the current united states code, title 10 (armed forces), section 246 (militia: composition and classes), paragraph (a) states: "the militia of the united states consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the united states and of female citizens of the united states who are members of the national guard." section 313 of title 32 refers to persons with prior military experience. ("sec. 313. appointments and enlistments: age limitation