I must admit, at 32 years of age, I’m thinking about enlisting. I recently lost my job and looking for something new. I’m in excellent physical health, not sure if I’m too old, but would definitely love to serve. Obama had enlistment standards impossibly high.
You’re good but if you have a college degree try to get a commission.
The Army has a program where you can go from enlisted to warrant officer pretty quickly. Look into that.
The current age cutoff is 35.
Have college? Check into commissioning opportunities.
I went in at 27 and spent 27 years defending the Republic. Would do it all over again.
About a dozen years ago the Guard raised their recruiting age to 39; that might work if other routes fail.
I support high enlistment standards because we don’t need a massive military, and therefore can take the cream of the crop.
It use to be 35.5 years old was the limit. If you have a degree you could go to Officer Training School. Either officer or enlisted you will be looked upon as an old timer. Most of higher rank people will be in thier late 30’s and close to retirement.
You could do it !
What are your specialties?
At 32, I recommend a cold shower.
Starting from scratch in the military needs to begin at about 18, not 32.
Obama had enlistment standards impossibly high.”””
News to me-—every time there was a thread about the military under Obama, there was more & more involvement including women in submarines—in open combat—and the very worst of all:
Letting both sexes join the US military with criminal records—even felonies. Everything Obama touched in 8 years was a detriment to the USA.
I don’t mind women in the military, but I don’t want them in submarines-—too delicate a place for those close quarters for women, and with the kinds of enemies we are dealing with today, I don’t want a woman soldier in the hands of ISIS or other Muslim renegades.
However, IF you can get past boot camp & you have serious technical skills, you might find yourself a great fit for the military.
Obama purged so many life-long professionals in the USA military, we have a great shortage of experience & knowledge.
Find out what they can tell you.
Chaplains or doctors... maybe some very much needed specialities at your age.
I commend you for your thoughts of enlisting. I’ve been there-done-that myself. Keep in mind you will be competing with kids almost half your age with a much different view of our culture than you might have.
The combat arms can be quite physically demanding.
Where I’m going with this, is go into an MOS (job) where your age is more apt to be respected, say maybe an MP, CID investigator or one of the many military intelligence jobs.
Being an officer is a great idea, but keep in mind if you go that route you will be in competition smart a$$ butter bars. Instead, find a job as a warrant officer, I found older warrant officers are well respected as a W01.
https://www.thebalance.com/us-military-enlistment-standards-3354001
Article updated Aug 16, 2016
Active Duty None-Prior Service
Army - 35 (must ship to basic training prior to 35th birthday. The Army experimented with raising the age limit to age 42 for a brief period of time, but effective April 1st, 2011, the Army has reverted to the lower age limit.
Air Force - 39
Navy - 34
Marines - 28
Coast Guard - Age 27. Note: up to age 32 for those selected to attend A-school directly upon enlistment (this is mostly for prior service).
Reserve Non-Prior Service
Army Reserves - 35
Army National Guard - 35
Air Force Reserve - 34
Air National Guard - 40
Naval Reserves - 39
Marine Corps Reserve - 29
Coast Guard Reserves - Age 39
Each of the branches establish their own age limits. the following is from Military.com:
Air Force - Be between the ages of 17-27
Army - Be between the ages of 17-34
Coast Guard - Be between the ages of 17- 39
Marines - Be between the ages of 17-29
Navy - Be between the ages of 17-34
There are other restrictions that must be covered prior to acceptability to include things like the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. (Different score for different branches) Some other ones are meeting exacting physical, mental, and moral standards for the Marines or having no more than two dependents for the Air Force, Army, or Coast Guard. Outside of that, you will find that the physical requirements are greatly enhanced for all the branches and if you make it, you will be in the best shape you probably have ever been in. And at 32, your body is just beginning to slow down but you will be expected to compete with the 18 year old peer and the standards they establish for them, at least annually. I wish you good luck and hope you succeed.
red
65 y/o and retired O-6. Ready to go back if needed. BTW I am still under my weight limit and can pass any PT test.
I think 26 is the outside age. It used to be anyway.