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I had to check this because of family background and klaxons going off. Are we talking British army?
Both my dad and my brother joined under 18, it’s still the case you can join up at 16. I pedantically checked. You can start your app at 15 3/4 and need parental consent under 18.Which is nuts. Especially as at 16 my brother's rifle was as big as him. But that was a loooong time ago. And even I’m taller than the current standard issue rifle.
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Only 20 countries recruit 16 year olds. Isn't it great to be listed alongside Iran, Zimbabwe and North Korea.
Longer minimum term for minors too. After their first six months, minors are committed to remaining in the forces until turning 22.
Whereas an adult commits to serve for four years, a minor is committed for four years from his/her
18th birthday – up to six years in total.But this is off thread.
22 years is actually the maximum that a soldier is ordinarily allowed to serve and when your full pension is activated. But I appreciate I'm being a pedant here. In theory, as long as you meet fitness requirements, now days you are allowed to serve up to 60 years old or so, but that is at their discretion.