Posted on Jan 18, 2021
What does joining the Army before your 35th birthday mean?
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Hello Everyone,
So, if a recruiter says you have to join the Army before your 35th birthday... What does that mean in literal terms? Passing the ASWAB test only? Or looking at available and jobs you are qualified for and ensuring you submit relevant paperwork? Or both? What if the jobs you are interested in aren't available at the time? Is it not a bad idea to wait since time is running out age wise?
So, if a recruiter says you have to join the Army before your 35th birthday... What does that mean in literal terms? Passing the ASWAB test only? Or looking at available and jobs you are qualified for and ensuring you submit relevant paperwork? Or both? What if the jobs you are interested in aren't available at the time? Is it not a bad idea to wait since time is running out age wise?
Recruiter
US Army Recruiting School
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 5
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It means if as ACTIVE DUTY CONTRACT you have not shipped out to Basic Training before your 35th Birthday you will never ever be able to join the Army PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the Reserves, if you have not SIGNED the contract (shipping date doesn't count) before your 35th Birthday you will never ever be able to join the USAR PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, the maximum age "could" be raised to as high as 42, but if that never happens then you are out of luck again.
When I inquired about becoming an officer the age limit for USAR was 42.
In that time of screwing around deciding what I wanted to do, and medical records validation, the age for officer was lowered to 30,
I was 38 at the time, but the ENLISTMENT age was still 42. My recruiter called me, and said NEXT MONTH the enlistment age will be dropped to 35, so I literally had 1 week to decide an enlisted MOS and sign the USAR contract before the end of the month while I was still 38 and under 42 until the start of the following month.
For the Reserves, if you have not SIGNED the contract (shipping date doesn't count) before your 35th Birthday you will never ever be able to join the USAR PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, the maximum age "could" be raised to as high as 42, but if that never happens then you are out of luck again.
When I inquired about becoming an officer the age limit for USAR was 42.
In that time of screwing around deciding what I wanted to do, and medical records validation, the age for officer was lowered to 30,
I was 38 at the time, but the ENLISTMENT age was still 42. My recruiter called me, and said NEXT MONTH the enlistment age will be dropped to 35, so I literally had 1 week to decide an enlisted MOS and sign the USAR contract before the end of the month while I was still 38 and under 42 until the start of the following month.
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Suspended Profile
Sir,
You can get an age waiver. I see waivers get approved on a regular basis for ages in the high 30s. Not uncommon at all.
You can get an age waiver. I see waivers get approved on a regular basis for ages in the high 30s. Not uncommon at all.
CPT (Join to see)
SSG Clint Underhill - I technically got an age waiver for my commission as well and pinned 2LT at age 42 and 9 months, but I had completed all the other hurdles ahead of time.
It's just better to need as few waivers as possible. If the OP can sign a contract without a waiver he's much better off.
It's just better to need as few waivers as possible. If the OP can sign a contract without a waiver he's much better off.
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We like tons of other groups have age limits to make sure you are not too old/busted up to meet the MOS requirements, and the fact if you spent 20+ yrs in the service- what shape would you be in then. 55, unless you are in an office job, would really hurt.
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Suspended Profile
I am currently on recruiting duty and can answer this. The exact answer for your question is that you must start basic training by your 35th birthday. If you attempt to join at 34 and your 35th will take place before basic, you would require an age waiver. You CAN very much join the Army at 35! I see it all the time.
MAJ Javier Rivera
Correct me if I'm wrong SSG Clint Underhill... You mean signing that final Form DD4 at MEPS before turning into a pumpkin just before shipping out, right? Once you are under contract age is no longer of concern.
BTW, which office are you located at, Osceola Parkway?
BTW, which office are you located at, Osceola Parkway?
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