Old grunts. Would you recommend coming back to the infantry at 35 years old?

SGT Robert Cupp — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:11:51 -0400

I'm currently an 88m in my reenlistment window and I'm considering returning to my previous mos 11b. I was forced to be an 88m when I came back to active duty in 2018. Since then I have missed being an infantryman and the camaraderie that is absent in most support units. My issue is that in a few days I'll be 35 years old and I'm considered the old guy. People have told me how hard it's going to be trying to keep up with 18 year olds which I think could be a factor. Now I've known some old guys that were pretty tough bastards in the infantry but I know that I've slowed down since I became a truck driver again. Would you recommend it? If you're an old grunt, what are some issues you face?

Response by SFC Michael D. made Aug 3 at 2020 4:16 PM

SFC Michael D. — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:16:43 -0400

How are your knees and physical fitness? Infantry ain't no joke.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2020 4:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:40:48 -0400

It is a young man's game. Keep in mind that other SGTs will be 15 years younger than you. I have a good bit of prior service and I am much older than my peers. I will tell you that I am usually the slowest infantry officer out there but I am still out there. I will be taking a command soon and I know that it's going to be challenging. I have thought about going into another MOS but I really can't leave my MOS until I command complete. It's really up to you. But you are going to have more challenges like Ranger School or fitness event like when you compete for your EIB. It really depends on your. If you are not able to run a 2 miler in 14:00 and be able to knock out a solid 60 push ups you might want to reconsider.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Aug 3 at 2020 5:14 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:14:24 -0400

Do you have a Ranger tab? If yes then, I would say go for it. If not then don’t. You will be just another old man trying to hang with young studs. People Will look away from an old dude falling out out of PT that has a tab. He’s been there done that, that kind of thing. But just some old dude falling out is not acceptable. Especially as a SGT. If you were a 1SG or SGM it would be different.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2020 5:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:19:50 -0400

Well, TOP was in his late 40's, as well as CSM in the 2nd 505th Inf 82nd ABN.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2020 5:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:54:25 -0400

I'm 27 and after 9 years am feeling the pain. Honestly it is all about taking care of your body and maintaining your fitness. I could use my own advice as well.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Aug 3 at 2020 5:56 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:56:33 -0400

I enlisted Active Duty 11B at age 36 (yeah, 36), and did well enough competing with the youngins for a few years before eventually transitioning to Reserve component 88M, so I get a feel for where you are coming from.

You already know you have to be solid with your PT as a Grunt, but the job will wear on you more than on younger guys and it often takes longer for you to bounce back. That's just biology.

Can you be successful as an "old" Grunt? Absolutely! Just understand the odds for a long career as an old Grunt are against you. Old Grunts, generally speaking, can only remain truly successful in their frontline role for only so long. Even for those few who can do the job in their late 30s and early 40s, and at that level of required performance, their body is still likely to max out its capability within a few years no matter how much dedication they have. There are exceptions to the rule however; the 40+ year old door-kickers do exist, but those guys are even fewer and further between than the few mid-thirties Grunts out there.

Should you do it? Maybe. Depends on what shape you're in, how long you plan to stay in or if you plan on retiring as an Infantryman (how many years away are you from that), and just how bad you want it.

Good luck!

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 3 at 2020 5:58 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:58:53 -0400

PT standards I think are toughening up for Infantry but I would not do it at 35 and the reason why has already been discussed. I served in the 1980's with the 101st. We had maybe two folks in their mid-30's in the rank of SGT or below. They both sucked at the PT run. Even worse and sad though was their social isolation. Not a whole lot of people went out on the town with them or would hang around with them after duty hours (one was single and was practically a barracks rat because of that, the other was married and didn't care too much). So a large part of the camaradarie was missing for them. Otherwise they did OK, they weren't chaptered because of their bad run performance wasn't terrible but it was noticeably bad,..........and just frowned upon like.....they weren't at the top of the list for promotion.....kind of frowned upon. I was I think 21 or 22 back then and I remember the SP4 that was 36 and trying to find a group to hang with....he had a hard time. Again because he wasn't married spent a lot of time in the barracks room.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2020 6:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:16:15 -0400

Came into Army infantry in 2018 from the Marines. Maybe it’s the unit but there is no more comradarie and all the E5’s seem to be spoiled children only looking out for number one

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Aug 3 at 2020 6:20 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:20:12 -0400

Go with your heart.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2020 10:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 22:24:09 -0400

I guess it depends on how fit you feel. As you surely know, as an Infantry troop at your rank, you will be right there in the thick of things with your team and /or squad, leading and moving l just like your peers that are probably about 10 or more years younger.

