Can I join the US military at 45 years old?

Is 50 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.

Which military branch pays the most?

There is no branch that pays more. Base pay at a given grade and time of service is the same across the services. However, total pay and compensation can differ a lot due to allowances and special pays. But those are based on location and duties, not branch-of-service.

Can I join the Air Force at 45 years old?

To join the Air Force as an enlisted Airman, you must be between the ages of 17 and have not reached your 42nd birthday. To join as a healthcare or ministry professional, you must be between 17 and 48 years of age.

Can I join the navy at 40 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.*

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.

Which military branch is the best?

Air Force: Often recognized for its advanced technology, the Air Force is great for those interested in aviation, cybersecurity, or technology-based roles. It's generally considered to have a better quality of life compared to other branches with its superior living conditions and emphasis on education.

Is it too late to join the military at 45?

Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41.

How long is basic training boot camp?

Basic Training consists of four phases over 10 weeks, where you'll learn about the Army and train to become a Soldier.

What will disqualify you from the military?

Is reserve Army worth it?

The Army Reserve offers you the flexibility to pursue your individual goals and your passion to serve your country. You'll get paid to train part time, receive great benefits, and gain experiences you won't find anywhere else.

Do you get paid during basic training?

Simply put, you will be paid for every day you serve. This includes all time spent in training. You drill approximately two days a month, with two weeks of Annual Training each year. You are considered to be on Active Duty during job skill and Annual Training, and paid accordingly.

Do military pay taxes?

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.

What is the easiest military branch to get into?

Air Force: The Air Force often tops the list of "easiest" military branches due to its emphasis on technology and intelligence. Basic Military Training (BMT) lasts seven and a half weeks, which includes physical training but also involves subjects like military customs, life-saving skills, and weapon use.

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).

What disqualifies you from joining the Air Force?

Criminal Record

The Air Force is strict about criminal records. Even an excessive number of traffic-related law violations within a 365-day period could disqualify your eligibility, but you should discuss any concerns with your recruiter.

What is the lowest paid military branch?

E-1: $20,340. E-1 is the lowest enlisted rank in the US military: Airman Basic (Air Force), Private (Army/Marine Corps), Seaman Recruit (Navy). Service members usually hold this rank through basic training, and automatically promote to the next rank after six months of service.

Which military branch is the hardest to get into?

Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.

How much do navy seals make?

The estimated total pay for a Navy Seals is $1,37,115 per year in the Us area, with an average salary of $88,903 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.