fuck, am i that old
besides, "prior service" is used very lightly in my case: i got through marine boot, did a few weekend drills then quit at about 6 months. Im hoping that wont be a serious factor since it happened 15 years ago
About.com has a really terrific military section, here's the age limits by branch:
* Active duty Army - 42
* Army Reserves - 42
* Army Natinal Guard - 42
* Active duty Air Force - 27
* Air Force Reserve - 34
* Air National guard - 34
* Active duty Navy - 34
* Navy Reserves - 39
* Active duty Marines - 28
* Marine Corps Reserves - 29
* Active duty Coast Guard - 27
* Coast Guard Reserves - 27
Age waivers are possible for those with prior military service.
Do with it what you will. In terms of branches to enlist, IMO they fall like this: Air Force/ANG, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard (but you REALLY fucking have to love the water), Army.
It's actually a toss up whether Marines or Coasties have the shittier basic, seriously. Coasties don't have to hold to the same federal legal standards the other branches do (they are evil to those boys). The Marines are brutal, but at least there are rules (but you've been there). Air Force and Navy, IMHO, potentially set you up for life better. More education opportunities.