What's the earliest age to enlist in the U.S. military?

I'm in high school and strongly considering enlisting in the military. I'm curious about the age requirements. What is the youngest age you can enlist in the military, and are there any exceptions or special programs?

The minimum age to enlist in the U.S. military is 17 years old. However, at this age, you will need parental consent. If you enlist at 17, you would enter the Delayed Entry Program, which means you commit to basic training at a future date, typically after high school graduation. This gives you the advantage of securing your spot in the military and potentially your job preferences (the military refers to its jobs as "MOS" or "Military Occupational Specialties").

Without parental consent, you need to be 18 years old to enlist. Keep in mind that the maximum age for enlisting varies from branch to branch. It's typically between the ages of 28 for the Marine Corps 41 for the Navy and 42 for the Air Force and up to 35 for the Army. These age limits are waived in some instances, such as for veterans with prior service who wish to re-enter the service.

Additionally, each military branch has its own ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program. These programs are available at many colleges, allowing students to work towards becoming an officer in the military while completing their degree. You typically start ROTC in your first year of college, which would usually be around age 18 or 19.

Before making a decision, it's a good idea to talk to recruiters from different branches, research options online, and possibly reach out to service members who can share their experiences. Make sure to consider factors such as your desired career path, educational opportunities, benefits, and the commitment required, which includes basic training and a service commitment typically ranging from two to six years.