The minimum age for enlistment in the military varies from country to country. The United States and Canada set the minimum enlistment age at seventeen, with some exceptions provided for those younger than seventeen. Australia is among the countries that require a potential recruit to be 18 years of age or older before they can enlist with permission from a parent or guardian.
The Minimum Age Permitted to Join the Military
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United States
In the United States, the minimum age to enlist in military service without parental consent is 18 years old. This means that a 17-year-old can enlist in a branch of service and grant them a high school diploma—whether or not the high school diploma has been earned. However, if they have less than 18 years old, they must have had parental consent before they can enlist in the armed forces without it being waived.
Canada
The minimum enlistment age in Canada is 17 years old. They also understand that if they are in high school, their high school diploma will grant them this age. Similarly to the United States, if they are younger than 17 years old, they require parental consent to enlist before they can join the military without it being waived by a parent or guardian.
If you’re wondering about the average height for Canadians, check out Canadian Average Height. It provides information on the average height for both men and women in Canada as well as how height impacts health and other interesting facts.
Australia
The minimum age to join the armed forces in Australia is 18 years old for male recruits and 17 for female recruits.
However, the following two situations can provide a person under this age with the ability to join the armed forces without parental consent, but only if they have graduated from high school:
The first situation is if a member of the armed forces recruits them. In this case, they may enlist without parental consent after their eighteenth birthday.
The second situation is if a member of the armed forces who has been an enlisted member for at least 12 months recruits them. In this case, they may enlist without parental consent after their seventeenth birthday.
Military Age Limits Table Charts
| US Army | US Navy | US Air Force | US Marine Corps | US Coast Guard | |
| Active Duty | 17 – 35 | 17 – 34 | 17 – 39 | 17 – 29 | 17 – 27 |
| Reserve | 17 – 35 | 17 – 39 | 17 – 39 | 17 – 29 | 17 – 39 |
| Guard | 17 – 35 | N/A | 17 – 39 | N/A | N/A |
| Service Academies | 17-23 | 17 – 23 | 17 – 23 | 17 – 23 | 17 – 22 |
Image of Military Age Limits Table Charts
If you are interested in joining the Marine Corps, it is important to know the height and weight requirements. Check out the Marine Corps Height and Weight Charts Standards to learn more about what is required for both men and women. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for anyone hoping to join the armed forces.
U.S. Army Age Limits
The US Army accepts new recruits into the military through a prescribed enlistment process. The US Army is looking to enlist individuals who are between the ages of 17 and 35 for the job. This age group represents the best opportunity to train, mold, and prepare the individual to serve as a soldier in today’s economy.
In order to comply with federal law, those between ages 17-20 must have parental consent to enlist. If you are between ages 17-20 and require parental consent, your parents must sign your enlistment contract.
Additionally, those who are age 21 to 29 must have a high school diploma or GED before they can move forward with the enlistment process. Those who do not meet these requirements can still join the Army but will be placed on a conditional basis where they will be required to complete their education within a set time frame before they can continue with their training.
Enlisted
- Minimum Age: 17 years old (with parental consent)
- Maximum Age: 35 years old
Officer
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- Maximum Age: Less than 34 years old
Note: You must enter active duty or ship to training by your 33rd birthday. You need to accept commission prior to age 34.
U.S Air Force Age Limits
The Air Force is currently looking to recruit people between the ages of 17 and 35. The Air Force seeks to enlist individuals who are physically capable of performing the duties of their positions. They are interested in individuals who are capable of standing for 10 hours within a day, able to lift 80 pounds, and ready for high-stress work environments.
To become an airman in the US Air Force, one needs to be between 18-34 years old. Once a recruits sign a contract with the U.S. Air Force, they will be required to be at least 17 years old during the first year of service for entry level positions. In addition, those under the age of 18 must have parental consent before joining active duty. In order to become a commissioned officer, one must complete 20 weeks of basic training and then attend Officer Training School. Once you are commissioned, you can begin your career.
Enlisted
- Minimum Age: 17 years old
- Maximum Age: 35 years old
Officer
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- Maximum Age: 34 years old
Note: You must enter active duty or ship to training by your 33rd birthday. You need to accept commission prior to age 34.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for military eligibility. Check out the Army height and weight charts for men and women to determine the maximum allowable weight based on your height and age. A healthy weight not only ensures eligibility but also maximizes performance during basic training and beyond.
U.S. Navy Age Limits
The US Navy is currently looking to recruit individuals between the ages of 17 and 32. The Navy will only accept those who are physically and mentally capable of performing duties. They want individuals who can withstand long hours and high amounts of stress on a daily basis.
In order to serve as a naval officer, one must be between 18-29 years old. Once you enlist in the US Navy, you will be required to attend boot camp for six weeks. You can then continue on with career training.
