Follow-Ups to Answer from Expert Rod Powers

---

elwood3247 wrote at 2007-09-15 17:20:29
The other answer is flawed. An appointment is possible even after the age of 42 - the physician assistants program is a typical example. A licensed PA is allowed to enter into the Army until the age of 48. There are other programs, and in the Indiana Guard, a medical doctor was appointed directly to the rank of O-6 as I recall. I believe he was in his fifties or even early sixties. I do not know the specifics - the National Guard works state by state. However, I believe the Tennessee National Guard has a page concerning direct appointments for superior qualifications. After all, a direct appointment bypasses the traditioal OCS, ROTC and service academy programs. So, I would anticipate that to receive a direct appoointment would require a very firm argument - either the person is such a great potential officer or the skills that person has are of such great need in the military that they should just receive a commission equal to their skills and abilities.

---

Aaron wrote at 2007-12-31 00:50:16
You forgot to mention that in the healthcare career field the age is waiverable up to 47.

---

Army SSG wrote at 2008-03-13 13:08:29
Im sorry but this is not true. The army reserves offers direct commissions in a variety of fields, as does the regular army. As far as other branches are concerned, I do not know. Regular Army gives out VERY few direct commissions so it really isnt an option. The Reserves on the other hand does give DC for branches including AG and MI. I am not sure what all else.

Also, with an age waiver you can be accepted into OCS, officer candidate school.

---

eddy de wrote at 2008-10-19 02:42:41
i find the  us military to be out of date. why can't an older person in their 40-50's with education and career expertise serve in a reserve capacity? Isn't it better to get four to 10 years out of a reservist with specialized skills than none at all? There are many baby-boomers in excellent shape who want to serve their country. I thought 9/11 changed our need to call people to serve. Or maybe it is all a ruse.

---

Ben wrote at 2008-11-22 19:21:46
Robert, there are a few other fields which qualify, to include aviators, intelligence, and others, plus there are waivers for your degree if you have experience in those fields.  

There are also waivers for age, so nothing is impossible!

Talk to a recruiter in each branch!  I work with a Dir Com officer whose degree was business but they happened to have a Top Secret Clearance so they were commissioned with waivers.

-Ben USMC

---