Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/16/2008

Question
M'am... I am 36 years old, with a BA in English. Just recently became a pilot for a regional airline. What are my options for joining the military. Am I too old for OCS? Any possibility for an age waiver to get into the aviation side of any branch, and as an officer?

I see that part of this form states to limit questions to Army only...could you refer me to another online resource if you are only able to answer Army-related questions? I will be contacting recruiters next week and want to be armed with basic information of my options first.

Thank you in advance.

Answer
Dear Megan --

Waivers are possible up to 40 years of age.  You have the best chance of acceptance, if you join the Army.  Since you have a degree, you can make OCS or warrant officer school a rider on your enlistment contract.  

You can also try to get flight school as a rider on your enlistment contract, if your ASVAB scores are high.  As an Army Officer or Warrant Officer you are eligible for flight school, but you will have to pass additional physical, psychological and intellectual tests to qualify.

To find out more about joining any of the services, please visit the following websites:

http://www.goarmy.com/ArmyCareerExplorer.do

http://officer.marines.com/

http://www.airforce.com/careers/officer/careers.php

http://www.navy.com/careers/officer/aviation/

Best of luck to you.  Thank you for considering military service.