Do you feel that the military should raise the age requirement for joining the military?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 May 2014 10:21:02 -0400

Do you feel that the military should Raise the AGE LIMITS for joining the military? I Joined at 17 Years of Age, Right out of HS. The Military is my FIRST JOB EVER. The only others things I new was School, and babysiting my siblings. I Didnt have much Knowledge of the world outside of my own Back yard.
The Military was my first time out of the house on my own. It is also where I Made the most mistakes (Because I didnt know much better).
Should Military Members be Older before joining? If I did happen to Screw Up really big I could RUIN the rest of my life at the age of 19.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made May 7 at 2014 10:30 AM

SFC Stephen P. — Wed, 07 May 2014 10:30:31 -0400

If we raise the enlistment age, it will afford those kids more time to screw up before entering the military. This would reduce our recruitable population.

Response by PFC Glen King made May 7 at 2014 11:14 AM

PFC Glen King — Wed, 07 May 2014 11:14:20 -0400

I think that the age is fine as it is. It really helped me take a different path in life than those around me that did not serve. I think it's the perfect time in life to help develop young men and women into leaders and people with belief in themselves.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 11:25 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 May 2014 11:25:51 -0400

The age is fine. Most 17 year olds don't have too many bad habits to break. Yes you could screw up pretty bad but maturity often comes with mistakes. Short of killing someone or completely blowing off a direct and lawful order, your going to be fine!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 11:35 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 May 2014 11:35:42 -0400

Your argument for a higher age limit has merit, but with a larger number of recruits coming from the 17-20 age range, it is not practical.
At that age, you are more impressionable and adapt to structure more easily. Older people with experience of living on their own and already have established behaviors have a tougher time adapting but ultimately are more mature and are willing to adjust.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 12:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 May 2014 12:08:23 -0400

I think it has to do more with the current generation than the age specifically. The age is fine, what I think is happening is that new Soldiers aren't well prepared for the military life. I'm not sure if the recruiters aren't setting the expectations right, or if the current generation blows that off and thinks "whatever" in many cases.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 7 at 2014 3:40 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Wed, 07 May 2014 15:40:16 -0400

This is a reflection of society. Younger less experienced people are going to make more mistakes. It doesn't matter if you are in the military, at college, or just being a bum. You have to hope that the person has the proper upbringing and moral fortitude because with out these they will make mistakes potentially life changing and shaping.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 4:11 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 May 2014 16:11:22 -0400

The Corps is a young man's gun club, I couldn't imagine having to go through the riggers of becoming a Marine at an age higher than the current limit, I would be too broken physically and mentally. Going at in your teens and early 20's is a perfect time because you are young and not set in your ways yet, the Corps wants to make that impression and transform your life permanently. Those who mess up in the Corps make up a small percentage of the men who do great things for the nation, it's not necessary to make changes based on that small fraction.

Active Duty None-Prior Service
Army - 35
Air Force - 27
Navy - 34
Marines - 28
Coast Guard - Age 27

Reserve Non-Prior Service
Army Reserves - 35
Army National Guard - 35
Air Force Reserve - 34
Air National Guard - 40
Naval Reserves - 39
Marine Corps Reserve - 29
Coast Guard Reserves - Age 39

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made May 7 at 2014 4:28 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Wed, 07 May 2014 16:28:44 -0400

The age is fine
I joined the Corps at 18 without any direction without the corps giving me direction who knows were I would be
I made mistakes but hey that's growing and learning
Plus going through any bootcamp any older than 25 would be brutal

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 7 at 2014 4:31 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Wed, 07 May 2014 16:31:33 -0400

PFC,
The best part about having young recruits is their "formability". When there is civilian life experience it often needs to be wiped away before forming a civilian into a Soldier. The weight of responsibility comes with the training and life experience you gain in the military.
I do not see younger Soldiers as the cause of most of our problems. In fact I see the most egregious issues rising from those who have high level responsibility and forget the personal responsibility that comes with wearing the uniform.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 9:33 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 09:33:46 -0400

I'm actually on the other end of the spectrum when it comes to this.

I feel that the country as a whole would benefit from mandatory civil service like other countries have implemented (before I'm called a "commie" realize than many democratic countries do this) this causes a sense of ownership in the nation and gratefulness. Civil service doesn't just include military service but things such as: fire fighter, police, EMT etc.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 9:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 09:37:32 -0400

In all points there is merit. Most of us enlisted at an early age. I enlisted when I was straight out of high school and had lived most of my life in a small rural farming community. What I knew about the "real" world could be summarized in a word....nothing.

I made a lot of mistakes fresh out the gate. But having done that and getting some tough love by some great NCO mentors, made me a better person.

