Can you enter the military at age 45?

Answer 1

The British Army may accept some recruits as old as this, but most cases will be individuals having highly specialised and much sought after skills - eg medical, or particularly unusual language or IT skills. Most probably such individuals will join the Territorial Army, but then serve on operations where their skills are needed - eg experienced surgeons, nurses, radiographers etc, or communications and IT, and language specialists in the Signals and Intelligence Corps.

Generally, the upper age limit for potential officer entrants is 26 years, but things may be a bit more flexible for others. Also, of course, it's not unknown for ex-soldiers to rejoin the Army after a few years in civilian life, and if their record first time round was good, and if they're still fit, then they'll often be welcomed back - again, especially if they possess valuable skills and experience.

There are no hard and fast rules; much depends on particular circumstances, and current operational needs. It has to be said, however, that many 35 year olds starting from scratch would have a hard time with the initial training: not necessarily so much the physical side (healthy, fit 35 year olds often have more stamina than youngsters), but more the mental adjustment to military life, and especially to taking orders from people much younger than themselves. Remember, in typical Infantry platoons the most senior NCO - Platoon Sergeant - might only be 26; the "old lags" probably 27-29, and the Platoon Commander only 22-24. In Infantry terms 30 years old is ancient!

Then there's the issue of career development - where does the newly minted 35 year old rifleman have to go?! Even assuming he could get in the requisite experience; pass the promotion courses ("Senior Brecon" would be a helluva tall order for a 40 something); get the right recommendations etc etc, the simple reality is that, for most, a 43 year old Platoon Sergeant just would not "wash"; why prioritise for promotion someone who's bound to be less fit, and, crucially, will not be around for as long, as someone in their mid twenties?

There have been a few cases of individuals joining from scratch at 30+, and doing fine, but all left after an initial term of service - one wrote a book about it. So, generally, the Army is only likely to take 35 year olds who either have significant prior service (TA or Regular), or possess particular skills that are immediately transferable.

Answer 2

I want to know how old is to old to join the military

Answer 3

No, the age limit for most branches of the U.S. military is 34 or 35.

Answer 4

They don't need to. The age limit has been extended to 42.

Answer 5

Yes.