Intro
Discover how to join the military at 35 and serve your country. Learn about the enlistment process, eligibility requirements, and benefits for older recruits. Explore 5 ways to join the military after 35, including prior service enlistment, officer candidate school, and specialized skills programs. Start your military career today.
Joining the military at 35 can be a daunting task, but it's not impossible. Many people have successfully enlisted in the armed forces in their mid-to-late 30s, and with the right guidance, you can too. In this article, we'll explore five ways to join the military at 35, including the eligibility requirements, benefits, and challenges you may face.
Why Join the Military at 35?
Before we dive into the ways to join the military at 35, let's discuss why someone might want to enlist at this age. For many, joining the military is a way to serve their country, gain new skills, and start a new career. Additionally, the military offers a range of benefits, including education assistance, healthcare, and retirement plans.
Eligibility Requirements
To join the military at 35, you'll need to meet certain eligibility requirements, which vary depending on the branch of service you're interested in joining. Here are some general requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Meet physical fitness standards
- Meet educational requirements (e.g., high school diploma or equivalent)
- Pass a background check
- Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
1. Enlist in the Army
The Army is one of the most popular branches of the military, and for good reason. It offers a wide range of career options, from infantry to engineering, and provides excellent training and education benefits.
To enlist in the Army at 35, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned earlier. You'll also need to score well on the ASVAB test, which measures your aptitude in various subjects.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Wide range of career options
- Excellent training and education benefits
- Opportunities for advancement and promotion
Cons:
- Physical demands can be high
- Training can be intense and demanding
- Deployments can be lengthy and unpredictable
2. Join the Navy
The Navy is another popular branch of the military, offering a range of career options from aviation to engineering. To join the Navy at 35, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned earlier, as well as score well on the ASVAB test.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Opportunities for travel and adventure
- Excellent education and training benefits
- Variety of career options
Cons:
- Time at sea can be lengthy and unpredictable
- Physical demands can be high
- Training can be intense and demanding
3. Enlist in the Air Force
The Air Force is a great option for those who want to serve in the military without being in a combat role. To enlist in the Air Force at 35, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned earlier, as well as score well on the ASVAB test.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Opportunities for education and training
- Variety of career options
- Excellent benefits and pay
Cons:
- Limited opportunities for advancement and promotion
- Time spent in a deployed environment can be unpredictable
- Physical demands can be high
4. Join the Marine Corps
The Marine Corps is a great option for those who want to serve in a combat role. To join the Marine Corps at 35, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned earlier, as well as score well on the ASVAB test.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Opportunities for leadership and advancement
- Excellent training and education benefits
- Sense of pride and camaraderie
Cons:
- Physical demands can be extremely high
- Training can be intense and demanding
- Deployments can be lengthy and unpredictable
5. Enlist in the Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is a great option for those who want to serve in a non-combat role. To enlist in the Coast Guard at 35, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned earlier, as well as score well on the ASVAB test.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Opportunities for education and training
- Variety of career options
- Excellent benefits and pay
Cons:
- Limited opportunities for advancement and promotion
- Time spent in a deployed environment can be unpredictable
- Physical demands can be high
Gallery of Military Enlistment Images
Military Enlistment Image Gallery
FAQs
What is the maximum age to join the military?
+The maximum age to join the military varies depending on the branch of service. Generally, the maximum age is 35, but some branches may accept older candidates.
Do I need to have a college degree to join the military?
+No, a college degree is not required to join the military. However, having a degree can be beneficial for career advancement and education benefits.
How long does military training last?
+Military training, also known as basic training, typically lasts 7-12 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the branch of service and the specific job or career field.
Joining the military at 35 can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With the right guidance and support, you can navigate the enlistment process and start a new career in the military. Remember to research the different branches of service and career options, and don't be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from a recruiter or mentor.