Intro
Unlock opportunities in the National Guard despite age limitations. Discover 5 legitimate ways to obtain an age waiver, including medical, moral, and administrative options. Learn how to navigate the waiver process, and increase your chances of approval, even if youre over the standard enlistment age.
Joining the National Guard can be a great way to serve your country, gain valuable skills, and earn education benefits. However, the maximum age limit for enlistment can be a barrier for some individuals. If you're interested in joining the National Guard but are above the maximum age limit, don't worry – there are ways to obtain an age waiver.
The National Guard has a strict age limit for enlistment, which varies depending on the state and the type of enlistment. Generally, the maximum age limit is 35 years old for prior service members and 27 years old for non-prior service members. However, if you're above this age limit, you can still join the National Guard with an age waiver.
Here are five ways to get an age waiver for the National Guard:
1. Enlist as a Prior Service Member
If you have prior military experience, you may be eligible for an age waiver. The National Guard allows prior service members to enlist up to the age of 59, depending on the state and the type of enlistment. To qualify for an age waiver as a prior service member, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as having a certain number of years of service, a specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), and a good service record.
Requirements for Prior Service Members
- 6-10 years of prior service
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A minimum score of 40 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT)
- A physical fitness test score of 60 or higher
- A body fat percentage of 24 or lower
2. Enlist in a Critical Skill
The National Guard has a critical skills program that allows individuals with specialized skills to enlist above the maximum age limit. If you have a skill that is in high demand, such as medical or cyber security experience, you may be eligible for an age waiver. To qualify for an age waiver under the critical skills program, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as having a certain number of years of experience in your field and a minimum score on the AFQT.
Requirements for Critical Skills
- 2-5 years of experience in a critical skill field
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A minimum score of 50 on the AFQT
- A physical fitness test score of 60 or higher
- A body fat percentage of 24 or lower
3. Enlist as an Officer
If you have a bachelor's degree and a minimum number of years of work experience, you may be eligible to enlist as an officer in the National Guard. Officer candidates can enlist up to the age of 42, depending on the state and the type of enlistment. To qualify for an age waiver as an officer, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as having a certain number of years of work experience and a minimum score on the AFQT.
Requirements for Officer Candidates
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- 2-5 years of work experience
- A minimum score of 50 on the AFQT
- A physical fitness test score of 60 or higher
- A body fat percentage of 24 or lower
4. Enlist in a Special Program
The National Guard has several special programs that allow individuals to enlist above the maximum age limit. These programs include the Chaplain Candidate Program, the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Program, and the Medical Specialist Corps Program. To qualify for an age waiver under one of these programs, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as having a certain number of years of experience in your field and a minimum score on the AFQT.
Requirements for Special Programs
- 2-5 years of experience in a specialized field
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A minimum score of 50 on the AFQT
- A physical fitness test score of 60 or higher
- A body fat percentage of 24 or lower
5. Petition for an Age Waiver
If you don't qualify for an age waiver under one of the above programs, you can still petition for an age waiver. To petition for an age waiver, you'll need to submit a written request to the National Guard's Adjutant General's Office. Your petition should include your reasons for requesting an age waiver, as well as any supporting documentation, such as medical records or letters of recommendation.
Requirements for Petitioning an Age Waiver
- A written request to the Adjutant General's Office
- Supporting documentation, such as medical records or letters of recommendation
- A minimum score of 40 on the AFQT
- A physical fitness test score of 60 or higher
- A body fat percentage of 24 or lower
Age Waiver Image Gallery
What is the maximum age limit for enlisting in the National Guard?
+The maximum age limit for enlisting in the National Guard varies depending on the state and the type of enlistment. Generally, the maximum age limit is 35 years old for prior service members and 27 years old for non-prior service members.
Can I get an age waiver if I'm above the maximum age limit?
+Yes, it is possible to get an age waiver if you're above the maximum age limit. There are several ways to get an age waiver, including enlisting as a prior service member, enlisting in a critical skill, enlisting as an officer, enlisting in a special program, or petitioning for an age waiver.
What are the requirements for getting an age waiver?
+The requirements for getting an age waiver vary depending on the type of enlistment and the state. Generally, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as having a certain number of years of experience, a minimum score on the AFQT, and a physical fitness test score of 60 or higher.
If you're interested in joining the National Guard but are above the maximum age limit, don't give up. There are several ways to get an age waiver, and with the right qualifications and documentation, you can still serve your country and earn valuable benefits.