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

I joined the Marine Corps at 27. I was told I would be given more responsibility, looked up to etc... That basically was a load of crap. I was treated the same as everyone else in my platoon. You are pond scum at that point. Marine Corps may be a little different. I was used to running my own business. I went from that to asking if this recruit could make a head call. In the Marine Corps the physical part is tough but physically anyone can do it. Most who fail out do so mentally. They are mentally not strong enough to keep going. Others have given good advice on the physical aspect. On the mental just be ready mentally to keep going even when you don't want to. Put the mission first and in boot that is to graduate. You can do it. Your age will help you in that your not as naïve as you were when you were younger. Some of my instructors didn't like that I was older. Others didn't care and because of my rank assumed I was younger. My guys at my unit called me the old man.

A little advice, do what you're told, when you're told to do it. That will save you a LOT of grief and push-ups.

Honestly as long as you are in decent shape you will be fine. They will get you to where you need to be. Basic Training isn’t that bad all things considered. The hardest part for you will be the mental aspect of the Army, especially once you get to your first unit. To be successful you will have to be humble. There is a good chance that your team leader, squad leader, platoon leader, platoon sergeant, company commander, and possibly even your 1SG will all be younger than you. That’s a hard pill to swallow for people who join when they get older. Age is irrelevant, although they might lean on your additional years of life experience. The first time you get a developmental counseling from a 21 year old team leader will be an eye opener for you. Just remember that while you can leverage your life experience, there is a difference between it and Army experience.

I pray that you are in good shape overall. Joining the army at 35 is very admirable and I wish you well. The army is ramping up its apft program. You should go on YouTube and watch the new physical test standards. Other then that go and get into crossfit.

Well, get in shape. Basic is no joke for a typical 35 yr old. Physical conditioning will continue to challenge in school. Once you make it to your 1st post the real challenge begins.

Expect to be supervised by a 20 year old that isn't interested in your opinion, his boss will be 24 and less interested. Some will resent your relative experience. Your senior leadership will doubt your mental fitness for service.

Listen, do what your told, and learn fast. Seek and be open to feedback. Think before you speak, always consider the Army didn't issue an opinion. Oh, its hard but yes sir, no sir, thank you sir are near always the correct response.

Have fun being called "grandpa" by everyone.

I was 33 when I enlisted for the first time and I will let you know that the instructors showed me more respect then they did the younger ones. Why, because I was older then most of my instructors and they knew I had more life experience under my belt they would ever had seen. When I made a mistake I would admit it and take my punishment. I would not whine and cry about it and for that reason I was treated with that respect. My punishment was no less severe but less harsh. I was in good shape because I was used to running and doing pushups and situps. Something I enjoyed doing while a civilian. Show respect to them they know what they are doing.

Sore knees, sore back, seriously sore posterior.

I enlisted at 23. SF and SOG. Had been running for years. Not prepared for 100+ lbs on my back climbing up hill in Laos. At 35 you are going to hurt. Suck it up.

Practice rucking (35 lbs) or you’ll get stress fractures :)