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Can you join the Army at 17?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 24, 2026

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.

Can you join the Army at 17 UK?

The minimum age for enlisting in the UK armed forces is 16. The UK is the only country in Europe which routinely recruits people aged under 18. Those who sign on when 16 or 17 must serve until they are 22.

Can you go to the Army at age 17?

You must be at least 17 years old (17-year-old applicants require parental consent). You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma. You must pass a physical medical exam.

Can you be deployed at 17 UK?

In the UK, 16 and 17-year-olds can join the British Army as soldiers, with consent from their parents. Soldiers cannot be deployed to the front line until they are aged 18.

What happens if you join the Army at 16?

If you join at 16 (Junior entry):

You're more likely to be injured while training and have to leave. You're less likely to be promoted through the ranks (so you're less likely to get pay rises in the long run). The army can be rough if you're the youngest in your unit.

39 related questions found

At what age can you be a soldier?

The federal law that can be manipulated in a case by case basis states that the minimum age for enlistment in the United States military is 17 (with parental consent) and 18 (without parental consent). The maximum age is 35.

What's the oldest I can be to join the military?

Military Maximum Age Requirements:

Military Age Limits: Army Age Limit: 35 for active duty, Guard, and Army Reserve. Navy Age Limit: 39 for active duty, 39 for Navy Reserve. Marine Corps Age Limit: 28 for active duty and Marine Corps Reserve.

Do you need GCSEs to join the Army?

There are roles available in the Army range from needing no GCSEs or other qualifications to join, to specialist roles requiring professional qualifications. If you do not have exam results, as a result of COVID disruption, we will accept the grades you have been predicted or awarded by your school or college.

Can you be a soldier at 16?

At what age can you join the military? Recruits must be 18 (or 17 with parental consent). The maximum age to join most services is 35.

How much does a British soldier make?

UK armed forces salaries 2019/20, by rank

The average annual salary for privates in the armed forces of the United Kingdom was just over 20.8 thousand British pounds in 2019/20, compared with approximately 123.1 thousand pounds for the rank of General.

Is ASVAB hard?

The ASVAB is honestly not difficult, but it might be challenging for people who are not good at math or reading comprehension. It is essential to prepare by studying the necessary skills beforehand in order to make a good performance on this test.

How much does military pay a year?

Competitive Salary

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) offers competitive salaries. Your skills, knowledge, experience and training can impact your starting salary. As a new direct entry recruit, you could earn anywhere from $35,820 - $62,424 annually while you complete basic training.

Who Cannot join the military?

Ages between 17 and 34 years old. Must be U.S. citizen or legal foreign national. Must have high school diploma or equivalent. Minimum 33 score on Armed Forces Qualification Test.

How much do junior soldiers get paid?

Soldier pay

Private: £20,400 a year. Lance Corporal: £27,326 a year. Corporal: £31,869 a year. Sergeant: £35,853 a year.

Is it hard to join the Army UK?

Joining the British Army is no easy feat. Whether you're a British National, Dual-National, or Commonwealth citizen, roles within the British Army are incredibly competitive. Therefore, you need to be at the top of your game if you're to succeed.

Can you be forced to go to war UK?

This means no one will be legally required to fight in a war if they don't want to. The last time people were required to do this in Britain was for the World Wars. UK men aged 18 to 40 were required to enlist during World War I between 1916 and 1920, in what was known as military service.

Can you enlist at 17 while in high school?

Here's how it works: You enlist while you're still a junior (you must be 17 years old to enlist and have permission from a parent or guardian), finish that year and attend Basic Combat Training during the summer between your junior and senior years.

Can you join the Navy reserves at 17?

You must meet these minimum requirements to join the National Guard or military reserves: Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. Be between the ages of 17 and 42 (general requirement range; age varies by branch). Pass an armed forces physical exam.

How do I get into Army?

For a Permanent commission you have to join the National Defence Academy or the Indian Military Academy. You can take the NDA entrance exam right after class XI. Clear the UPSC exam and a 5-day Service Selection Board interview, pass your medicals, and you're in NDA.

What grades do u need for the Army?

Entry requirements

You'll usually need: 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course. 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.

What grades do you need to get in the Army?

Age: 18-26 years old. Qualifications: 35 ALIS points (34 for SCEs) from 7 GCSE/SCE subjects, with a minimum grade C/2 in English Language, Maths and either a Science or a foreign language.

Do soldiers get weekends off?

But like most jobs, if in the States and not deployed, military active duty get weekends and holidays off like everyone else in the job force. Deployments for active duty to foreign countries or even war zones occur regularly for the active duty member.

How long does boot camp take?

A common question may be "How long is military boot camp?" On average training can last anywhere from 8-12 weeks. While each service has different training schedules and requirements, orientation week is basically the same across all five branches.

How long is boot camp for the Army?

Basic Combat Training comes in three phases and lasts about ten weeks, depending on your military occupational specialty (MOS). After you graduate from basic training, you will undergo two additional phases of training, known as Advanced Individual Training, where you will learn the job skills required of your MOS.

Can you join the military with ADHD?

While ADHD alone does not disqualify a person from military service, the Department of Defense (DOD) places significant enlistment restrictions on individuals with an ADHD diagnosis and/or prior treatment with medication. Has documentation of adverse academic, occupational, or work performance.