What is the highest rank in the US Army i can attain as a health specialist in my early 30s?

Ope Oguntoyinbo — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 18:03:46 -0500

As a behavioral health specialist ( Social Worker), and i join the Army in my early 30s, what is the highest rank i can attain before retirement? Can I spend more than 20 years if I wish?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 15 at 2019 9:06 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 21:06:34 -0500

Ope Oguntoyinbo Go see a recruiter. There are age caps and some are waiverable, others not. There is a mandatory retirement at 55yrs of age for active federal service. You may stay until you hit your retention control point provided you are not going to hit a mandatory retirement date. Retention control points RCP are set by your rank achieved. You must be at least an E6 SSG to retire at 20 years for active duty. You can google RCP and age limits for enlisting...go see a recruiter to have your questions answered.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2019 4:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 04:07:27 -0500

That's a broad question with a lot of variables. You tagged army reserves and 73A, so I assume that means you have a masters degree in social work and intend to commission into the reserves. There are age limits to commission and you will need to be a citizen as well. Reserves and active duty have entirely different retirements. Enlisted and officer have different caps on years, but generally you could stay longer than 20 years.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2019 12:45 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 12:45:11 -0500

didn't know this one. I thought 60 was MR age without a waiver. "10 U.S. Code § 1251: Mandatory retirement age is age 62 for all officers other than general or flag officers. Service Secretaries may defer the retirement of health professional officers and chaplains until the age of 68."