Is 28 too old to enlist in the military?

I'm turning 28 next year and am thinking about enlisting in the military. Is that too old to start? Do different branches have different age limits? Would I be too old for certain roles?

You're right in that different branches of the military have different age restrictions for new enlistees. The general age limit for active duty enlistment for the Marine Corps is 28, for the Army is 35, for the Navy it's 41, for the Coast Guard it's 41, and the Air Force and Space Force have a limit of 42. So for most branches, you're still within the limit.

But keep in mind that turning 28 might put some restrictions on certain roles and positions. For example, becoming a military officer typically requires one to be commissioned before the age of 31 in many branches.

As such, it’s important to contact a recruiter from the branch you're interested in to get the most accurate information regarding age limits and whether any waivers or exceptions can be made for certain roles, especially if you hold specific skills or qualifications that are high in demand.

Also, remember that military training can be physically and psychologically demanding regardless of age, so preparing oneself physically and mentally is an important factor to consider.

In short, you're not too old to enlist, but various factors may impact where and how you serve.