Can I Join the Army Reserves After 35?
Joining the Army Reserves can be a great way to serve your country, gain new skills, and supplement your income. However, if you’re over 35, you may be wondering if you’re too old to join. The good news is that it’s still possible to join the Army Reserves after 35, but there are some additional requirements and considerations you’ll need to be aware of. In this article, we’ll explore five ways to join the Army Reserves after 35.
Understanding the Age Requirements
Before we dive into the ways to join, let’s talk about the age requirements for the Army Reserves. The maximum age to join the Army Reserves is 42 years old. However, if you’re 35 or older, you’ll need to meet certain qualifications and requirements, which we’ll discuss below.
1. Prior Military Service
If you have prior military service, you may be eligible to join the Army Reserves after 35. This is because the Army Reserves allows veterans to join at an older age, as long as they have a certain number of years of service left before they reach the mandatory retirement age. To qualify, you’ll need to:
- Have at least 20 years of combined active and reserve service
- Be able to retire within 5 years of joining the Army Reserves
- Meet the Army Reserves’ medical and moral standards
2. Waiver for Age
If you don’t have prior military service, you may still be able to join the Army Reserves after 35 with a waiver for age. This waiver allows the Army Reserves to accept older applicants who meet certain qualifications and requirements. To qualify for a waiver, you’ll need to:
- Meet the Army Reserves’ medical and moral standards
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Have a strong motivation to serve
📝 Note: Waivers for age are not guaranteed and are typically only granted for critical skill positions, such as medical professionals or chaplains.
3. Officer Candidate School (OCS)
If you have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming an officer, you may be able to join the Army Reserves through Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS is a training program that prepares candidates to become commissioned officers in the Army Reserves. To qualify for OCS, you’ll need to:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Meet the Army Reserves’ medical and moral standards
- Score well on the ASVAB test
- Have a strong motivation to serve as an officer
4. Direct Commission
If you have a professional certification or degree in a critical skill area, such as medicine, law, or chaplaincy, you may be able to join the Army Reserves through direct commission. Direct commission allows the Army Reserves to commission officers directly into critical skill positions. To qualify for direct commission, you’ll need to:
- Have a professional certification or degree in a critical skill area
- Meet the Army Reserves’ medical and moral standards
- Score well on the ASVAB test
- Have a strong motivation to serve
5. Enlisted to Officer Program
If you’re already serving in the Army Reserves as an enlisted soldier, you may be able to commission as an officer through the Enlisted to Officer Program. This program allows enlisted soldiers to become officers through a combination of education and training. To qualify for the Enlisted to Officer Program, you’ll need to:
- Be currently serving in the Army Reserves as an enlisted soldier
- Have a strong academic record
- Meet the Army Reserves’ medical and moral standards
- Score well on the ASVAB test
What is the maximum age to join the Army Reserves?
+
The maximum age to join the Army Reserves is 42 years old.
Can I join the Army Reserves with a waiver for age?
+
Yes, but waivers for age are not guaranteed and are typically only granted for critical skill positions.
What is the Enlisted to Officer Program?
+
The Enlisted to Officer Program allows enlisted soldiers to become officers through a combination of education and training.
In conclusion, while there are some additional requirements and considerations for joining the Army Reserves after 35, it’s still possible to serve your country and gain new skills. By understanding the age requirements and exploring the five ways to join, you can determine if the Army Reserves is right for you. Remember to stay motivated, meet the qualifications, and you’ll be on your way to serving in the Army Reserves.
