Can I join the military at 55 years old?
Asked by: Chester Hermiston | Last update: September 28, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (30 votes)
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41.
Is 55 too old to join the military?
Federal law sets a uniform maximum age limit for military enlistment at 42 across all branches. While this provides a baseline, individual branches retain the authority to define their own age limits, both minimum and maximum. These rules are also tailored to specific roles within each branch.
Can a 60 year old join the military?
Age Requirements for Active Duty Enlistees
In general, the Defense Department restricts enlistment to those 35 and younger. Prior enlisted service members can subtract their previous years of service from their age in order to extend eligibility. For example, the Air Force has a maximum age of 39 for reenlistment.
Can I join the Army at 53?
The maximum age to join the Army as an enlisted Soldier is 35, while Officers must accept their commission before age 31.
Can I join the Navy at 52 years old?
To join the Navy, you must: Be a U.S. citizen; or Legal Permanent Resident (Enlisted) Be between the ages of 17 and 41 for Enlisted programs. Age requirements for Officer programs vary.
Joining the Army After 40? Watch this.
Can I join the National Guard at 54 years old?
To join the National Guard without prior service, you must meet these mandatory requirements: Be between the ages of 17 and 35. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
Can a 55 year old doctor join the military?
Have a current state medical license within one year of entering the Medical Corps. Be willing to serve a minimum of two years of active duty. Be between the ages of 21 and 42 for Army and Air Force and up to 64 for Navy (qualified candidates over the age of 64 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
What is the oldest age to join the military prior service?
(2) Prior service. Applicants must be 17 to 34 years old. If 35 or older but less than 55 years, they will qualify if they: (i) Have a minimum of 3 years honorable active service in any one of the Armed Forces, with at least 1 or more days of Army service.
How much does the Air Force pay?
The average U.S. Air Force salary ranges from approximately $34,000 per year for Firefighter to $138,127 per year for Lieutenant. Average U.S. Air Force hourly pay ranges from approximately $13.55 per hour for Guest Service Agent to $35.42 per hour for Aircraft Mechanic Supervisor.
How old is the cut off age for the military?
The Army and Navy accept applicants up to age 35; the Air Force accepts recruits prior to their 28th birthday, and the Marine Corps age limit is 29.
How much is military flight pay?
Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP): Service members under orders to participate in regular and frequent aerial flights as crew or non-crew members may be entitled to flying pay for that duty. Monthly payments for crewmembers vary by rank and range from $150 to $250 for Officers and $150 to $240 for Enlisted.
How to get the 50k Army bonus?
Officer/Warrant Officer Accession Bonus: An officer or person who accepts a commission or appointment in the Army Reserve, meets all eligibility criteria, and executes an agreement to serve in an identified job skill for a minimum four year term of service may qualify for a bonus up to $50,000.
Can a 58 year old man join the military?
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41.
Is a 66 year old woman too old for a 56 year old man?
Age should not be a barrier to love and companionship. There is no reason why a relationship between an older woman and younger man cannot work long term, provided both partners are committed and willing to put in the work.
How long is boot camp?
Army: Basic Combat Training (BCT) lasts about 10 weeks. 2. Navy: Recruit Training, or "boot camp," is approximately 10 weeks long.
What disqualifies you from joining the Army?
These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height and weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others. Additionally, law violations can prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of any crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.
Can foreigners join the US military?
Enlistment into any branch of the U.S. military, by citizens of countries other than the United States is limited to those foreign nationals who are legally residing in the United States and possess a Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services Alien Registration Card (INS Form I-151/551 - commonly known as a "Green ...
Can I join the Navy at 47?
The age limit for Navy Reserve servicemembers is 42 years, though exceptions can be made for Sailors who have previously served. The minimum age requirement is 17 with parental consent and 18 without.
What medical conditions make you unable to join the military?
Un-united fractures, history of instability of a major joint, certain retained orthopedic fixation devices, severe scoliosis, or any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, wearing of military equipment, or detract from military bearing and appearance ...
Can I join the reserves at 50 years old?
You must meet these minimum requirements to join the National Guard or military reserves: Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. Be between the ages of 17 and 42 (general requirement range; age varies by branch).
Is 55 too late to become a doctor?
Is it too late to become a doctor? While there is nothing to stop you from starting medical school at 30, 40, or 50 years of age, there are some important factors to consider: Length of educational process – Medical school is typically four years, but residency is another three to eight years.
Who gets paid more Army or Navy?
All branches of the U.S. military offer the same base pay based on rank and years of service. However, other factors can impact a military member's pay, including: Special pay: Some service members receive additional pay based on their job specialty or tasks performed.
Is military pay taxed?
While all pays are taxable, most allowances are tax-exempt. The primary allowances for most individuals are BAS and BAH, which are tax-exempt. Conus COLA is one allowance that is taxable. A law change mandated that every allowance created after 1986 would be taxable.
How much do seals earn?
As of Jan 21, 2025, the average annual pay for a Navy Seal in the United States is $98,176 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $47.20 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,888/week or $8,181/month.