Are Age Waivers Past Age 35 Not Considered or Available?
Long story short. I was hired by a guard unit as a CSO in 2024 at age 32. I ran into trouble at MEPS. Couldn’t get passed MEPS in 2025. MEPS came back and said they are willing to grant a waiver in 2028 (I’ll be 36). Recently got back in touch with my guard unit (they were on a long TDY) and they are saying that a waiver passed age 35 is impossible. They were basically telling once my time has passed for MEPS to grant a waiver, I should consider a non-rated job instead as it’s not possible to get an age waiver.
I know exceptions to policy are possible. Is there something to cite to really make my guard unit fight for this. I’ve been trying for years to get a slot. This was the only success I have ever had and I don’t want to see it go. I know the old saying make them tell you know. How would I do that in this case? This sounds like do or die right now.
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Update: It sounds like the info on the no waivers passed 35 is coming from the enlisted recruiter in the unit. That’s what the LT. Col., the chief nav has stated. But aren’t things different for officers/pilots?
Joshua,
First off sorry you are having to go through this after getting selected, MEPS & FC1 are a machine and don’t care who you are unfortunately when delaying things. Glad they are willing to grant you past though! As far as the maximum age I haven’t been able to find anything concrete in the AFMAN 36-2032 or the 36-2100 about maximum being 35. From previous online searches I have see it stated that the max for age waivers is 35. It might be worth a scour of those two publications above and I’d reach out to the hiring POC and hiring official. The enlisted side helping I’m sure are good individuals but the SQ/CC or OG/CC putting in the request holds way more weight than a recruiter or training office. Besides when doing these you’ll need their buy off anyway. Hope this helps and I would agree, keep pressing until you get a hard no from them. Cheers!
STK!
CAGE
Thank you for the help and kind words CAGE. I took a look at those documents as well. Also couldn’t find anything concrete. The only thing I could find that claims 35. Was an old post from Airline Pilot forums when the maxim age for UPT was 30. That age waivers up to 35 may be considered. It’s an old post. Everything from the max age being 33, I can’t find anything official.
I hope this isn’t too much to ask. But do you happen to know anyone on the guard side that has gone to UPT/UNT with an age waiver recently? Perhaps I can use this as proof or a reference? I feel like the more references with this I get the better.
I found this in one of those guides you recommended. Does this apply to Rated Officers? Is the Max Age 42?
I would like to know as well on the prior service side. I’m an AGR in the Virginia Air National Guard and a TSgt. but I’m 33, I’ve found the same, nothing concrete as well. I’ve always scored high in my PT test and pretty fit, but I’m worried about aging out. By the time I finish my degree, I’ll be 34, and I know I’ll need an age waiver.
Yeah man, hopefully something concrete. I’m hoping 42 is the max age considered. No guarantee but it gives us a fighting chance over 35 being the wall.
Yes absolutely. Especially when you’re finishing up college and everything and still getting things done to be able to do so.
The 42 years you’re looking at is for non-rated positions and for healthcare professionals that the USAF typically has a hard time getting. I still had not found a hard/fast number for the maximum age for consideration to UPT but I would be very hard pressed to think it is remotely close to 42 unfortunately. RPAs are the only one I’ve heard the AF allowing all the way to 45. Here is an excerpt specifically talking about UPT;
5.4.7.2.1. Per AFMAN 36-2100, RegAF applicants for undergraduate flying training must not have reached their 33rd birthday nor have more than 8 years of Total Federal Commissioned Service (whichever is earlier) by the date specified in the undergraduate flying training Selection Board Announcement message. ARC applicants must not have reached their 30th birthday nor have more than 5 years total federal commissioned service by their assigned undergraduate flying training class start date. Note: Does not apply to remotely piloted aircraft applicants. (T-1)
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This reply was modified 4 weeks, 1 day ago by
CAGE.
Understood. I saw this part too. Like you said earlier, it’s kind of vague and nothing specific.
On the “Make Them Tell You No” facebook group, I talked with one guy who said he recently got an age waiver approved at 37 almost 38 for pilot. So I take it that’s good news. My unit seems convinced that there is a hard rule for 35. I’m just not finding anything official that states that.
Also a more specific regulation to ANG is th DAFI 36-2137, unfortunately still does not give a “max age” for age waivers or anything besides the typical age of 33.
Thank you. I’m hoping this is the case since it’s very vague and only lists the maximum age of 33 without a waiver, means their truly is no maximum age waiver for an ETP. I’m sure that means with in reason. It’s far easier (in theory) to get an age waiver for someone 35-38 then say someone 45. Again in theory.
Thank you so much for taking the time and helping with this. Means a lot.
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This reply was modified 4 weeks, 1 day ago by
Joshua, There is a reference in AFMAN 36-2032 which is the accessions and recruiting Reg that does talk about the 42nd birthday for Line Officer accessions: It reads:
5.4.7.4.1. Line officer (non-JAG) appointments, not to exceed the applicant’s 42nd
birthday.
Waiver Authority is:
5.4.7.4.1.3. NGB/A1PO, for persons who apply for an ANG appointment.
IN AFMAN 36-2100 mentions 33rd birthday as the limit for Line officer to enter without an ETP.
I think the intent behind the 42nd birthday is they still get you the opportunity to make it to 20 years before you are 62 years old. There is some rare congressional reg that makes 62 mandatory retirement age.
Either way, between 33 and 42 you need an ETP (Exception to Policy). For the ANG, the unit has to be willing to sponsor you and the ETP authority is the NGB/A1 office.
I wil reach out soon to see if we can offer more assistance on this matter.
Thank you for this Russ.
This seems to be a big help! Let me know what else you are able to find. Thank you again for taking the time to find this out. This is huge!
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