5 Ways To Join The Us Army After 35

The United States Army is one of the most prestigious and respected branches of the military, with a rich history of protecting the country and its citizens. While the typical age range for joining the Army is between 17 and 35 years old, there are some exceptions and alternative routes that can allow individuals over 35 to join the Army. In this article, we will explore five ways to join the US Army after 35.

Prior Service Enlistment

One way to join the Army after 35 is through Prior Service Enlistment. This program allows individuals who have previously served in the military to re-enlist in the Army, regardless of their age. To be eligible, individuals must have been honorably discharged from their previous service and meet the Army's current enlistment standards.

Prior Service Enlistment can be a great option for those who have previous military experience and want to continue serving their country. However, it's essential to note that the Army's prior service enlistment policy can change, and not all prior service members may be eligible.

Officer Candidate School

Another way to join the Army after 35 is through Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS is a program that allows civilians to become commissioned officers in the Army, regardless of their age. To be eligible, individuals must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, meet the Army's physical fitness standards, and pass a background check.

OCS is a 12-week program that provides training in leadership, tactics, and military protocol. After completing OCS, individuals are commissioned as officers in the Army and can serve in a variety of roles, from infantry to administration.

Direct Commission

Direct Commission is another program that allows civilians to become commissioned officers in the Army, regardless of their age. This program is designed for individuals who have specialized skills or expertise, such as doctors, lawyers, or chaplains.

To be eligible for Direct Commission, individuals must meet the Army's educational and experience requirements for their specific profession. For example, doctors must have a medical degree and be licensed to practice medicine, while lawyers must have a law degree and be licensed to practice law.

Warrant Officer Candidate School

Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) is a program that allows individuals to become warrant officers in the Army, regardless of their age. Warrant officers are technical experts in their field and provide guidance and training to other soldiers.

To be eligible for WOCS, individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent, meet the Army's physical fitness standards, and pass a background check. WOCS is a 5-week program that provides training in leadership, tactics, and military protocol.

Special Forces

The final way to join the Army after 35 is through Special Forces. Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are an elite unit of the Army that conducts unconventional warfare and special operations.

To be eligible for Special Forces, individuals must meet the Army's physical fitness standards, pass a background check, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Special Forces training is notoriously difficult and selective, but for those who are willing to put in the hard work and dedication, it can be a highly rewarding career.

Benefits of Joining the Army After 35

While joining the Army after 35 can be challenging, it also comes with a number of benefits. Some of the benefits of joining the Army after 35 include:

• Job security: The Army offers a stable and secure career, with opportunities for advancement and promotion.
• Education benefits: The Army offers a range of education benefits, including tuition assistance and the GI Bill.
• Healthcare benefits: The Army offers comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits: The Army offers a range of retirement benefits, including a pension and healthcare coverage.
• Camaraderie: The Army offers a sense of camaraderie and belonging, with opportunities to make lifelong friends and connections.

Challenges of Joining the Army After 35

While joining the Army after 35 can be a great opportunity, it also comes with a number of challenges. Some of the challenges of joining the Army after 35 include:

• Physical fitness: The Army requires a high level of physical fitness, which can be challenging for individuals over 35.
• Time away from family: The Army requires soldiers to spend time away from their families, which can be challenging for individuals with spouses and children.
• Age restrictions: Some Army jobs have age restrictions, which can limit opportunities for individuals over 35.
• Competition: The Army is a competitive organization, and individuals over 35 may face competition from younger soldiers.

Conclusion

Joining the US Army after 35 can be a challenging but rewarding experience. While there are some age restrictions and limitations, there are also a number of benefits and opportunities available. Whether you're interested in Prior Service Enlistment, Officer Candidate School, Direct Commission, Warrant Officer Candidate School, or Special Forces, there are a number of ways to join the Army after 35.

We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with us. Have you joined the Army after 35? What were some of the challenges and benefits you faced? Let us know in the comments below.

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