I'm a high school junior and thinking about my future options. What is the cut-off age for enlisting in the U.S. military? Are there different ages for different branches?
The age requirements for enlisting in the U.S. military vary slightly by branch.
For the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force, you need to be at least 17 to enlist with parental consent or 18 without parental consent. The maximum age for enlistment is 35 for the Army, 41 for the Navy, and 28 for the Marine Corps.
The Air Force and Coast Guard have slightly different requirements. The Air Force allows enlistment between the ages of 17 and 42, while the Coast Guard accepts applicants between the ages of 17 and 41.
Keep in mind, that this basic age threshold applies to enlistment—officer programs and specialized roles may have different age requirements. Also, waivers can sometimes be granted for those slightly over the age limit, but it's on a case-by-case basis and not guaranteed. It's best to speak with a recruiter for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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