You generally cannot join the active duty U.S. Army at 50, as the standard age limit is around 35 (with some exceptions up to 42/43), but joining older is possible in other countries like Australia (ADF) or for specific roles/reserves, provided you meet physical fitness standards, pass medicals, and can serve until retirement age (e.g., 60 in Australia), with some nations having pathways for prior service members to re-enter at older ages. Age limits vary significantly by country and military branch, but for the U.S. Army, 50 is typically too old for direct enlistment.
Unfortunately, the age limit for joining the military currently ranges from 17 to 41 years old. The age limit differs based on branch and type of enlistment. See the section above to break down military age limits by active duty, then take a look at National Guard and Reserves age limits.
The maximum age for recruitment varies by role, and you'll find details in each job description on this website. As a general rule, you can join the ADF if you are between 3 and 6 years away from the Compulsory Retiring Age for a specific role.
Regular rejoiners can start the application process as long as they enlist before their 57th birthday. What if I was Medically Non-Deployable? If you were medically discharged your details will be reviewed and treated on a case by case basis.
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41.
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.
Soldier pay
Private: £63.27 per day. Lance Corporal: £81.89 per day. Corporal: £95.06 per day. Sergeant: £106.73 per day.
In fiscal year 2025, the military's recruiting efforts returned to levels not seen in more than a decade. "Since November 2024, our military has seen its highest recruiting percentage of mission achieved in more than 15 years," stated Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell.
Salary of Soldiers (JCOs/ORs)
Sepoy: ₹21,700 – ₹69,100. Naik: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100. Havaldar: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300. Naib Subedar: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400.
If you choose to stay after this time you will be required to give a return of service ie you will need to stay in the army for 4 years (this includes your time in training). After this time you can leave whenever you want but you will be required to give 12mths notice.
Australian Army salaries vary significantly by rank, experience, and role, with entry-level soldiers earning around $60k-$70k+ and higher ranks like Captains and Majors reaching well over $100k-$200k+, plus allowances, but official pay is structured in fortnightly rates with increases for skills, training, and promotions, based on ADF pay scales updated regularly, like the latest from November 2025.
Joining the Australian Air Force, Army, or Navy, Can Be Difficult Without Preparation. Because of the high level of competition and standards needed to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the initial examination is intentionally difficult.
The maximum allowable BMI for entry to the ADF is 32.9 (29.9 for pilot candidates who also have additional weight requirements).
You can have any hair length if it is worn up, but it cannot be longer than six inches from the top of the collar while in a braid or ponytail. If worn down, your hair should not extend beyond the lower edge of your collar when standing up straight in uniform.
Navy Reserve Sailors include people from all walks of life, backgrounds and ethnicities. They have varying levels of education and work as professionals across all industries. Navy Reserve Sailors must be between the ages of 18 and 42, though exceptions can be made for those with prior service.
explore your eligibility
Junior enlisted ranks
Basic pay rates are calculated monthly, rather than weekly or bimonthly, and are subject to taxes such as civilian pay. And — just like salaried civilians in the private sector — you're not eligible for overtime pay. Your monthly pay is automatically split in half and distributed twice a month.
What are some of the highest paid military jobs?
By law, a Soldier with over eight years of active Federal Service is eligible for disability compensation even if the condition is Exist Prior to Service (“EPTS”). The eight years of active service do not have to be continuous; however, you must be on active-duty orders of more than 30 days for this rule to apply.
Recruits may not understand the specifics of the enlistment agreement, the possibility of recruiter fraud, the limitations of college funding available through the military, and the problems faced by veterans when they leave the armed forces. It is important to learn all you can before you join.
Although the United States Coast Guard is not a branch of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), it is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is still considered one of the six military services. It has also struggled more than the other branches in recruiting new personnel.
Do you get paid in Basic Training? Yes, you do get paid in Basic Training on the first and fifteenth of every month. The amount depends on your rank.
Minimum Height: 157 cm to 170 cm (varies by region). Region-Based Variations: Western Himalayan Region (J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand): 163 cm. Eastern Himalayan Region (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, etc.): 160 cm.
Pay & benefits
On successful completion of Selection, the starting daily rate for an SAS Trooper is £134.89, plus all the usual Army Reserve service incentives, which includes an annual tax-free bounty, paid leave and pension.