Enlisted
- Minimum Age: 17 years old
- Maximum Age: 32 years old
Officer
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- Maximum Age: Less than 30 years old (Under Secretary of the Navy Policy)
U.S. Marine Corps Age Limits
The US Marine Corps is currently looking to recruit individuals between the ages of 16 and 34. Individuals who are exceptionally qualified can become an officer in the US Marine Corps. However, one must be at least 17 years old before you can enlist in this branch of service. Once you enlist, you will need to complete basic training for 11 weeks. At the completion of your training, you will be required to attend Officer Candidate School for 5 weeks before attending Officer’s School.
Enlisted
- Minimum Age: 17 years old
- Maximum Age: 34 years old
Officer
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (Under Secretary of the Navy Policy)
- Maximum Age: 34 years old (Under Secretary of the Navy Policy)
Note: You must enter active duty or ship to training by your 33rd birthday. You need to accept commission prior to age 34.
U.S. Coast Guard Age Limits
The US Coast Guard is currently looking to recruit individuals between the ages of 17 and 39. The US Coast Guard provides a wide range of jobs, so they are interested in many different types of individuals. The US Coast Guard looks for those who want to protect the environment. They also want those who are interested in saving lives and enforcing laws within their respective communities and across the country as a whole.
To become a commissioned officer with the US Coast Guard, one needs to be between 20-27 years old. To become a non-commissioned officer in the US Coast Guard, one needs to be between 18-39 years old. Once you enlist in the US Coast Guard, you will be required to complete boot camp for 9 weeks. You can then continue on with career training.
Enlisted
- Minimum Age: 17 years old
- Maximum Age: 39 years old
Officer
- Minimum Age: 20 years old (Under Secretary of the Navy Policy)
- Maximum Age: Under 35 years old (Under Secretary of the Navy Policy)
Want to join the Coast Guard but unsure about the height and weight requirements? Check out Coast Guard height and weight charts on Hood MWR. The charts detail what weight is considered to be within standards based on your height, as well as the maximum allowed body fat percentage. Proper physique is important for Coast Guard personnel to perform their duties effectively.
Age Requirements Are Supplemented by Education Requirements
The current minimum age for enlistment in the active Armed Forces is 17 years old. However, education requirements may preclude persons from enlisting at 17 years old. There are no maximum enlistment ages for the active Armed Forces.
All applicants, regardless of their country or citizenship, must meet a number of requirements prior to entering military service. These include:
In addition to these qualifications, applicants must be physically qualified and take a physical exam before being accepted into military service. This exam is designed to determine the applicant’s physical and mental capabilities. A physical assessment also determines if the applicant is qualified to join the military.
Applicants must also meet the specific requirements of their job in order to be accepted into military service.
Applicants must pass a background investigation and drug test to be considered for enlistment (not all applicants qualify).
The Security Investigation, which determines security risks, is administered through a polygraph examination.
Applicants must pass a medical examination. This is performed by a military doctor who determines if the applicant can join the military. The U.S. has three branches of the armed forces, and all applicants must meet requirements for each branch of service no matter what their major (or occupation) is, or what their postsecondary education is like.
Applicants must complete various training courses before they are considered for military assignment. These courses vary by branch of service and vary extensively in length by military specialty. There is no set length for basic training or individual branches of service.
Applicants who have been accepted into service must also complete a 12-month enlistment contract. This agreement states what the applicant’s military responsibilities will be, and it is final upon completion of the contract. Military personnel change duty stations frequently during their careers, so a 12-month enlistment is simply a way to ensure that the applicant understands his/her military responsibilities before entering active duty.
Military Branches Enlist Considerations
The U.S. Military has three major branches: the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy/Coast Guard. All branches of service require applicants to meet certain qualifications for enlistment before they can join their service.
As with applications for other military branches, applicatons to all of the three main U.S. Military branches must meet education requirements including having an “education equivalent” (ie: GED), or a high school diploma that is at least four years long (not necessarily completed).
Applicants to these organizations are also limited by United States citizenship requirements for eligibility for enlistment into each branch of service based on age limits and time restrictions as well as other factors such as criminal records and medical conditions.
Each branch of the United States Military services has different age requirements, citizenship requirements and even physical limitations for eligibility for enlistment.
The U.S. Military also has certain enlistment restrictions which vary by age, time in service and length of service within each branch of the armed services. These restrictions are designed to ensure that applicants will be able to complete an enlistment contract (or initial term of service) without extreme hardship or special consideration. These restrictions are in place to help the applicant make an informed decision by ensuring that enlistment will not interrupt their education or career plans.
For example, the United States Air Force requires an applicant to be at least 18 years of age (with some minor restrictions) prior to applying for enlistment. They also require an applicant to have either graduated high school or received a GED by the time they enlist.
