I'm considering joining the military but I'm unsure about the age requirements. How young can someone enlist, and are there any specific conditions if you're under 18?
The minimum age to enlist in the U.S. military is 17 years old, but there are several stipulations for individuals who enlist at this age. Firstly, you need to have parental or guardian consent. Secondly, you must be a high school senior, or have a high school diploma or a GED. You can't be deployed until you’re 18, even with parental consent.
In terms of the maximum age, it varies by branch. For the Army, the maximum age is 35. For the Navy, 41, and the Marines, it's 28. For the Air Force, it's 42, and for the Coast Guard, it's 41. However, these maximum ages can sometimes be waived, especially for applicants with prior service experience.
Remember, military service is a serious decision and comes with real-world obligations. Be sure to thoroughly research and consider all your options before committing.
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