Infantry Officer at 30?

SPC Eric Colvin — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 14:57:28 -0400

I'm prior service enlisted looking to return to the Army as an officer. Unstanding that branches are assigned, my goal is to be an Infantry officer. But I'm wondering if being a 30 year old 2LT in infantry is going to be a disadvantage?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 3:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 15:45:49 -0400

Not necessarily. A reminder that the infantry is one of the most physically demanding branches. This means that when placed into IBOLC the expectation is that you will go and succeed in schools such as Ranger. I would look at all avenues of approach when making your decision. 30 is not old, just may take your body a little longer to recover.

Advantage: you’re prior enlisted so you know the standard, just don’t be one of those mustangs that wants to be in control of everything or thinks that the way they did it at their unit is the only answer. Mustangs have a better track record than butterballs in my opinion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 4:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 16:23:59 -0400

I've been Cavalry, Military Police, and Aviation. In all 3 cases, the older officers with enlisted experience seemed to be a bit more respected than the cherry officers because those prior enlisted guys already have a wealth of knowledge and experience and they know how to stay in their lane and not micromanage... in most cases anyway..

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 4:52 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 16:52:09 -0400

I don't think it will be a problem. I was 27 when I commission and went to IOBC. I never felt like I was behind physically at all. And it helps a lot (or at least it did for me) when I got to my platoon and had a few years on me. Especially given the fact that I was prior enlisted as well. The guys seem to know that they can't pull quite as much over on you as they could a brand new guy. Good luck! Hope you get 11A.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 5:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 17:57:10 -0400

Im 32, 2LT. Honor grad at IBOLC and graduated Ranger in January. You’re fine.

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Sep 12 at 2018 11:36 AM

CPT Robert Boshears — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 11:36:05 -0400

I had the pleasure to meet a Full Bull Colonel... who did his first 13 years Enlisted. Because of his later age in getting that Butter Bar, gave him experience very few could match. He used to look for me almost daily so he could pet my (Companipn Dog) ... him and his wife rescued Pit Bulls. My wife was one of his professors. He was not or very little different than most officers, only he was the man. Many times the 03’s and below would corner him in the school parking lot to “Woo him”. He would politely but firmly tell them to go home and study.... he had a dog to see.

He did it... and personally, I know I was the pick on 2LT, until I wore my Vietnam medals, and I never knew what I rated... got a small bag in the mail with more medals.

In a wordy way, don’t give up your dream.... but be in shape, as you will be scrutinized at any physical opportunity. Also, work with every NCO, they may laugh behind your back, but your experience with age gets you respect, listening to all NCO’s will keep that respect. Please remember, you are no longer the close friend you may have been, but respect and job knowledge.... an occasional beer for those working way into the night helps.

You want, go for it. Keep an above average GPA for higher education, learn a second language... but don’t Quit.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2018 11:45 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 23:45:29 -0400

I completed IBOLC at the age of 39. You'll be fine.

Response by COL Brice Barnes made Sep 16 at 2018 11:19 AM

COL Brice Barnes — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 11:19:49 -0400

What physical shape are you in? What are your plans to earn a commission?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2018 3:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 15:41:11 -0400

I don't know your experience but I see you were a 25N. I crossed from a 25U to 11A. Though it wasn't by choice, there can be a slight culture shock. I'm a pretty flexible guy so I kinda fell in line and rolled with it but there were many prior service guys at IBOLC from other soft skilled jobs that seemed to have trouble adjusting. I'm now working in a functional area (FA26B) so I work with signal guys now. Haven't met any 25N's in their current state of any rank that I could imagine being an infantry officer. Everyone is different but that's just my short 2 year experience of working with the 25 series guys at a G6. I'd say some weaknesses that will have to be overcome from signal to infantry culture is physical fitness, perseverance (embracing the suck), and being more operationally focused over technically focused (commander's intent/end state driven). Good luck. If you're motivated enough to do it and you really want it then anything is possible in the realm of possibility.

Response by COL John Lowry made Sep 21 at 2018 11:11 AM

COL John Lowry — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 11:11:36 -0400

I was commissioned through OCS, Ft Bennings, at 32 years, five months. As long as you maintain your fitness it shouldn’t matter. ARNG COL Retired.

Response by COL Al Fracker made Sep 27 at 2018 9:04 AM

COL Al Fracker — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 09:04:47 -0400

I was a 30 year old 2LT with prior service. I personally think it was an advantage because I was older, had more experience than my peers, and was not bothered in the least with the physical requirements.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 2:50 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 14:50:05 -0400

Not at all, brother. I did Ibolc at 33 and was just fine. The young officers are great to work with, and value the input from experience

Response by 1LT John Cooper made Oct 20 at 2018 5:08 PM

1LT John Cooper — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 17:08:39 -0400

I was 28 or 29 when I was commissioned

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 5:52 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 05:52:12 -0500

As long as you’re in shape and can handle the field, there should be no issue. In fact, your prior service experience should help set you apart from the other 11As that are coming straight out of college

Response by MAJ William Smith made Sep 28 at 2019 8:29 AM

MAJ William Smith — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 08:29:45 -0400

I found it to be an advantage not disadvantage. Had already done AIT at Benning. IOBC (IBOLC) was tougher, but familiar. Non-prior service couldn’t say that. Breezed through rifle marksmanship etc. Later, as PL, younger PLs were in first platoon and starting at top. Nothing was new to me except being at the top.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Sep 28 at 2019 2:17 PM

LTC Ken Connolly — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 14:17:19 -0400

Wow, break out the walker. Your physical and mental conditions are critical at any age. If you are given the opportunity, go for it!

Response by MAJ Richard Cheek made Oct 14 at 2019 12:08 PM

MAJ Richard Cheek — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 12:08:20 -0400

I was a 30 year old 1lt. Best part was my relationship with my NCOs.