As Michael Jordan says, “If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.” Throughout life, we have choices and opportunities that come and go. Getting sidetracked on a dream from your youth is easy when other options cross your path. But you will be surprised; it may not be too late to regroup and get back on track with a never-forgotten goal from the past. Here is an email from a reader who is looking to serve in the military as he ages into his 30s:

I was a good athlete in high school and wanted to go to one of the military special ops programs originally around 20-21, but I got an excellent paying job and veered off the path for the past 8 years, and I’m starting to regret it. Do you think there are age waivers for me in any of the special ops programs? Thanks, Dalton

The Age Range to Join Is Huge

Usually, people think the age to join fits in a tight window of 17-20 years old and ask about joining the military because they think they are too old if they are not in their teens. Just because you turn 20 does not mean you are too old to serve. In fact, it may be wiser for you to finish growing, become more mature and have more life experiences. While the age to join the military starts at 17 (with parental permission) and extends to 42 in some branches, this is not a tight window but a barn door that allows for a range of ages decades apart. However, it depends on the job and branch of service. You may not need an age waiver at all.

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Air Force Special Warfare

While the age range to apply to serve in the Air Force is 17-42, the age limit for some special warfare roles is 39 (pararescue and combat controller). Consider this as having another 10 years to prepare for this branch of service before you need an age waiver.

Navy Special Warfare

Jobs such as Navy SEAL and SWCC have a lower maximum age range than their special operations counterparts. Different age ranges depend on the job and if you are a civilian or have prior active-duty service time. For Navy SEALs, the age range without waivers for civilians is 17-28 years old, and for SWCC, it is 17-31 years old. However, on a case-by-case basis, if you have active service time, you can subtract active-duty service time from your age before needing an age waiver. Age waivers occur but are also on a case-by-case basis. Numerous 30- to 33-year-old, highly qualified applicants have been selected to attend SEAL training and graduate and join the teams over the years, but not everyone gets the opportunity. Age waivers are challenging and require more work with your recruiter and the chain of command. A recent change has allowed officers to enter the SEAL program up to the age of 42 (same as the Air Force). However, the officer selection process is highly competitive, with an average age of 25.

Army Special Forces

The Army age range for joining and attending the Special Forces training pipeline is 20-36. Age waivers may be granted based on military qualifications and individual evaluations.

Army Rangers

The Army age range for joining and attending Ranger selection and Ranger School is 17-34. Waivers are available on a case-by-case basis for Ranger School, but to be a part of the 75^th Ranger Regiment, there is no age waiver process for its candidates.

Marine Reconnaissance

Similar to SEAL training, the age range is 17 to 28, though age waivers may be granted based on specific circumstances, such as prior military experience.

Marine Raider

MARSOC does not have an age limit for Marines attending the Assessment and Selection phase and can come from all military occupational specialties (jobs) within the Marine Corps. The average age of most attendees and graduates of the selection course is 25-27 years old.

Coast Guard’s Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF)

This group includes units such as Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRT), Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSST), and Port Security Units (PSU), specializing in maritime counterterrorism, security and other high-risk missions. Applicants must be between the ages of 20 and 34, and age waivers are possible on a case-by-case basis.

As you can see, you have many options that may or may not require an age waiver. It’s time to get to work on that dream job.

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