Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/13/2008

Question
I am 42 years of age and I have a Master's Degree in Health Education Administration. I received it in 2006. I will soon be turning 43 and wanted to know if I wanted to join the military, which branch could I join?; How soon would I need to join?; and what type of rank would I be able to go in with having a Master's Degree?

Answer
Dear Kaye --

You can still enlist as a 42 year old, if you meet all the other qualifications.  At 43 you will be too old to enlist.

As an enlisted Soldier with an advanced degree, you might qualify for accelerated promotions.  That means that if you do well in basic training, you would graduate with at least the rank of private first class (PFC).  After advanced individual training, you would be promoted to specialist, and after a successful year at your first unit, you would be promoted to sergeant.  

Alternatively, you might be able to enter the service with an age waiver to go to officer candidate school (OCS).  Normally the maximum entrance age as an officer is 35.  If you meet certain enlistment standards and have at least a bachelors degree you can ask for an OCS rider.  But you would require an age waiver.

Although you have a masters degree, it is not one that qualifies you for accelerated promotions as an officer.  So if you qualify for OCS, you would be commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation.

It is possible the Army's Medical Service Corps could need professionals with your education.  If they do, they could offer you a direct commission, and you could enter the service without attending OCS.  

The Army is the service most likely to offer age waivers at various levels.  All services will offer the waiver, if you have skills that they are seeking.  The Army and the Army Medical Service Corps have separate recruiting organizations so you will have to contact both to explore all your options.

Good luck to you.  Please write back, if you have additional questions, or if issues arise as you try to enlist.