What advice or guidance do you have for a 50 year old attending Airborne School and the Pathfinder Course?

2018-07-08T13:22:58-04:00

Anyone who has recently (2-3 years) taught (black hat) or attended Airborne School or the Pathfinder Course with advice or guidance for a 51year old? I have the opportunity to attend both courses after CCC at the beginning of the calendar year. I’ll be 51 but am in good shape, 270-290 APFT for my age group and looking to max it with a goal of 330 on the extended scale by then. I just want to ensure I know what I’m getting myself into. Graduated from both OSUT and IOBC plus other courses of three letter agencies over the past 30 years. Still very physically active. Any advice, insights or running music welcomed.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2018 1:30 PM

2018-07-08T13:30:49-04:00

Yes sir, I graduated from Airborne school 3 months ago. Honestly it is the easiest course I’ve ever taken. Just stay awake ( don’t even let youre head slump) during the classes and take the training seriously and everything will be fine. Also the training for the jump will wear your body down more than the actual jump, all the running and practice falling, I’m prior law enforcement and just now trying out the military too see what it can offer my family, so I came in a lil bit more beat up than your average 25 year old and all the falling dident help. Just make sure you get a good exit on you’re first jump! Remember feet and knees together!

Response by SSG Brian L. made Jul 8 at 2018 2:14 PM

2018-07-08T14:14:58-04:00

Nothing you cant handle... eliminate age from the equation

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 8 at 2018 2:21 PM

2018-07-08T14:21:32-04:00

Call the school house, do not rely on ATARRs or your unit schools person..CALL and speak to the school house admin folks, confirm if you need any additional paperwork due to age.
In 2013, you would have needed an over 50 physical and a statement on that report from the doc that specifically says you are cleared for the basic airborne course...and NONE of that was in ATTRS at the time

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2018 3:38 PM

2018-07-08T15:38:19-04:00

I think the hardest part is that you're way over the age limit and will need an age waiver. Don't show up without that waiver signed and approved by the Commandant or that's a fast ticket home.
To be honest, I don't even know if that's waiverable because I've never seen anyone in their 50s go.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2018 5:40 PM

2018-07-08T17:40:31-04:00

You will take the PT test at the 17-21 year old bracket. You only have to pass. The biggest thing that got guys was push-ups. They are graded strictly to standard. The rest isn’t too difficult as long as you pay attention and put the lessons into use. Once a week you’ll do the company run but the pace isn’t to bad. The constant abuse to your body practicing PLFs may be the only issue at the end of week two. Other than that you should be fine. Age hasn’t mattered with students I had in the past.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2018 8:11 PM

2018-07-08T20:11:16-04:00

Can’t speak to Airborne, but I graduated Pathfinder in March. It is incredibly academically challenging. Expect to do nothing but go to class and study for three straight weeks. Also, to prepare, start learning the nomenclature in the benning page (file is available) and the dificiemcies ver batum.

Don’t take that course lightly. It is no joke at all.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2018 8:29 PM

2018-07-08T20:29:45-04:00

Oxygen tanks... :-)

Response by 1SG Timothy Trewin made Jul 9 at 2018 8:08 AM

2018-07-09T08:08:49-04:00

Pathfinder school is actually physically non demanding. It is about 90% classroom. The parts that aren't classroom are by no means physically tough. Now on the other hand it is very mentally challenging. Expect to be taught by the fire hose method. While the information and concepts are not too mentally demanding to grasp, they give you a ton of information in a very short amount of time. I know when I was stationed at Ft Campbell you had to be Air Assault qualified to even be considered for Pathfinder. Honestly I am glad it was that way as the first week or so of Pathfinder is a rehash of Air Assault (except on steroids). Even with that background I found myself eating, sleeping, and breathing Pathfinder. I have a high level of respect for those who can complete it without doing Air Assault first. If you are wiling to study and dedicate the time to be successful then you will pass Pathfinder School with no issues.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2018 9:04 AM

2018-07-09T09:04:37-04:00

The thing I remember about Airborne School was that it was a lot of falling down. I remember feeling like I had just played a football game. Bumps and bruises everywhere but nothing major. The actual jumps were not as bad as all the practice beforehand. I'd do it again in a heartbeat though. Good luck!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2018 4:08 PM

2018-07-09T16:08:17-04:00

Get out of here LT - Kick some @$$ and take some names! Go get them and don’t forget your “shut up kid” card. I have a feeling you’ll need it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2018 6:58 PM

2018-07-09T18:58:09-04:00

In 72, our class had some older officers, a Full Bird, 3 Lt Colonels, a few Majors, and some older NCO's, I know that they were up in age, some quit, some graduated, and it was good to see them there, and honored them officers.
Myself in my 40's with a SWAT team, the younger men in their 20's always wondered why I always ran them in the ground, and when repelling 300+ feet off a cliff into the water they couldn't keep up.
If they only knew, coming from Airborne School, also being Infantry, it made the SWAT training a walk in the park.
And most of all it was the, "Airborne Can Do" attitude that comes with the territory.
Sir, I still ran those young whipper snappers in the ground in my 50's, as well as out shot them too.
"All the Way, Airborne, and Then Some!" SALUTE!

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Jul 9 at 2018 8:53 PM

2018-07-09T20:53:30-04:00

Airborne: don't nod during briefings, stay out of the gig pit, get used to falling rolling for a couple weeks, then...

...then, sir, put your knees in the breeze and absorb every second of every jump you make!

Airborne, sir!
#respect CPT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jul 10 at 2018 2:19 PM

2018-07-10T14:19:29-04:00

Go for it, one must take risks to achieve something!

