How to Join the Air Force Reserve at 32
Serving your country in the Air Force Reserve is the best way to help a great cause and still live a civilian life. The Air Force Reserve always has job openings, and you can serve in any unit stateside or overseas. Many reservists work one weekend each month and complete two weeks of annual training in the summer, but if you prefer to do more, the opportunities in the Air Force Reserve are endless. If you are age 32, you are still eligible to join the Air Force Reserve whether you have prior military service or not.
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Things You'll Need
- Birth certificate
- High school diploma
- College diploma and transcripts (optional)
- Driver's license
- Social Security card
Instructions
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Meet with an Air Force Reserve recruiter to select an Air Force Reserve unit and your job, or AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code). Your recruiter will help you complete the application paperwork, and schedule appointments to complete your processing. Being 32, you may have previous military service behind you. In this case, you can keep the same AFSC you held before, or you can choose a new one. If you don't have previous military service, the recruiter will help you choose an AFSC that you will enjoy.
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Take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). This exam will determine what Air Force jobs you qualify to do. Most 32-year-old applicants will have previous military service. If you have prior military service, you may be able to waive the ASVAB exam because your previous scores should still be on file.
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Complete a physical examination at the nearest MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). You will receive a complete health evaluation and if you qualify, the doctors at MEPS will approve you for military service. If you have previous military service and can provide copies of your military medical records, this physical examination can be waived.
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Join your Air Force Reserve unit. A military officer from your chosen unit will swear you in and your career as an Air Force reservist will begin. You will begin attending required drills and training immediately upon joining the unit, even if you are non-prior military and haven't been to basic training yet. You will be put into a student flight at your Air Force Reserve unit, and you will learn things to prepare you for basic training. This is a great time to use your age and the experiences you've had over the last 32 years to help others and take initiative with the unit.
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Attend Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. If you have previous military service, you will not have to attend basic training again. If you are required to attend, your age will give you a head start. The drill sergeants choose the older recruits to fill leadership positions among the trainees. By being 32, you will be one of the older recruits. Younger recruits also tend to have a negative outlook on training, while you will be more prepared and can share your experiences to help motivate the younger airmen.
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Tips & Warnings
While joining the military at age 32 can be daunting, don't let your age deter you. The military needs qualified personnel, regardless of age. Your age and experience will be a great benefit to you and your Air Force Reserve unit.
Do not lie on any application paperwork. You will be caught and can face prosecution, which may result in monetary fines and jail time.
