I'm thinking about enlisting in the military after graduation, but I'm not exactly sure how old you can be. What's the age cutoff for joining, and does it differ between branches?
Each branch of the U.S. military has its age requirements for enlistment, with some variation between the active-duty and reserve components. Here's a general breakdown:
- The Air Force: For active duty, the age range is 17-42.
- The Army: For active duty, the age range is 17-35.
- The Navy: For active duty, the age range is 17-41.
- The Marine Corps: For active duty and Marine Corps Reserves, the age range is 17-28.
- The Coast Guard: For active duty, the age range is 17-41. However, if you have prior service or certain skills, the age limit may be relaxed by a few years.
- The Space Force: The age range is 17-42, same as the Air Force since the Space Force is a department within the Air Force.
In each case, 17-year-olds can enlist with parental consent. If you're older than these ranges, there may be other opportunities to serve in a civilian capacity. Lastly, any age limits are subject to change, so always check the specific branch's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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