What were Vietnam Enlistment Age Requirements?

I am currently researching for an upcoming TV series, set in the early 1970s. In our show, we have several Vietnam vets who enlisted in their 40s (i.e. not drafted). What I'm currently trying to determine: what is the oldest age someone could enlist to fight in the war? Both men are fit and able bodied -- they would pass the physical test (if there was one) and more than handle the subsequent demands of combat. But would the U.S. Army have accepted them at that age?

0 Rachael Salyer 10 months ago

Dear Erin Martin,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

The current U.S. Army eligibility and age requirements state that “the maximum age to join the Army as an enlisted Soldier is 35, while Officers must accept their commission before age 31. However, the Army can lift some restrictions based on the need for certain roles to be filled. It’s possible to receive an age waiver if you retire with 20 years of military service by age 55.” It is likely that there were similar requirements and waivers during the Vietnam era. We suggest that you contact the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center and the U.S. Army Center of Military History for additional information about historical enlistment requirements for the U.S. Army.

We hope this is helpful.
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