What's the Minimum Age to Enlist in the U.S. Military?

I'm thinking about joining the military after high school. What's the minimum age requirement to enlist here in the U.S., and are there any special permissions needed if you're still a minor?

The minimum age requirement to enlist in the U.S. military varies slightly based on the branch. For the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force, you need to be at least 17 years old. For the Coast Guard, you must be at least 18. However, if you're 17, you're still considered a minor, and you'll need parental or guardian consent to enlist.

For those who are 17 and have parental consent, enlisting usually means that you're joining the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). This allows you to get the enlistment process started while you're still in high school. Typically, you would go on to basic training after you graduate.

Just a heads up, when you enlist, you're making a serious commitment. In addition to age requirements, there are also various physical, mental, and moral standards to meet. Prior to enlisting, it's a good idea to discuss the decision with your family, researching thoroughly, and speaking with a military recruiter who can provide more details and help guide you through the process.

Finally, the new branch of the military, the Space Force, is still iterating its entry and training requirements, so if you're interested in that branch, I would recommend reaching out to a recruiter specifically for the Space Force to get the most accurate and updated information.