I'm considering joining the military after high school and was wondering what the minimum age for enlistment is. Does it vary by branch, or is there a standard age requirement across all branches?
The minimum age for enlistment in the United States military is 17 years old with parental consent, or 18 years old without it. This age requirement applies across all branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the Space Force. It's important to note that while you can enlist at this age, you must have either a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate to be eligible. In some circumstances, branches may also set limits on the number of enlistees who only have a GED, as they typically prefer high school graduates.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.