What's the age limit for enlisting in the U.S. military?

I'm considering joining the military after high school but I'm curious about the age limits. How old can you be to enlist in the U.S. military? Are there any exceptions or special programs for older recruits?

For most branches of the U.S. military, the general enlistment age ranges from 17 years old with parental consent to approximately 35-39. Here are the specific age limits for each branch:

1. Army: 17-35 years old

2. Navy: 17-39 years old

3. Air Force: 17-39 years old

4. Marine Corps: 17-29 years old

5. Coast Guard: 17-31 years old

6. Space Force: Since it is a new branch, they currently take transfers from active-duty members of other military branches. The age requirements to transfer are the same as those of the Air Force, which is the branch the Space Force was formed from. We expect a similar range when recruiting is more established.

It's worth mentioning that each military branch may have exceptions and waivers to these age limits, for special programs or for people with specific skills or qualifications. Also, if you're a reservist or veteran, you may re-enlist or transfer into another branch past these age limits. Always check with a local recruiter or the particular branch's website for the most current and accurate information.