Why did soldiers lie about their age?

They thought they'd be court-martialed if their real ages were discovered. But in most cases if they were found out, they were honorably discharged. Many of them joined the service again once they turned the legal age.

Did soldiers lie about their age in ww2?

Boys as young as 14 lied about their age in order to enlist and fight in the Second World War. Here, HistoryExtra explores the stories of two such boys who enlisted – despite officially having to be 18 to do so… In 1930s Britain, boys could leave school at the age of 14 and start work.

Why did people lie about their age in ww1?

Why did so many teenagers make it to the battlefield? Recruitment officers were paid two shillings and sixpence for each new army recruit, and would often ignore any concerns they had about age. Many people at the start of the 20th Century didn't have birth certificates, so it was easy to lie about how old you were.

What happens if you lie about your age in the military?

Lying to join the military is a fraudulent enlistment and can result in a felony conviction. Yes, you need to be caught in the lie, but that isn't as difficult as you might think.

What was the youngest age of a soldier in ww2?

Calvin Leon Graham (April 3, 1930 – November 6, 1992) was the youngest U.S. serviceman to serve and fight during World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the United States Navy from Houston, Texas on August 15, 1942, at the age of 12.

Would you join the Army after watching this?

Whats the oldest a soldier can be?

What was the oldest age you could fight in ww2?

On September 16, 1940, the United States instituted the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, which required all men between the ages of 21 and 45 to register for the draft.

At what age do they kick you out of the Army?

Age 62: regular commissioned officers in grades below general and flag officer grades; exceptions. (a) General Rule .

Did people lie about their age to join the Army?

In past wars, some lied about their age in order to enlist.

At what age will the Army not accept you?

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.

Who was the youngest soldier in World War 1?

Momčilo Gavrić, in Serbian military from age eight; youngest soldier in World War I in any of the nations which fought in World War I.

Why did people lie about their age?

Reasons folks lie about their age include:

So I just lie.” “I lie about my age because I like talking to older women. None of them take me seriously when they know exactly how much younger I am then them.” “I lie about my age because I hate others my age so much I don't want others to judge me because of it.”

Who was the youngest WW1 soldier killed?

Pte. John Condon (5 October 1900 – 24 May 1915) was an Irish soldier born in Waterford. He was believed to have been the youngest Allied soldier killed during the First World War, at the age of 14 years; he lied about his age and he claimed to be 18 years old when he signed up to join the army in 1913.

Did 13 year olds fight in ww2?

In 1942, Seaman Calvin Graham was decorated for valor in battle.

Did 11 year olds fight in ww2?

In 1942, Calvin Graham, a Texas native, enlisted in the U.S. Navy to fight in World War II. He was only 11 years old.

Did 14 year olds fight in ww2?

The Japanese Imperial Army mobilized students aged 14–17 years in Okinawa island for the Battle of Okinawa. This mobilization was conducted by the ordinance of the Ministry of Army, not by law. The ordinances mobilized the student for a volunteer soldier for form's sake.

Does age matter in the military?

In general, the Defense Department restricts enlistment to those 35 and younger. Prior enlisted service members can subtract their previous years of service from their age in order to extend eligibility. For example, the current age cutoff in the Air Force is 39.

Did 15 year olds fight in ww2?

In fact, none of these men who served their country underage existed to the military. No one under the age of seventeen legally joined the armed forces of the United States during World War Two. There is no record of their underage service.

Who was the youngest American to fight in ww2?

He was in fact, only 13 years old. SAN ANTONIO — On this Veteran's Day we are honoring the youngest living World War II veteran. Like many Americans, Bob Kelso signed up to fight in World War Two. But - he was only 13 years old.

Why can't you just quit the Army?

There is no way to simply quit the military once you are on active duty. You are contractually, and perhaps morally, obligated to see your commitment through. However, you could be discharged from duty early if you are physically or psychologically unable to perform your duties.

How much do Army men make?

The average U.S. Army salary ranges from approximately $21,000 per year for Private First Class to $101,688 per year for Sergeant Major.

How many years do you have to serve in the Army?

Most first-term enlistments require a commitment to four years of active duty and two years of inactive (Individual Ready Reserve, or IRR). But the services also offer programs with two-, three- and six-year active-duty or reserve enlistments. It depends upon the service and the job you want.

Who Cannot be drafted?

Ministers. Certain elected officials, exempt so long as they continue to hold office. Veterans, generally exempt from service in peacetime draft. Immigrants and dual nationals in some cases may be exempt from U.S. military service depending upon their place of residence and country of citizenship.

What happens if you refuse to go to war in ww2?

Although none of death sentences was carried out, almost 150 objectors were jailed for life, and others were harassed and beaten. Finally, in World War II, the draft law exempted from military service those who "by reason of religious training and belief" opposed war. The objectors still served.

What was the draft age in Vietnam?

Before the lottery was implemented in the latter part of the Vietnam conflict, there was no system in place to determine order of call besides the fact that men between the ages of 18 and 26 were vulnerable to being drafted. Local boards called men classified 1-A, 18-1/2 through 25 years old, oldest first.