HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE TO JOIN THE REGULAR ARMY?
To join as a soldier you must:
- You must be at least 16 years old to join the Army as a soldier.
- You can start your application when you're 15 years and 7 months.
- Be enlisted before your 36th birthday
- If you're under 18, you'll also need parental consent to join
To join as an officer you must:
- Be between 18 and 29
- Higher age limits apply for specialists, eg Doctors
- Over 30s are considered on a case by case basis. Please contact us on 0345 600 8080 to discuss your options
- To enter Welbeck, you must be between the ages of 15 years 6 months and 17 years and 6 months
- Scholarship applicants must be under 18 on 1 August in the year of the award
HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE TO JOIN THE ARMY RESERVE?
As a Reservist soldier:
- Be at least 17 years and 9 months when you apply.
- You can join most roles until the day before your 50th birthday - check rolefinder for more information about the role you are interested in joining
- There are higher age limits for some specialist roles
As a Reservist officer
- Be at least 17 years and 9 months when you apply. Apply by the time you're 48 years and 9 months
- There are higher age limits for some specialist roles
NOT OLD ENOUGH?
If you're not old enough to join, you can still get involved.
Become an Army Cadet
If you're between 12 and 18 you can enjoy sports, expeditions, outdoor adventure and loads of Army-themed activities as a member of the Army Cadet Force.
You can learn survival skills and weapons handling, work towards a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and even get some extra qualifications.
There are 1,700 detachments throughout the country so there’s bound to be one near you.
DID YOU KNOW?
It’s not too early to get started on your Army career. The Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, trains 16 and 17 year olds to become junior soldiers.
NEXT STEPS
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
Not sure where to start, or what you could do? Explore our guide to the different ways to join.
ARMY RECRUITING PROCESS
Learn about the recruitment process and how to prepare for the Army assessment.