Is it possible to enlist in the military at age 17?

I just turned 17 and I'd like to enlist in the military. Can someone tell me if it's possible to enlist at this age and what additional requirements might be needed, like parental consent?

Yes, it is possible to enlist in the military at the age of 17, but there are a few additional requirements.

First, you will need the consent of a parent or guardian. This usually means that they would need to be present with you at the time of your enlistment to sign the enlistment agreement, or they would send a notarized letter of consent.

Second, you should still meet the other general requirements. These usually include being a U.S. citizen or a resident foreign national, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a medical examination. Each branch of the military--Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force--might have additional eligibility requirements, so you will need to check with the specific branch that you're interested in joining.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that, despite being able to enlist at age 17, you won't be able to serve in active duty until you're 18. Until then, you would likely be in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), where you commit to basic training at a future date.

Remember, joining the military is a major decision with long-term implications, so it's crucial to do your research and ideally speak with a military recruiter before committing.