I do not think raising the enlistment age would prevent screw up or add a lot to the maturity pool. I think those life experiences growing up in the ranks and making your mistakes is what shapes and molds your values and work ethic as you mature in the service.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made May 21 at 2014 10:19 AM

SFC Rich Carey — Wed, 21 May 2014 10:19:47 -0400

I am conflicted. I can see both sides. I was 21, turned 22 a month later, when I joined. So I can see joining a little later is a benefit becuase you have had time to grow. Now the otherside, joining at 17. What do we ask of these young folks? We send them to basic training training, why? To get everyone on the same sheet of music. As SFC Emily W. stated, they don't have too many bad habits to break. So in this case If It Isn't Broke, Don't Fix It. :-)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 10:27 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 10:27:47 -0400

I think the age limit is fine. The problems I have seen is the new recruit going to their first duty station and then having a supervisor that sits back and doesn't actually oversee the development of the new recruit. I have seen a few new people actually have to get out because they didn't know how to handle their finances, drinking, and how to conduct themselves with living on their own. It comes down to the supervisor knowing them and helping them understand the military and how to handle responsibilities they have never had to handle before.

Response by PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner made May 21 at 2014 11:20 AM

PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner — Wed, 21 May 2014 11:20:03 -0400

I think that every eligible male and female should do a minimum of 2 years active duty at age 18. Prior to going to collage or getting any kind of loan. I see to many young people today get out of high school and just to fail out of collage and on who's dime? Mine and yours in most cases as they got grants and student loans that they could not afford. If they go into the Military they could get a GI Bill that they contribute to. By learning some discipline and good work ethics you will better succeed at what ever your goals may be. Weather you join the Military at 17/18 or go to collage or go into the real world if you are going to make a mistake and screw up you will do it no mater where you go.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 2:44 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 14:44:57 -0400

If you screw up at any job really big you could ruin the rest of your life, so military service is immaterial from that statement.

I believe the age limit for enlisting should be dropped to 16, with parental consent, and increased to 21 for commissioning, after you finish high school and earn a 4-year degree.

The military offers a chance for individuals in any situation to learn self-discipline, patterns of conduct, and learn a trade or skills without trying to fight with other in a civilian market for training or job because one has neither training or experience. On that note, the military doesn't necessarily require prior experience to get 'hired', however once you leave many employers recognize the benefits of military experiences. There are several reasons the military should remain open to younger age groups, providing benefits for both sides of the equation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2014 8:43 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 08:43:44 -0400

I can see the argument from each side here but I'm going to make a few points.
- Almost every single senior NCO that posted in this forum stated something along the lines of "I joined right out of high school, and I made mistakes.. but tough loving from my NCOs made me who I am today" In this modern Army where it is incredibly difficult to correctively train soldiers, are we molding these young kids the same way we used to? I don't think so! I don't think a 18 yr old soldier cares about a counseling statement.. they cannot comprehend something that's not slammed in their face with reality.
- Soldiers that joined the ranks at a later edge have an unbelievable amount of leadership potential right off the bat. We've all seen it.. recruits older than lets say, 23 are way ahead in almost every aspect of this profession. I'd say they are way ahead even of someone that has been in for 5 years from 18-23. The Army mindset, and brainwashing is not working anymore. We need mature minds, people who can think outside the box.. think on their feet about life situations, not just combat situations.
- You can absolutely see it across the ranks. As much as you can stand there an point out officers from enlisted at the PX in civies. You could absolutely work with numerous e-6 an above... and be able to tell who joined when they were a kid, and who joined when they were an adult.
- I will take the adult, every... time.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 22 at 2014 10:02 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 10:02:33 -0400

I don't see an issue with the current age criteria. The fact is that age is just a number measuring chronology and is in no way a measure of maturity. I have known 16 year old young men and women that were more mature than some in their mid 20s (and beyond). The truth of the matter is that maturity is what really matters and there is really no way to measure that as a part of induction.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 10 at 2015 5:05 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 17:05:02 -0400

No the military is a place for the young to grow up to be adults.

Response by MSgt Niclas Svensson made Oct 11 at 2015 2:39 AM

MSgt Niclas Svensson — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 02:39:56 -0400

I firmly believe that if I I didn't join the AF at age 18, my life would have been drastically different...and not in a good way. I look back now at my "crew" in HS and save for one or two, NONE of them have really accomplished anything in thier lives. One still lives at home (age 38), another spent time behind bars, and another died in a drunk driving accident at age 25 (he wasn't doing much with his life prior to that either).

I am thankful I made the decision to join.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Oct 27 at 2015 7:03 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 19:03:54 -0400

I think to be a SNCO there should be an age requirement.

Response by LCpl Steven Fiore made Oct 27 at 2015 9:07 PM

LCpl Steven Fiore — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 21:07:42 -0400

I think the age requirement is perfect. I stumbled in my last 2 years of high school. Signing up in the DEP helped me graduate. After serving, I was able to build a solid career. It scares me to think if I didn't sign up in high school, where I would be today.

Response by SGT James Clark made Mar 1 at 2018 12:01 PM

SGT James Clark — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 12:01:37 -0500

I say leave the age limit where it is for the ones serving this country. They should be able to buy a weapon at the age of 18 for the simple reason they can serve at 17 yrs of age. For civilians raise it to 21 yrs of age. 21 to vote, 21 to buy alcohol,21 to get their drivers licenses and 21 to buy a cell phone.

