Does age have any bearing on your first impression of an incoming soldier or NCO?

I think for the most part age shouldn't be a factor if someone has gained a lot of hard earned experience in a short time period (which often happens wen we are in wartime situations).  I have seen both kinds at all levels, some that are young who deserve to be promoted and some that are older and you wonder how they got promoted.

The leadership (if it's any good) will look at all factors when considering someone for promotion.  The 'good old boy' network needs to be dismantled whenever or wherever it is discovered - that sad system has done more detrimental effects to our military than any enemy ever has. 

I know from my experience and due to my age my old Platoon Sergeant would NOT send my to the Staff Sergeant Promotion Board because he thought no one should be ready to wear that rank at only 4-5 years in the Army. This was on my 3rd deployment to Iraq having served in two already in a Squad Leader "SSG Position".  He was a fast tracker back in the day, and he said age had a lot to do with rank.  

At the time I listened and thought about what he said, but now I see a lot of guys who made SFC list last year a lot younger than I.  I am 28 years old with over 10 years in the Army and I am getting looked at for SFC this year for my first look.  Had I went to the board a few years before then, I would be on my 2nd or 3rd look.

My opinion is this.  I would rather be a strong older E-6 than a young E-7.  Reason for this is no matter who you are, we are all judged based on our rank.  It kills me when I see younger SFC's who out rank me, especially on the trail as a Drill Sergeant that are clueless on skill level 1 tasks.  Some of them can't even write a proper NCOER, but they are quick to tell you that they made E-7 in 7 years at the age of 26 or 27. 

I will be happy when I do make the list.  I am a religious man and when the time is right for me to progress and get promoted then it will come.  For now I try and focus on being the best SSG in the battalion, and will worry about the next rank and age when it comes.

Egh,  Im not so sure about proving yourself because of your age but more of just being reliable.  If you are as good as you feel you are, this should be a nonfactor.  Are you sure you are not self conscious about that yourself?  If you are a strong leader, that "proving" yourself concept will go away quickly.  But it is probably no different than when you receive a new junior Soldier and they request to go to the board and you tell them no--- because you don't know their work ethic and potential yet.