I'm curious, what is the average age of a new enlistee these days?

2014-11-10T16:03:06-05:00

Are there more enlisted coming in after they're 21 and maybe had some college? Or, straight out of high school? When did YOU come in? I came in at 21, almost 22. Had done 3+ full years of college and trade school. Wanted to come in out of high school, but waited. I realize now that was the better choice. I was more patient and made a much wiser choice on branch/job, in my opinion. FIRE AWAY!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 4:27 PM

2014-11-10T16:27:56-05:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, I was 17 when I entered Active Duty Army, but that was in 1975, so it doesn't really answer your question about new enlistees "these days."

Here's a chart from the US Army Recruiting Command that does answer the question for Army enlistees over the past 13 fiscal years. I found this here: http://www.usarec.army.mil/support/faqs.htm#age

I couldn't find stats for DoD.

Support Army Recruiting

Contact Us: HQ, USAREC G7/9 - Public Affairs Div 1307 Third Avenue Fort Knox, KY 40121 Public queries: (877) 437-6572 Media queries: (502) 626-0167/0164 Media email

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Nov 10 at 2014 4:42 PM

2014-11-10T16:42:32-05:00

19 back in 1989

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Nov 10 at 2014 4:48 PM

2014-11-10T16:48:48-05:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member , I teach at FTAC each month and that is actually some of the questions I ask. Over the last 2 years, I would put the average age around 22, non-smoker, with at least half having some college.

For me, I enlisted with an age waiver, shipped when I was 18.