Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/9/2009

Question
Ma'm,

Thank You so much for the last answers you provided me, it help me made up my mind on joining the service.I am just seeking clarifications about the OCS age waiver for US active army since I do get contradicting information about it. I hope you can help me again on this one.

1.)Does the active army still have the 18-42 age requirement for OCS selection? I have been receiving conflicting information with some saying under 29 years old and others 34 years old to qualify for OCS.

2.) What is the max age for commission?

3.) what determines the approval of age waivers?

Thank You Again.....
4.) turning 34 years old and enlisting this summer, do I need an age waiver?

Answer
Dear Eleazar -

You may enlist up to the age of 42 without an age waiver.  You may also receive an OCS rider on your enlistment contract, if you are otherwise qualified to to attend OCS (ASVAB, education, fitness, etc).  

Since the maximum age for commissioning is 35 if you have no prior service, you might require an age waiver for your OCS rider, if you cannot graduate from all your training and OCS before your 36th birthday.  However, that is a fairly routine waiver currently, if you are otherwise qualified for commissioning.

Good luck to you.  Please write back, if you have additional questions.