Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/11/2007

Question
I have already taken the AFOQT, scored at 250 [quant.] for areas needed for intelligence.  I supposedly missed the date cutoff this year to get my info in on time.  I am also now 31 [dob 2/29/76].  Do I still have time to either join the Army or Air Force?  And does every state do their candidate selection at the same time or could I possibly join from another state.  I currently live in OH and have 3 children and soon to be divorced, as I know there are waivers for my children.  Basically I want to join now but I am told I have to wait for next years selections, true or not?

Answer
Dear Kris --

I do not know how the Air Force manages their enlistments, but the Army will still allow you to enlist now.  Currently you can be up to 42 years of age, and still enlist.  If the Army has met its enlistment targets, you can still enlist, but get a deferred reporting date.

You will need to have guardianship papers proving that a responsible adult is caring for your children.  It will be quite a while before you get to a duty station where you will be allowed to live off-post or in military quarters, and have your children join you.

It sounds to me like you were trying to enlist in the reserves, which may be why they want you to wait.  If you want to join the active force, visit another recruiting office so they don't try to steer you to the local reserves.  

You can also get specific Army enlistment questions answered at http://www.goarmy.com/flindex.jsp  They can also tell you where to meet with an Army recruiter who may be more open to addressing your specific enlistment wishes.

Best of luck to you.