How Old Do You Have to Be to Join the Army?

New enlistees in the Army must be between 17 and 42.

Among the entrance requirements for new recruits into the United States Army are minimum and maximum age limits. These age limits ensure that enlistees are old enough to not be considered children, yet young enough to be in prime physical condition.

Limits

All new enlistees admitted into the Army must be at least 17 years old, and no older than 41. To enlist at 17, recruits must have parental consent. Otherwise, they must wait until the age of 18 to join.

Authority

The age limits in place for the Army aren't simply mandated by the service itself, but are federal law. These restrictions are mandated according to title 10, section 505 of the United States Code, and apply to all branches of military service.

Exceptions

There are exceptions to these age limits. Officers in the Army Medical Corps, such as dentists or those with advanced degrees, can join the Army up until age 60. Chaplains can join up until age 50, with an age waiver.

References

• GoArmy.com: About the Armyh
• Cornell University School of Law: U.S. Code
• GoArmy.com: Army Chaplain Corps
• GoArmy.com: Dental Corps