Discover how to join the US Army Reserve after 35. Explore 5 paths to enlistment, including prior service, officer candidate school, and specialty enlistment. Learn about age waivers, education requirements, and career benefits. Get expert advice on transitioning to the Army Reserve and starting a new chapter in your life.
Joining the US Army Reserve can be a rewarding and challenging career move, offering a chance to serve your country while also pursuing civilian life. However, for those over 35, the process can be more complex. The US Army Reserve typically requires enlistees to be between the ages of 17 and 35, with some exceptions for those with prior military service or special skills. If you're over 35 and interested in joining the US Army Reserve, here are five ways to increase your chances of success.
Understanding the Exceptions
Before we dive into the five ways to join the US Army Reserve after 35, it's essential to understand the exceptions to the age rule. The US Army Reserve allows for waivers for those who are over 35 but have prior military service or special skills that are in high demand. These waivers can be approved on a case-by-case basis, and the decision is typically made by the Army Reserve's recruiting command.
Prior Military Service
One of the most common exceptions to the age rule is prior military service. If you have served in the military before, either in the Army Reserve or another branch, you may be eligible for a waiver. The US Army Reserve allows for a waiver for those with prior service, as long as you meet certain requirements. For example, you must have an honorable discharge, and your prior service must be in a military occupational specialty (MOS) that is still in use by the Army Reserve.
5 Ways to Join the US Army Reserve After 35
Now that we've covered the exceptions to the age rule, here are five ways to join the US Army Reserve after 35:
1. Prior Military Service
As we mentioned earlier, prior military service is one of the most common exceptions to the age rule. If you have served in the military before, you may be eligible for a waiver. You'll need to provide documentation of your prior service, including your DD Form 214, which is your discharge paperwork.
2. Special Skills
The US Army Reserve is always looking for individuals with special skills that are in high demand. These skills can range from medical specialties to language skills. If you have a special skill that is needed by the Army Reserve, you may be eligible for a waiver. You'll need to provide documentation of your skill, such as a certification or degree.
3. Officer Candidate School (OCS)
Another way to join the US Army Reserve after 35 is through Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS is a training program that allows civilians to become officers in the Army Reserve. The program is typically 12 weeks long and includes training in leadership, tactics, and military protocol. To be eligible for OCS, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree and meet certain physical fitness requirements.
4. Direct Commission
A direct commission is another way to join the US Army Reserve after 35. A direct commission is a type of commission that allows individuals with special skills to become officers in the Army Reserve without attending OCS. To be eligible for a direct commission, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree and meet certain physical fitness requirements.
5. Medical Professions
Finally, medical professions are always in high demand by the US Army Reserve. If you're a medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse, you may be eligible for a waiver. The Army Reserve offers a variety of medical specialties, including surgery, anesthesiology, and pediatrics.
Meeting the Requirements
Regardless of which path you choose, you'll need to meet certain requirements to join the US Army Reserve after 35. These requirements include:
- Being a US citizen
- Meeting certain physical fitness requirements
- Passing a background check
- Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Meeting certain education requirements
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US Army Reserve Gallery
Final Thoughts
Joining the US Army Reserve after 35 can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding the exceptions to the age rule and meeting the requirements, you can start a new career in the military. Remember to stay focused, persistent, and adaptable, and you'll be well on your way to a successful career in the US Army Reserve.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Have you or someone you know joined the US Army Reserve after 35? What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? Share your story and help inspire others to pursue their dreams of serving in the military.