1

With your parents signature you can sign up at 17. You will go to basic training depending on how your schooling is you may go during summer vacation before your senior year of high school. Come back after basic training, graduate high school, then go do your MOS school.

Legally you cannot sign any contract until your 18, but this type of contract can be signed by either a parent or legal guardian.

Bonus's are not larger because you sign up earlier than 18. The bonus is the same for everyone, plus or minus a few grand depending upon the MOS you choose, and how soon you would like to leave for basic training.

Answer 2

You can sign up for the Military at the age of 17 (with parents consent of course) 18 and up you can sign up on your own because you are declared by law to be an adult. Any age under 17 to my knowledge you are not authorized to enter into a binding contract regardless if parental concent is given. When you are 17 however, and you enlist in the military and you're RNLTD (report no later than date) is a ways away you are put into the DEP (Delayed Enlistment Program) which makes you part of the armed forces until you leave for Basic Training. If she lied about her age, which is illegal on an official government document then the contract should be null and void.

Answer 3

Her Aunt is the one to sign the documents. To my knowledge, (was a minor when I signed up), they are very noisy in private life. So birth certificates, notification of parent decease or child out of wedlock etc etc etc.

I was 16 and half when I began to sign up and I signed my contract right after I turned 17. I graduated high school at age 17, four days later, I was off to boot camp. I would of been 18 after that summer after I graduated boot camp...if I didn't get Medical Honorable Discharge...sadly.

Legally, they can not sign a minor up until signature of gaurdianship and has to be after high school. etc.

Even if they promise more money or advance in rank, don't expect it. In boot camp, the first thing I (and rest of the girls) was asked was : Did anyone recieve any promises from their recruiters? A few raised their hands. Then followed by: Good. I see we have a few suckers.... and the DI's where correct. My husband's promises where not ment either. Our recruiter (same as mine) would not speak to me cuz I came home on Honorable Medical Discharge (I wanted to stay) as that ment he wasn't recieving $$ from my existance.

I hope she signed up because she wants to be in the military. Not because the benefits she is being offered.

Answer 4

I was 17 when i went in. I was 16 when i signed the contract, what happens is you AND your parents have to talk to a recruiter, and your parents have to sign papers for you to get emancipated.... Once you do that you sign your enlistment forms, you have a ship date of soemtime after you turn 17... If you do not show up for your enlistment date you can be jailed, you are violating a legal and biding contract..

But you can not join or even sign unless you have a diploma, you cant join while your in school..

They dont do that.

Answer 5

At that age, their "signing up" is more a statement of intent. Even those who join the Delayed Entry Program can get out of enlisting, if they change their mind. It requires more than just saying you don't want to join... there are forms to be completed... but until you swear in at MEPS the second time, when you've officially enlisted and sworn in and are fully qualified to leave for boot camp, you can back out.

For a minor to enlist in the Delayed Entry Program, they simply need the signature of a parent or legal guardian.

Oh... and the bonuses aren't paid until they are officially in.

Answer 6

I was 17 when i signed up for the Army Reserves, and I needed parental consent. Also, I was in the delayed entry program,(six months) so I could go to meetings every month on the weekend scheduled and be paid for the time I put in. My orders for boot camp came for me to leave 3 weeks after graduation.

Answer 7

i joined at 17 you dont sign the contract til ya reach 17 with parents signing a permission waiver i did the same as above talked at 16 joined at 17 but i didnt get money an i didnt get to leave til i was 17 if she goes to training at 17 she will not be allowed to leave until shes 18 if shes active duty

Answer 8

i believe its 17 years old with a parents consent and signature... she could have signed up for a program type thing where she checks in with the recruiter but it won't be final (if she does decide she wants to do) it until her parents sign at 17 for her or she is 18 (but she has to graduate or get a ged first).

Answer 9

its not a contract they have you sign when you are 16,its a promise note that you will be willing to go to the military after graduation.then when you are 18 they will call you and set up an appointment with you to have you sign the contract

Answer 10

she has not signed anything legal/binding. earliest she can enlist is 17 with a parent or legal Guardian's signature. She cannot ship until she graduates High School. your age has squat to do with how large a bonus you get.