Too old?

[Sbrand01]

Slightly unconventional applicant here. I grew up in the overseas military community. Early on, I couldn’t join because the age old retalin debate, and in my 30s it was a custody agreement holding me back. This is my last opportunity. I’ve heard mixed comments on age being a hard pass regardless of the age qualifications. What can I do to build the whole person?

Age:40 (yes, I’m old… but I don’t look a day over 30 haha)
Education: BS Psychology. MBA to be completed this spring. Current GPA 3.7 (should end with a 3.8+). Involved in The Society for Collegiate Leadership and Mu Kappa Tau.
Career path: open to needs
Recommendations: 5 between O4 and O7
Fitness: excellent rating. 5’7” 128lbs and active.
ASTB: I have not taken it yet, but on practice tests, I’ve done exceptionally well. Continuing to study… cleaning out high school level math and science cobwebs. Verbal is easy as I am an English teacher.
Commitment: I want to give 20 years

 

[Capt MJ]

What service and officer community are you targeting? I am assuming officer because you are degreed.

Upper age limits vary, depending on the needs of the service. The more specific skills you bring to the table that the service needs, the more likely the upper age limit will be higher and waivers might be available. And, once again depending on the needs of the service, those upper age limits might change from year to year. I have met Navy Medical Corps officers who were direct commissioned in their 40s, because the Navy needed their particular medical specialty.

Though I usually recommend primary sources, the site below is usually reliable, though unofficial, for giving an insight into age limits and Navy officer communities all in one place - provided as an example.

Naval Officer Age Limit (2024 – Comprehensive List)

If you’re interested in becoming a Naval Officer and are wondering about the age limit for commissioning in the U.S. Navy, then you’ve found your answer.

navalofficerrecruiter.com

 

[Sbrand01]

What service and officer community are you targeting? I am assuming officer because you are degreed.

Upper age limits vary, depending on the needs of the service. The more specific skills you bring to the table that the service needs, the more likely the upper age limit will be higher and waivers might be available. And, once again depending on the needs of the service, those upper age limits might change from year to year. I have met Navy Medical Corps officers who were direct commissioned in their 40s, because the Navy needed their particular medical specialty.

Though I usually recommend primary sources, the site below is usually reliable, though unofficial, for giving an insight into age limits and Navy officer communities all in one place - provided as an example.

Naval Officer Age Limit (2024 – Comprehensive List)

If you’re interested in becoming a Naval Officer and are wondering about the age limit for commissioning in the U.S. Navy, then you’ve found your answer.

navalofficerrecruiter.com

I was looking at MSC as I have the option, with my current MBA progress, to select my concentration and go with Healthcare admin. Of course I am open to anything fitting.

I had heard they were passing people up based on age and would opt for a lower gpa and ASTB score vs an older candidate. Any truth to this?

As far as a vague profile and lacking an official ASTB score, is there anything else I can do to be competitive?

 

[NavyHoops]

You need to research each services age requirements and see if the guidelines for waivers. Age is going to be your battle. A quick google search states 39 is the highest limit for the USAF and Space Force. The rest of the services are lower. It didn’t mention the reserves. I believe the Guard might be more favorable towards waivers. Overall from some shirt searches you are over the age limits for all services, so it’s which service is willing to grant a waiver. Officer age limits tend to be lower. Focus on what service you want and go prepared to talk to a recruiter about a waiver possibility.

 

[Sbrand01]

You need to research each services age requirements and see if the guidelines for waivers. Age is going to be your battle. A quick google search states 39 is the highest limit for the USAF and Space Force. The rest of the services are lower. It didn’t mention the reserves. I believe the Guard might be more favorable towards waivers. Overall from some shirt searches you are over the age limits for all services, so it’s which service is willing to grant a waiver. Officer age limits tend to be lower. Focus on what service you want and go prepared to talk to a recruiter about a waiver possibility.

The navy increased in ‘22 to 41 (depending on route) and the AF increased to 42 10/23.

 

[USNA_STEM_Prof]

Age:40 (yes, I’m old… but I don’t look a day over 30 haha)

From my recruiting experience, I know the Reserves frequently bring in older applicants directly as an officer because they value experience more, and experience takes time.

 

[nuensis]

Have you taken an OAR?

IW has an upper limit of 42, so age is not an issue. Intel might fit well with your educational experience, but IP and CW might not be too picky either.

But those communities usually prefer high GPA (which you have) and high OAR. The MBA also helps.