I am 30 and thinking of trying the military again. What should I consider?

PVT Nathan Coyle — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 09:53:18 -0400

So 10 years ago i failed out of Army AIT. I had trouble reaching my pt scores and was doing poorly in my intellegence analysis classes. So my question is as a 30 year old thinking of rejoining the armed forces what are some things i should consider before talking to a recruiter.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2025 10:02 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 10:02:31 -0400

You need to think about getting into better shape for the new Army Fitness Test that now has 5 events instead of the original 3 from 10 years ago. You need to think about perhaps picking an MOS that won't provide you too much problems academically but also at the same time challenge you and that you'd enjoy. You also need to think about what will benefit you more regarding the component you choose: Guard, Reserve or Active Duty.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2025 1:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:44:36 -0400

PVT Nathan Coyle What are you hoping to accomplish by retrying the military at age 30? Are you considering a single enlistment or a career? Discipline and determination will see you through many challenges. Goog luck and let us know what the recruiter says.

Response by SGT Carl Blas made Jun 9 at 2025 7:07 PM

SGT Carl Blas — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:07:50 -0400

Don't let the military be your last option.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Jun 10 at 2025 1:15 AM

SPC James Neidig — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 01:15:05 -0400

What Type Of Discharge/RE Code Did You Receive ?
Because That Will Have A lot To Do With If A Recruiter Even Talks To You .
My Suggestion Is Try Joining The National Guard Than Switching To Active Duty After Doing Four Years In The Guard,

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Jun 10 at 2025 7:01 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:01:03 -0400

Well I might not be 30 but remember you’re not 20 any more good luck in your quest

Response by SGT Gary Gray made Jun 10 at 2025 9:25 AM

SGT Gary Gray — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:25:27 -0400

Start an exercise routine to get in shape. Your failure to reach your PT scores effected proformance in your Intellegence Analysis Classes. Always remember, if some one else can do it, so can you.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2025 5:02 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:02:31 -0400

Consider if you really want to make the commitment. Do you understand that they will own you for at least four years? Have you improved since you first joined? If this is just something you are thinking of on a whim, because you are having late in life remorse don't do it. I had a former friend who washed out of the Army on his first go for an injury. He attempted a redo in his thirties and went AWOL after one year and was given a characteristic other than honorable discharge in lieu of court martial and an RE4 reentry code, that means he will never get back in even if nukes are falling on our heads. He wasn't committed, he thought he was too cool to take orders from people younger than him. Understand that you will have a 25 year old who will be your boss, you will have potentially have a 21 year old telling you to do tasks. Can you handle a 21 year old sergeant telling you to clean the shitters and sweep that floor over there? Go back and redo cleaning your gear? If you are mentally willing to wake up at 5:30 every morning to do Army things and do a job they tell you to do for a minimum of four years than go for it. If there is any doubt, find something else.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Jul 4 at 2025 6:59 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 06:59:58 -0400

Remember one important fact your not 21 years old anymore.