Response by SFC James Cameron made Aug 4 at 2020 12:11 AM

SFC James Cameron — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 00:11:39 -0400

Knees, hips, back, shoulders you name it. My injuries just kept rearing their heads after I slowed down. Sir Newton got it right about an object in motion.

Jokes aside, if you want to go where there’s camaraderie and work with guys that are mature and all want to be exactly where they are and put out accordingly; I say drop a SFAS packet and toss your hat in the ring there.

My time working with ODAs had me in real regret for not having done it myself. Everyone brought some kind of experience to the table that the others may not have when it came to planning and execution.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2020 7:10 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 07:10:21 -0400

I came back in at 30(got out at 21) and my first year back It's been a double edged sword

Being older and more experienced in how the Army works, alot of younger soilders come to me for advice and things their leadership have not even though about learning when trying to help their soilders. And the E-5 to E7 look toward me to talk about how the old Army use to be and how it is a different climate when trying to reach these new recruits. As for PT, it was hell back in AIT but I got back in my rhythm, I can't run a 12:30 2 mile anymore but I can still knock out a APFT with ease.

As for alot of things, you will be trying to relate to new soilders problems (Both Lower Enlisted, and NCO that you will probably be younger and more naive than you) that you will have to deal with such as entitlement, thinking that since they out rank you they know more, and other things...Just fall back into how you were as a Old School Vet, while also learning how the new Army works and you should be fine.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Aug 4 at 2020 10:16 AM

SSG Paul Headlee — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 10:16:18 -0400

I don't know you from Adam but I will say that by the time I retired at 38 years old when my unit would run a simple 2-mile circuit in the morning at about one and a half miles I couldn't feel anything below my right knee. Lord only knows how many miles I have run in infantry units but by that time it was beginning to show. I could still do 35 complete pull-ups in good form as well as the same amount of dips. We are all different but at some point your body is going to start breaking down. CPT Eric Rosa said it...its a young man's game.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Aug 4 at 2020 1:16 PM

SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 13:16:01 -0400

If you like are medically reclassified, you can't. I am saying this is from what you say that you were forced to. Being infantry is about showing your mettle, and serious about facing the enemy in his playground and challenging the young BUCK to be better than you. It's a macho game. Camaraderie alone should not be a factor. It is to kill the enemy before he does the same to your comrades and willing to live with your conscience. It's the love of shooting all the guns and ammo all you want while putting up the BS. Besides, sometimes, you fall into a "Platoon" scenario and have to suck it up and don't let it change you too much, ... Which you could find that in anywhere really.

Bottom line is, don't ask others. Ask yourself, why you left the Infantry in the first place. And are you willing to put up with the BS from being infantry?

Eventually, you will have to accept promotion or try to get promoted to stay in. In the US military, we don't let seasoned Soldiers in the field. We send them back to teach, train, and mentor the next generation to do better than we have done. Me, personally love being infantry, what I regret was being stuck in the Mechanized Infantryman until after 9/11, which by that time, keep staying in infantry was almost impossible and eventually either hang up my boots or reclassify. When it comes to that the military strategist will tell you that it's not about victory, it's about "exist strategy", "the endgame". We can always take it easy, but we can only hang tough once and for a while. In the end, Uncle Sam will say thank you for your service, pin you a medal, give you a storm flag, and tell you to see Aunt Virginia for compensation.

Good luck.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 4 at 2020 1:41 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 13:41:12 -0400

It ultimately depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you aren't happy in your current job field you need to ask yourself if going back to the Infantry is the answer. I would weigh your options against what your goals are.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 5 at 2020 10:30 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 10:30:13 -0400

To me, you seem to be looking at this backyards. It seems to me, and I very well could be wrong, you are looking at this in such away as to look like a ship with its sails full but no rudder. Sliding sideways back into the 11 Series lane does not advance you, probably sets you backwards. This is fine if you and your family are happy with it but will not help you long term...IMHO.
You made a decision to come back to the Army, why? Were you looking at that in the long term? If not, why not? You are 35, I do not know how much time you have toward retirement but that should be a goal for you now. As an 88M, you actually do have skills you can take directly into the civilian World BUT that is a tough job too.
No one plans to fail, we just fail to plan. Where do you want be in 10 to 20 years? What do you want to be doing post Army? When do you WANT that to be? Does being an Infantryman again really help you? The physical toll is going to be brutal for a 35 year old who was in the Infantry, let alone coming from the outside. We do not get factory spec replacement parts and whatever goes bad is not the same ever again.
Last, what I always asked my troops when I was in, I'll ask you now, what college classes are you taking right now? Why the F' not? IF you have your Masters, ignore this comment, but if you do you were already taking college courses.

