Hey, bro. I joined the Army at 26. I didn't have a college degree, but that's a HUGE bonus to have going in. If you want to make any real money in the military, figure out a way to become an officer.
Remember that when you sign that initial enlistment they have you for eight years, if they want. You might go four years active, and go into inactive reserve for four years, but you are going to be under contract that long. You should understand that going in. (I got called back and sent to Afghanistan).
If you can run two miles, do twenty pushups and twenty situps when you show up for Basic, you don't need to worry about a thing. The Army knows how to get you in shape, and they will. If you join the infantry, you're going to need to be able to walk a long way with all your shit on.
As for being 26, don't worry about that at all. I went thru Basic at 27 (I had a birthday between enlisting and Basic), and I wasn't the oldest one in there. You won't be either. Age differences don't matter that much when everyone is in the same boat, and working towards an accomplishment. Once your in a regular unit, it will only ever be brought up as a joke.
When you get to your first unit, of course you will be more mature and ahead of most people, who will be avg. around 20-21. I had the time of my life (while stationed inside the US) and still talk to so many of those guys, great friends.
The Army can be an absolute blast at times, and it can suck others. It's about like anything else, if you have a good attitude you will get a lot out of it. If you're willing to work hard in the army, you will be rewarded for it.
Just make sure it's what you want, because once you show up for Basic, your legal realities change immensely.
I wish I could be of more help. PM me if you like, I'll try my best to answer anything you wanna know.
