What Are the Age Requirements to Join the US Army?

You must be between the ages of 17 and 42 to enlist in the Army. Military personnel must retire at 62 years of age. The Army raised its age limit in 2005, when more recruits were needed during wartime. In addition to age requirements, recruits must meet physical fitness and medical standards and have a high school degree.

Minimum Age of Enlistment

With parental consent, you can enlist in the active duty Army, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves at age 17.

Raising the Age Limit

In 2005, the maximum age to enlist was raised from 35 to 40. In 2006, the age was raised again to 42 to broaden the recruitment pool. People from 35 to 42 years of age will still need to meet the same physical fitness requirements, and those from 40 to 42 years of age will undergo additional medical screening.

This age requirement applies to active duty Army, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves.

Army National Guard

If you join the National Guard to earn retirement benefits, you must have completed 20 years of experience by age 60. For example, if you have 10 years of prior Army service, you must be no older than 50 years of age when joining the National Guard in order to earn retirement benefits.

Officer Candidate School

To attend officer candidate school, you must have a college degree, be at least 19 years of age and be less than 29 years of age at the time of selection. According to the Army's website, age waivers may be considered.

Attending West Point

To be accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point, you must be at least 17 years old and not have passed your 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year you are admitted. After graduating from West Point, you are commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Army.