Response by SGT Mike Strzyzewski made Aug 5 at 2020 12:42 PM

SGT Mike Strzyzewski — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 12:42:19 -0400

At 21 I ran a 12:03 2 mile in basic. At 35 I ran an 11:48 2 mile as a civilian. However the difference was at 35 I was a competitive distance runner with 1:28 half marathon PR. At 40 I continue to get running injuries and because I am am hard headed I continue to push through them. I can still do track work at a 6:15 pace, but my body takes longer to recover.

Response by SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc made Aug 5 at 2020 6:10 PM

SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 18:10:36 -0400

I'll tell ya this if my old arse could hang with the young thunder cats you can too. The funny thing about being the old guy is our bodies remember the stress and muscle failure. Age is a state of mind if you do what I did, which was stopped counting my age at 29 you'll be fine. Charlie mike brother and show the kiddos how its done!

Response by SSG George Holtje made Aug 5 at 2020 8:04 PM

SSG George Holtje — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 20:04:37 -0400

I was 11b until 42 years of age. The only trouble I had keeping up was my knees, that was when I was 41.

Response by SGT Jensen Shirley made Aug 5 at 2020 8:09 PM

SGT Jensen Shirley — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 20:09:38 -0400

It will be difficult, but not impossible. Your competition and leaders will be so much younger.

Response by SPC Bradly Martin made Aug 6 at 2020 12:35 AM

SPC Bradly Martin — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 00:35:43 -0400

All about heart bro. Unless you’re at bat, physicality is king. I’ve seen young cats in perfect physical condition (or at least possess an unbroken, fresh body) suck. I mean completely worthless, i.e 220-230 PT score with no improvement. Just the bare minimum.
Pushing yourself is a state of mind 100%
My PLT Sgt was 37-38 and made fresh basic dudes look pathetic, as well as a few ex-rangers. Nothing studly about him in regard to appearance. He wanted it more and made sure to set an example. (Heart)

Response by SFC Dan Jarvis made Aug 6 at 2020 1:27 AM

SFC Dan Jarvis — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 01:27:10 -0400

I went back at 34. I don’t regret it for a second.

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Aug 6 at 2020 7:47 AM

SPC Richard Zacke — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:47:25 -0400

SGT Robert Cupp HELL YES... if you are in good shape. I was a 62E and shared the motor pool with 11B's we had a blast but we also worked like crazy. Our company comander pushed us so he would get the win and pump up his resume'. I was a bulldozer operator and while in camp my dozer was on the 10 ton tractor trailor and I was sleeping on the hood of the 10 ton when these lost tanks came right through our camp and on tore the front bumper off the 10 ton. Everyone that was awake said I did'nt stop snoring. Two equipment operators in pup tents lost their lives.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 9:06 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 21:06:33 -0400

If it’s something you want to do then do it. Prepare yourself for what others are saying and make sure you can hang with everything they do or you will find yourself in the training room or S3 (schools or something). However what I would do is advance your career with your knowledge and experience and prepare yourself for something such warrant officer or commissioned officer. Think about your next step and not what your comfortable in or what you miss. Consider your age and your physical fitness in terms of how broken you may be such as surgeries/pains from prior infantry related jobs. Also see if you may be a better asset to the force helping from a different perspective than the front lines which can also transition to a better career when you get out. Just my opionion.

Response by PFC Kit Corson made Aug 9 at 2020 5:23 PM

PFC Kit Corson — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:23:18 -0400

Went through that dilemma when I was 28, interesting. However, I got over it. Nostalgia is a bitch.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 4:20 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 04:20:11 -0400

In '73 I ETSed, I was 23. My MOSs were 11H, 11D and 11F40. In "89 the day i could have retired with 20 years I heard a commercial about going in the ANG with my last grade (E5) and earning my retirement. A month later I enlisted into a Mechanized Inf unit with my 11H MOS. Problem was the 90MM and 106MM rcl had been replaced by the TOW? I did not have a clue.
Top used my 11F and made me Operations NCO. Drill week-ends and Annuals were a mother. But the camaraderie of my brothers you missed carried me through. From the commander down I was well respected. All was good then came 911?! And we were put on notice to deploy soon. After 54 days we never did deployed due to a bottle neck at Ft Irwin NTC.
I realized unlike Vietnam when I was a young, strong, and actually among the best at what I did I now was a burden and in a real combat situation my very presence would jeopardize my men and compromise the mission.
Buck Sgt, if you are thinking about going 11B. Ask yourself if you will be an asset or a burden? Well you have your brothers' backs and lead the way or will they have to carry you.

