I am 35 and just enlisted. What can I expect?

.... expect to be the "old man" .... I enlisted at 35 also , gave it 18 years and would still be there if I wasn't so damn old.... damn, I still miss it..... it's going to be the hardest thing you'll ever do , but succeed and the respect you'll receive will humble you...

PFC Pearson, first congratulations! 2nd having completed basic at age 35 and OCS at 36, 18 years ago, I can tell you it was the best decision I've made. I'm 2 years away from completing my 20 so it can be done! With that as an intro, I weighed in 15 pounds over my max at MEPS, could run 2 miles in 1830 and Just barely passed my situps and pushups (36, 48 respectively) before I shipped to Knox. For me, having played football in high school, I put myself in the mindset of 2 a day and 3 a day practices. You will always be doing something physical. The goal is to build you up not break you. The key is mindset and diet...lots of water and eat what you're given even when 17 year olds are putting sugar on bread and calling cake. With the new PT test preparation will be different but the results if you follow your DS will be the same.....success. By the end, I was 15 pounds under my max, running 15min two miles and easily passing situps and pushups...persevere, that takes a strong will and you'll be fine. As for your career path, being in a CAB myself, I am fairly certain 35 is the max age for pilot training with a waiver, typically it's 30 without a waiver. You really need to confirm with your gaining unit that you will be given a seat a Rucker before you develop that expectation. I know the Guard is hurting for pilots but best to check on the age limits.

Last, Good Luck! You'll look back at all the sweat and be proud that you kept up with all those 17 year olds!

Congrats. If you e been going to the gym on habit it will be an advantage, but you’re OLD!!! I think it’s excellent. After you except the pain of having your body snapped in and don’t walk around reminding people how old you are, they don’t care, your age and experience will be an asset to any shop. Your worst enemy is going to be your arrogance. Remember that. You joined knowing you would be equals with 19 y.o.s.

I got out after 10 years and renlisted in 05 after being out for 6. I was a 37 yr old Sgt. They took 4 years time in grade. I loved it. I just wanted to be a good Marine and take care of business, butttt. Unfortunately they liked me and I ended up being team chief, plt. Sgt. Etc.....

It happens.

Enjoy the ride. Remember why you joined and don’t be and old dick head and alienate yourself.

Skip the usual exercise routines. Your body will rebel against it. Start doing CrossFit as soon as possible, preferably with a seasoned trainer who's worked with older people, and yes, at 35 going into a young man's game, you are considered old. Get into a routine, then expand into two, then eventually three routines a day. Include actual 'strength' exercises into it. Push up, pull ups. Stay away from sit ups and allow the cross fit to strengthen your core. Youre going to ache, but unlike boot camp, you can allow your body to recover. Cool, not cold showers, never hot. Allows the oxygen an blood to move within the tissue and will keep the buildup of lactic acid at a minimum. Good luck and thank you for choosing to serve your Country!

I went to Basic at 35, a few weeks before the deadline which at that time was 36. I would say learn the rules, do what you are told and excel by working at outdoing your best effort at every opportunity, don't complain unless there is a real reason (then if you don't, you're wrong). Enjoy the experience and have fun with it. Get to know and appreciate your colleagues. Everyone has an interesting life and story. By the time you are finished you will be in great shape. My weakness was pushups, even so I was up to standard by the end of training. My buddy's weakness was sit-ups. She too was up to standard by the end of training.

I was 26 when I enlisted and retired at the age of 50 from the Navy. You will be considered the "old man" for your entire career. Follow the counsel of CPT Jack Durish for the physical aspect, master your skill set early, set the example for the young ones already in, and those coming in behind you.

Yes all of that

Expect anything a 35 year old thrown in the mix of 17, 18, 19 year old can dish out. Instructors with the power 10 years younger. Start run and PT now required in basic. Dig deep. Grunt through. Make your mark. One way or another they will remember the old guy. Been there. Good luck.

I was told to prep with horizontal ladder to toughen up my skin on hands, and I was inadequate, missing some PT due to hand injuries. Your age may be a big psych bonus for the ability to put up with crap which is a major component of service.

I agree with Jack D., run, run, and keep on running. Invest in a good pair of running shoes, do alot of push ups. Do 25, which doesn't sound like a lot, but for each set do one less, 25, then do 24, etc. Do a lot of sit ups and body twist. You're core is what's going to help also. I retired in 2004 after 21 years, so you can do it too! Just go in focused and trust God along the way. God bless.