Response by LTC Wayne Dandridge made Mar 1 at 2018 12:09 PM

LTC Wayne Dandridge — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 12:09:38 -0500

No. Seventy five per cent of all military service age eligible men and women are already ineligible for military service due to overweight and lack of physical fitness, drug use, criminal records, and lack of education. Our country is certainly under achieving these days.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 2 at 2018 12:45 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 12:45:59 -0500

By Law- at 18 you are an adult- and are suppose to not only act like one but know how it act like one. No one held a gun to your head to enlist- it was an adult decision and it has adult repercussions. The Military is not required to raise children, or make kids in to adults- we are required to make Adults into Service members. If you ran into problems- then you either did NOT pay attention, or MADE Bad choices- both only you can fix, no one else.

Response by PV2 Matthew Seidel made May 8 at 2018 8:59 PM

PV2 Matthew Seidel — Tue, 08 May 2018 20:59:40 -0400

No, 18 you have to sign up for the draft, and vote. You should be able to fight and die for your country.

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Aug 5 at 2018 3:45 PM

PO1 Richard Nyberg — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 15:45:49 -0400

I joined the Army at 18 right after high school. I turned 19 in AIT at Ft Gordon, GA. I was in Vietnam 6 mos after I graduated. I agree it does help you grow up. Personally I think it should be mandatory for kids to serve in the military for at least 2 yrs.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 22 at 2018 8:33 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 20:33:06 -0400

Yes and no. The human brain doesn't finish developing until approximately aged 25, so raising the enlistment age to 25 could conceivably result in a force less prone to making dumb decisions, but having said that, people who don't make dumb decisions don't generally make that first one to join the military ;o)

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Aug 27 at 2018 1:05 PM

PO1 Richard Nyberg — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 13:05:13 -0400

I don't think so, I think it helps them grow up and look at life differently. I enlisted at 18 a month after I graduated from high school and went into BASIC training, I went go Ft Gordon, Ga for AIT and I turned 19 there. I was in Vietnam 6 mos after I graduated from high school. I knew some 17 yr olds did go to combat but most of the 17 yr olds that I went through training with were sent to Germany. I think the military is a good thing and that it should be required that young people spend at least 2 yrs in the military. They may not stay in but it will give them a start on life and help them grow up. I have a Grandson who is going into the Marines starting next month and I am really proud of of him.

Response by CPT Ian Stewart made Oct 3 at 2018 12:55 PM

CPT Ian Stewart — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 12:55:16 -0400

SPC Lee, as a young woman and female soldier, you are probably more mature than your male counterparts of the same age. It is a known fact that the male and female brain develops at different rates and that at 19 to 20/21 years old, most women are far more mature that man of that same age group. A young male (I was one once), will do things that more mature folks would think twice about. Example: You Tube is replete with videos of young men doing stupid things
The services, especially the ground forces (Army and Marine Corps), want personnel who will not readily question orders that incur danger = "Private, attack that machine gun". A young man will answer "yes, sir" and go off to attack the MG. An older, more mature guy would probably hesitate and ask if maybe artillery or mortars could be used instead. Orders given in combat are not an invitation to debate.
You've raised valid points in your post, but if the individual service member has responsible officers and NCOs, they should be able to keep her/him from screwing up too badly.
Lastly, I'd like to thank you for joining the service and doing your bit for the country. I hope your time in the service is a positive experience and that you will look back on these times with fond memories. Best of luck to you now and in the future.

Response by MSG Ronnie Snider made Dec 18 at 2018 6:36 AM

MSG Ronnie Snider — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 06:36:06 -0500

I think the age limits are right. As a former recruiter the standards we have in place are good.
I put a few you soldiers in and a few older. There were a couple of times I thought 17- 40 would be fine.
My first plane trip was to basic training and I at 21 was the oldest. When we left MEPS I was placed in charge of the group because of my age. At that point on you are most of the time with someone to keep you on the right track. This is how we learn, from mistakes we make along the way. Building, molding and leadership skills are always being taught learned. Believe it or not the best soldiers are the ones that have screwed up several times along the way. For me it was MSG/E-8 and GS-13 with a bachelor’s degree, 2 great children, 2 grand kids and 34 years of marriage. Thanks to the Army this was all because I had great (some not so) along the way regardless of their age. 17 years old is good I have seen it happen and it works out great.
The Army was not my first job ever but it was and still is the best thing I have ever done. I wish I would have went in at 17 years old.

Response by SFC Byron Perry made May 18 at 2019 9:59 PM

SFC Byron Perry — Sat, 18 May 2019 21:59:37 -0400

No, the military NEEDS the young inexperienced people to join so that they will not go in thinking that they already know everything and won't listen to orders given to them. Also the youngest of the adults don't have alot of opportunities these days, and the military is one of the places that most can have a career in.