BTW I switched to AFRES. It was like a vacation on drill week-ends and deployments were pretty good. Like working vacations.

Response by SPC Kerry Good made Aug 14 at 2020 3:01 PM

SPC Kerry Good — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 15:01:47 -0400

My only thought is can you cut it? Me, I've been killing commies since 1969.

Response by SPC Michael Tullos made Aug 16 at 2020 7:39 PM

SPC Michael Tullos — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 19:39:23 -0400

The only real issue you’ll face and this is only my opinion, being the old guy won’t matter if you want it you’ll strive to stay on top so that the younger men respect and follow you, but your biggest drawback will be trying to regain 11B status as a 88M. Infantry never understands the change in heart, you’ll be marked a pog and you’ll be undermined when you talk about tactics whether it be clearing a room or any other battle drill, It’s a hard road for a less determined individual. Hope this helps. By no means is this meant to deter you, it’s sounds to me like your a motivated soldier and that’ll get you more than half way. FOLLOW ME!

Response by SFC Dan Jarvis made Aug 22 at 2020 8:17 PM

SFC Dan Jarvis — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 20:17:39 -0400

I returned to active duty as an 11B at 34. Go for it! No regrets here. You are still young enough to impact Soldiers and by the way run circles around them. Old man muscle is legit!

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Sep 21 at 2020 1:01 PM

SPC Donald Moore — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 13:01:38 -0400

It really depends on how hard you are willing to push yourself. I was training for a marathon when I was 45, so I was doing a 5k every day (Monday to Friday) with a long run on Saturday and hitting the gym on Tuesday and Thursday on top of that. I was in the best shape of my life, possibly even better than when I graduated basic training.
You just have to want it and embrace the pain to get what you want.

Response by SPC Robert Dott made Oct 14 at 2020 3:36 PM

SPC Robert Dott — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 15:36:47 -0400

Just make sure you have somebody to carry your rucksack on your first hump in the bush!!!
B.D from philly. 173rd B co 1969

Response by SPC Michael Mershon made Nov 8 at 2020 7:31 PM

SPC Michael Mershon — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 19:31:21 -0500

Yes I would if I was to see 35 again and have the opportunity I'd be right back in

Response by SSG Leonard Cartwright made Nov 9 at 2020 12:55 PM

SSG Leonard Cartwright — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 12:55:05 -0500

No one knows your body like you do,if you feel that you can hang go for it, if you wanna go and you're not quite there prepare for it only you can , make that choice AATW !!!!

Response by SGT Tracy Stokes made Dec 23 at 2020 8:29 PM

SGT Tracy Stokes — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 20:29:15 -0500

I'm too old now and regret everyday that I cannot return. My son told me " dad, you've had your time, it's my turn now." The aches and pains don't start until you're in your mid 40's. Do it, you can never get it back once it's past.

Response by SFC Lee Paquet made Jan 1 at 2021 10:37 PM

SFC Lee Paquet — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 22:37:38 -0500

I guess it all depends on how gung-ho the unit is that you are going to. I'm not too clear on what today's physical standards are but in my day, those over 30 and especially E-5 and up were not pressed too hard to do all the physical training. Their experience and knowledge were more important for training the young ones. I've heard that some units are "top-to-bottom" gung-ho and expect everyone to meet the same standard every day. I would call around to three or four units and see what the local climate is. Unless you are badly out of shape and overweight, I think you'll be okay.

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made May 13 at 2023 12:08 PM

CPL Larry Frias Jr — Sat, 13 May 2023 12:08:07 -0400

I would never in good conscience recommend the Infantry ….enough said !

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made May 19 at 2023 4:46 PM

SGT Ruben Lozada — Fri, 19 May 2023 16:46:25 -0400

Good afternoon SGT Robert Cupp. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this Brother Robert.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 19 at 2023 7:54 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 19 May 2023 19:54:21 -0400

Not at the company level.