Did I start my military career too late?

With all due respect...……… you are obviously uneducated, your writing skills reveal that. With that having been said, I have doubts that any fruitful career is in your future as most fruitful jobs require education to be able to function to required standards. The Army is no different, leaders must be able to function and communicate and education is relevant. At 28, you should have know this by now. Maybe your best bet is to serve your time, maybe ask out if possible, go to a quality tech school, get a trade via trade education and move forward from there. BTW, if the Army is like the Marines as regards advancement...…………. there are no old privates anymore, you either advance by your own volition or you will be put out. Bottom line? Manage your life, you be in charge, don't let life just happen and by all means, stay away from the trouble crowd...…….. I suspect you know who they are. Best wishes and best of luck...………. it's all up to you. In five years, if you are in the same virtual boat...………… look in the mirror.

Nah, I started at 28. I made sure I stayed in a high state of physical fitness all the time. The toughest thing is the actions of the younger ones. I would suggest that you you will be good to go. Your age is an advantage, respect your superiors and be knowledgeable about your occupation speciality. Most of all take advantage of every opportunity you can get. I just retired and I can say that I was Blessed to serve. Best of luck.

You'll be ahead of the game as far as maturity and experience, but you will likely be a bit resentful about being treated like a child. You will be in with a lot of kids who can't wipe their own asses. Just keep your head down and eyes on the prize. Remember that training is short-term, you will likely never see these people again and your career hasn't started yet. Good luck!

Not at all. It will likely be tough for you early on, because when you are a PVT, you will be treated like a PVT. Most PVTs are young, relatively ignorant about the world and pretty immature. However, once you have a chance to prove your maturity, your "advanced" age (LOL, yer still a young'in) will actually be an asset.

Now, if you are looking to do 20 or more, those later years may be a bit harder for you, because a 48 year old body just doesn't move like a 38 year old body. BUT, if that is your plan, you can stay on top of it with GOOD nutrition, GOOD PT, and adequate rest (both sleep and physical recovery). If you take care of yourself NOW it will pay off heaps on the backside of a career.

Oh, and also don't write off retirement. Every single enlistment I did was my last one - I was definitely getting out. And I did... After 20 and change.

my son who spent 8 years in the marine corps. in November after being out of the marines for 8 years he enlisted into the army at he age of 34. but he excelled at everything he army put before him he had to go down to a specailaist E-4. He had seniority so he was made the recruit NCO. AT times he marched the platoon and gave instructions on weapons. they have offered him to become a Drill sgt. he was sent home on covelensent leave for 30 days. he had hurt his sholder. now he his going thru rehab then on to 88 Mike school. he is trying to reclass once he makes sgt to IT or MP.


Hello LON HEBERT,






t

I was 29 when I joined, 30 when I finished my OBC. I realize that is a little different, but my point is that it's never too late, and you'll have a great advantage that you should lean on. (life experience, maturity). Hang in there, keep a positive attitude, don't give up, and always look to see how you can improve!

They seem to be pretty negative. I joined just before 30. You are fine. Remember why you joined in the first place and stick to it. It’s like telling someone they started getting their degree too late, or they are starting an entry level job too late.
Do you and get it done. You won’t regret it. Keep your head up...
by the way, when I was at basic there were 35 year old recruits. Good luck and welcome!

PV2,
Negative.. I went through basic in 2000, we had a 33 year old and he was a bad ass!

Hardly. Had a guy who was 34 when I went through, and my youngest brother was 26 when he went in. With both of them, their past experience, levelheadedness, and maturity compared to their peers stood out and put them worlds ahead of their fellow trainees.

I joined at 35 as a fuzzy. It’s what you make it. You definitely want to fast track promotions when possible.