I'm curious about joining the military after high school but I'm worried about any age requirements. Can someone explain what the age cutoff is for military enlistment? How strict are they about this rule?
For most branches of the U.S. military, the minimum age for enlistment is 17 years old with parental consent, or 18 years old without parental consent. The maximum age for active-duty enlistment is as follows:
- Army: 35
- Navy: 41
- Marines: 28
- Air Force: 42
- Coast Guard: 41
- Space Force: The Space Force is a newer branch of the military and recruits principally from the Air Force, so potential age requirements would be similar to those of the Air Force.
These age limits are usually quite strict as they are part of the enlistment standards prescribed by the Department of Defense. Exceptions may be made for certain professions or skills that are in high demand.
It's important to note that these age limits are for initial enlistment. Once you're in the military, you can stay up into your sixties in some cases.
Make sure to speak with a recruiter from the specific branch you're interested in to get the most accurate information based on your circumstances.
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