In times of national emergency, the United States military has been far less restrictive in its recruitment policies than it is today.
In fact, during World War II, some noncitizen men who could not provide proof of legal entry to the United States were permitted to enlist.
Also, during World War II, men ages 18 to 64 were eligible to be drafted.
In 2023, the minimum age to enlist in the United States military is 17. The maximum age varies per branch–Marine Corps (28), Coast Guard (31), Army (35), and 39 for the Air Force, Navy, and Space Force.
Strict Eligibility Requirements
As the United States military is facing its biggest recruiting crisis in the 50 years since it became an all-volunteer force with the end of the draft in 1973, receiving considerable attention are its eligibility requirements….