National Guard Age Limit: Can You Still Enlist?

As a patriotic individual, you may be considering joining the National Guard to serve your country and community while also advancing your career and education. However, you may be wondering if you're eligible to enlist due to age restrictions. In this article, we'll explore the National Guard age limit and provide guidance on whether you can still enlist.

The National Guard is a reserve component of the US Armed Forces, consisting of citizen-soldiers who can be deployed to support state and federal missions. To be eligible to join the National Guard, you must meet certain requirements, including age limits.

National Guard Age Limit: What's the Maximum Age to Enlist?

The maximum age to enlist in the National Guard varies depending on your prior military service and the type of enlistment you're seeking. Here are the general age limits:

Prior Service: If you have prior military service, you can enlist in the National Guard up to age 59, depending on the state and your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Non-Prior Service: If you have no prior military service, you can enlist in the National Guard up to age 35. However, some states may have different age limits, so it's essential to check with your local National Guard recruiter.
Officer Candidate School (OCS): To attend OCS, you must be between 17 and 32 years old (with some exceptions for older candidates).
Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS): To attend WOCS, you must be between 17 and 32 years old (with some exceptions for older candidates).

Keep in mind that these age limits may vary depending on the state and the specific enlistment program you're applying for.

Can You Still Enlist in the National Guard if You're Older?

While the maximum age to enlist in the National Guard is 35 for non-prior service candidates, there are some exceptions and alternatives to consider:

Prior Service Exceptions: If you have prior military service, you may be eligible to enlist in the National Guard even if you're older than 35.
Age Waivers: In some cases, the National Guard may grant age waivers for candidates who are older than 35 but have unique skills or qualifications that are in high demand.
Officer Programs: If you're interested in becoming an officer, you may be eligible to attend OCS or WOCS even if you're older than 35.
State-Specific Programs: Some states offer programs for older candidates, such as the National Guard's "Split Option" program, which allows candidates to attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and then take a break before completing their enlistment.

It's essential to consult with a National Guard recruiter to discuss your individual circumstances and determine if you're eligible to enlist despite being older than the maximum age limit.

Benefits of Joining the National Guard at an Older Age

While joining the National Guard at an older age may present some challenges, there are also several benefits to consider:

Life Experience: Older candidates often bring valuable life experience and maturity to the table, which can be beneficial in leadership roles.
Career Advancement: Joining the National Guard can provide opportunities for career advancement and professional development, even at an older age.
Education Benefits: The National Guard offers education benefits, such as the GI Bill and tuition assistance, which can help older candidates pursue higher education or career training.
Service to Community: Joining the National Guard provides an opportunity to serve your community and country while also giving back to your state and nation.

National Guard recruiter talking to a candidate

How to Enlist in the National Guard if You're Older

If you're interested in enlisting in the National Guard despite being older than the maximum age limit, here are the steps to follow:

Consult with a Recruiter: Reach out to a National Guard recruiter to discuss your individual circumstances and determine if you're eligible to enlist.
Meet the Basic Requirements: Ensure you meet the basic requirements for enlistment, including age, citizenship, education, and physical fitness.
Take the ASVAB Test: Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to determine your aptitude for different Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
Complete the Enlistment Process: If you're eligible to enlist, complete the enlistment process, which includes taking the oath of enlistment, completing Basic Combat Training (BCT), and attending Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

Remember to stay flexible and be prepared to provide additional documentation or information to support your enlistment application.

Conclusion

While the National Guard age limit may seem restrictive, there are exceptions and alternatives available for older candidates. If you're passionate about serving your country and community, don't let age hold you back. Consult with a National Guard recruiter to discuss your individual circumstances and determine if you're eligible to enlist.