But wait, there's more! If you're looking to join the Coast Guard, you've got to be under 27 years old, unless you're a prior service member, in which case you can be up to 32. And if you're one of those superstars who wants to join the elite special forces, like the Navy SEALs or Army Rangers, you've got to be even younger - typically under 28 years old.
Now, you might be thinking, "But what about all those grizzled old veterans I see in the movies?" Well, let's just say Hollywood likes to tweak the truth a bit. While it's true that some military personnel can serve well into their 50s and 60s, those are usually officers or specialized personnel who have been serving for decades. For the average Joe (or Jane), the maximum age limit is still pretty strict.
So, what's the oldest you can be to join the military? Well, if you're looking to join the National Guard or Reserves, you can be as old as 42 (for the Army National Guard) or 45 (for the Air National Guard). But let's be real, if you're that old, you're probably not looking to start a new career in the military - unless you're some kind of super-enthusiast who just can't get enough of PT and drill sergeants.
What's The Maximum Age To Join The Army | TAFT Independent