Is it realistic and achievable to join the USMC or Army at 28 and work towards becoming an officer? What advice would you provide?

Luke Whitecol — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 03:38:42 -0400

I’m really looking for some advice. I’m 28 and thinking of enlisting in the army or the USMC if they accepted me. I plan on active duty infantry if all things work out as I plan..

My long term goal is to go enlisted to officer after my 4 years enlisted using the green to gold or MECEP. For MECEP I’d obviously need an age waiver. I currently only have around 30 credits with a 3.0, but I think I can finish my degree in 4 years or at least put a dent in it. I would rate my fitness as above average, no conditions or anything.

I have no children, a dog and a gf who told me she would go with me if She has to. I own a home but I’m willing to sell it.

My question is: is this plan realistic? Is it achievable? Am I being naive? Any advice or input is appreciated. Thank you

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Mar 15 at 2020 4:43 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 04:43:23 -0400

Without a college degree, you're going up people ten years your junior. I would never say it is impossible, but you really need to bring something extra special to the table if you want even a remote chance.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2020 8:20 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 08:20:28 -0400

I'll throw this out there, the reserves are way more lenient on age of new officers

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2020 9:45 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 09:45:27 -0400

Depends on how much fire is in your belly, but it would be a tough sled due to age cutoff for commissioning. People have certainly done more. Remember that USMC focus for you is supporting their mission, not your career. Meaning you'll be in charge of making it happen the best way you can. Depends on your scores and needs of USMC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2020 10:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 10:39:57 -0400

It's very unlikely that you will be below the age cap when you finish your school if you're on Active Duty

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 15 at 2020 6:52 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 18:52:05 -0400

I recommend at age 28 chose one or the other, enlisted or commissioned. Enlisting infantry and hoping to completed another 90 credits plus not getting an injury that was prevent you from commissioning all before an age cut-off is expecting and hoping for a lot. Nothing wrong being enlisted with a college degree, most of the SR NCOs have one or more but I would chose one path and go.

Response by 1SG Jason Rose made Mar 15 at 2020 8:12 PM

1SG Jason Rose — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 20:12:28 -0400

not advocating for any particular branch, but just going off pure numbers, the Army needs more officers than the Marines. Maybe you want to look at that statistic to play your cards right. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Why do you want to be an officer? Can you have a successful career as an enlisted member?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2020 9:24 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 21:24:07 -0400

I'm NG rather than AD but I joined at 32 and went straight to OCS after basic.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 6:31 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 06:31:08 -0400

Now that we're pulling out of Afghanistan you decide to join now at 28 huh, what happened to joining 10 years ago when we needed motivated service members?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 8:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:26:30 -0400

I re-enlisted at 37 after a break in service and got commissioned at 39 years 11 months. Made LTC 6 months ago. So anything is possible....

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Mar 16 at 2020 8:56 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:56:10 -0400

Keep in mind who you will be competing with for a MECEP spot. In my experience most MECEP recipients are around age 23, have 3-4 years of experience, a few deployments under their belt and a documented track record of outstanding performance. Usually a near perfect PFT score, black belt, etc.,.
I'm not trying to discourage you, but the reality is you have likely missed the opportunity to get accepted into a enlisted to commission program.

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Mar 16 at 2020 11:20 AM

CPO Arthur Weinberger — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:20:44 -0400

Plan is realistic. Lots of opportunities in the military. Perform all your duties to the best of your ability, obey any and all orders without question. Go to college while active. Do this thru correspondence or at
the college. Good luck and thanks for considering to serve our country.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 3:53 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:53:43 -0400

The only issue is your age and you may or not get a waiver. Have you considered full time college and ROTC?

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Mar 17 at 2020 12:22 AM

CPL Gary Pifer — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 00:22:48 -0400

No infantry.. learn a skill.... rent your house... join the Reserves first or to play Rambo.. if you like it go active... get married.... if in reserves... deploy for 91 days... or longer...