GED Holders Must Score Higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
It is important to note that an applicant who has already received his/her GED (General Educational Development) must score higher than other applicants on the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). This requirement is not just for military service, but also for any organization, company or government agency that requires applicants to take an aptitude test before they are considered for employment. The U.S. Military requires applicants to pass this test before recruits are accepted into service (after they complete basic training).
The ASVAB is a timed test which measures a variety of skills including general knowledge, verbal abilities, math ability and mechanical comprehension. In order to enlist in the military, applicants must score higher than the minimum on the ASVAB for their age group and gender
Note: The minimum score is set by the military branch of service that the applicant is applying to.
Selective Service System
The Selective Service System or SSS is a federal agency that oversees the draft of all males between the ages of 18 and 25 living in the United States.
Recruit Selection Boards (RSBs) at military installations around the country conduct a personal interview with each applicant. Only those applicants receiving a favorable recommendation from an RSB are eligible for enlistment.
In order to meet most qualifications for enlistment, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent education, and be between 17 and 34 years old.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and unmarried, and cannot have any prior convictions for drug usage, felonies or other significant misdemeanors.
Applicants must be free of any contagious diseases, such as tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS, and be able to complete basic training without special consideration.
Looking for job opportunities as a civilian in Fort Hood area? Checkout Fort Hood Civilian Personnel Advisory Centers, they will help you every step of the way in the hiring process. With their guidance and support, you can increase your chances of landing a rewarding and fulfilling job on the installation.
Prior Service Enlistments
There are very few prior service enlistments allowed into the United States military. Prior service applicants must meet strict requirements before applying for enlistment. There is no set time period that an applicant must wait to reenlist in the military, but most applicants who are looking to rejoin the military will need to wait (sometimes) years between their first term of enlistment and their next term if they want to join another branch of service or serve in a different specialty.
Prior service applicants are also required to meet all enlistment requirements for their age group and must pass a physical examination before they can be considered for enlistment.
The United States Military has increased its efforts to recruit high school graduates or high school dropouts with GEDs (General Educational Development diplomas). The military is facing an increased demand for trained personnel and has been forced to expand eligibility standards in order to fill its ranks.
There are a number of reasons that a GED is a popular choice for applicants. The requirements to graduate from high school in the United States have become increasingly difficult and lengthy. For example, in the 1950s, most U.S. high schools required only four years of study for high school graduation, but by 1985 it had increased to five years. In 2011, the average U.S. high school student would need to spend 12 years in high school in order to graduate.
In order to meet the increasing demand for qualified candidates, the military raised its eligibility requirements for enlistment and began accepting applicants with a GED instead of a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Recruiters also face challenges when trying to attract new recruits into their service branch. There is a perception among some potential military applicants that enlisting would not be worth it because of the cost and potential dangers involved. Because of these concerns, many potential applicants choose not to enlist and choose instead to join the military’s reserve force, where they will receive a federal subsidy and be eligible for unlimited reenlistment, but will not be considered for regular duty assignment (i.e., commissioned officers and enlisted personnel).
However, recent reports have shown that the salaries earned by active duty military personnel are significantly higher than the average salary earned by all U.S. civilian employees.
Most applicants who receive their GED at least three years prior to enlistment are eligible for immediate reenlistment. However, most applicants with a GED submitted more than three years before enlistment will still be required to attend recruit training school (Formally known as “Basic Training”) before they are eligible to join the military.
If You Haven’t Earned Your Diploma Yet and Want to Join The Military Out of High School
The answer is that you can join the military without a high school diploma if you are 17 years of age or older. You are also encouraged to attend military recruiting events, even if you are still in high school. The recruiters will provide information about how you can join the military after graduating from high school, even though you will not be able to join up without a high school diploma or GED.
The recruiter can even help you to enroll in the GED program if you are not currently enrolled. If you are 17 years of age or older and want to join the military despite your lack of a high school diploma, start by obtaining information about joining the military. You can either call or visit a nearby military recruiting office.
FAQs
What is the maximum age for military enlistment in the United States?
The maximum age for military enlistment in the United States is 42 years old according to Indeed, although each service branch ultimately decides what the minimum and maximum age limits for service in that branch are.
What is the minimum age for military enlistment in Canada?
In Canada, Canadian Armed Forces stated the minimum age for military enlistment is 16 years old with parental consent, and 18 years old without parental consent.
What is the maximum age for military enlistment in Australia?
According to Defence Jobs Australia, the maximum age for military enlistment varies depending on the service branch and role. Generally, the maximum age is 17-55 years old for full-time service and 17-65 years old for part-time service.
Are there any exceptions to military enlistment age limits?
According to US Army, There may be exceptions to military enlistment age limits based on individual circumstances, such as prior military service or specialized skills. It’s best to check with the specific service branch for more information.