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jul 11 at 2018 12:52 AM

2018-07-11T00:52:15-04:00

If you can handle it physically, you should have no problems. Be sure to share you wisdom with the younger soldiers.

Response by MAJ Milan George made Jul 13 at 2018 8:36 AM

2018-07-13T08:36:54-04:00

I went to airborne at 38 and like PVT2 William said, it’s the wear and tear that sucks. I was in great shape, but ended up finishing the last 1 1/2 weeks with pnuemonia. just gut it out and you’ll be fine. Pathfinder was extremely academic, study, study study. If you have an instructor that will come in on weekends, take advantage of it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 8:26 PM

2018-07-13T20:26:32-04:00

I attended Airborne as a 43-yr-old. I loved it! Was like summer camp on steroids. Be ready for long training days in the Georgia heat. Hydration is a huge priority. Eat well and stay hydrated. Do whatever you can to avoid falling out. And have fun! It’s all ranks and all services mixed in to the formation. Can feel crazy when the black hats have to speak to the least experienced in the group. Just keep your bearing and stay focused. Jump week and pinning on your wings is worth it!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2018 7:23 AM

2018-07-19T07:23:12-04:00

I wouldn't worry about Pathfinder school physically. Mentally it will kick your ass. 11 tests in 15 days. Be ready to study and brush up on your basic algebra skills. The field exercise was a joke, they mainly just test your knowledge to prove you can set up HLZs. my final HLZ was 2 Kiowa's (no longer around) terminating at a hover. They just wanted me to say all I had to have was radio comms.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2018 2:00 PM

2018-07-21T14:00:27-04:00

I was an instructor for both. Be sure you can pass at the 17-21 age group for all events. You’re going to fall a lot. Be prepared to icy hot every night. Drink lots of water and electrolytes. Listen to your Sergeant Airborne. Pathfinder, is not physical. It’s all mental. Long days of studying are ahead.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Jul 30 at 2018 9:41 AM

2018-07-30T09:41:55-04:00

50? I'll assume you're either senior enlisted or a field grade so my question would be "why"? You've already made your career and these twoschools aren't going to do anything but break you down and raise your disability percentage. When was the last time the army did a live airborne operation? In Iraq it was just a show of force dropping into an area we already controlled. Pathfinder iPods are probably going to be done by satellite imagery nowadays as well. If you really want to be hooah, hooah go for it but i think you're eating your time at this stage.

Response by PO2 Jim Bloom made Jul 30 at 2018 6:14 PM

2018-07-30T18:14:49-04:00

Put springs in your jump boots.

Response by SSG N T made Jul 31 at 2018 7:25 PM

2018-07-31T19:25:39-04:00

you only live once, do it and tell the stories to the grandkids how you whooped there friends buts if airborne ops..on a serious note acclimate yourself to the Georgia humidity by showing up early if possible stay outside for as much as possible the high humidity can make you feel like a ton of bricks is on your lungs..no matter how in shape you are...BAROMETRIC PRESSURE..

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2018 1:14 PM

2018-08-02T13:14:29-04:00

Well you’re my new hero! Been trying to get a seat for over a decade!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2018 10:32 PM

2018-08-02T22:32:14-04:00

Have the Lord's Prayer etched to the inside of his goggles.

Response by SGT Willie King made Aug 3 at 2018 2:46 PM

2018-08-03T14:46:21-04:00

Absolutely,go for it.It's more mental than physical now.The wars has changed a lot now.There's a lot better equipment to work with.Lives saved plan and simple,Vietnam Pathfinder(18-mons).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2018 1:31 PM

2018-08-05T13:31:14-04:00

Bring/buy instant ice packs, some tiger balm (muscle relaxer lotion), and a foam roller. Ice your knees and properly roll out your legs after each day or as you see fit. For jump school.

Response by CW2 Roddney Click made Aug 13 at 2018 2:40 PM

2018-08-13T14:40:47-04:00

I went to jump school when I was 17, but if you are physically fit and desire to jump, go for it. The training before the actual jump is essential and you will enjoy it. Just keep yopur head up and pay attention. You'll do fine.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Sep 3 at 2018 2:22 AM

2018-09-03T02:22:45-04:00

First question is why? Are you going to serve in an airborne or pathfinder unit? If not, I suggest you don't take the slots from someone who would. I hope this isn't a "badgefinder" course (or courses). If I'm wrong, get in shape, make it through and best of luck! I spent 12 yrs in airborne and SF units, earned my wings, put them to use and gave back by becoming a jumpmaster.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2018 4:33 PM

2018-09-03T16:33:09-04:00

I’m triple stack I evaded air assault for 7 years and finally went at age 48 ran my twelve mile with under two hours I was and honored student Top said do it is fun go get it
True nomenclature is big but read them every day
Pathfinder walk in the park if you’re good with math other wise remember your formulas and practice them but if I did what some twenty year olds could not accomplish that means you can do it
Good luck
Airborne all the way

Response by PV2 Joseph Dearborn made Sep 11 at 2018 12:23 PM

2018-09-11T12:23:28-04:00

Sir, at age 17 in 1972 it was 3 weeks of hell, but being you have been in the service most of your year's and in great shape, I'm sure you should have no problem. Best of luck Sir. Airborne all the way!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 7:16 AM

2018-09-14T07:16:52-04:00

As a current Pathfinder instructor, I'll say that age has no bearing as there is no physical aspect to it other than a jump at the end if you're on jump status. Pathfinder School is notorious for smoking your brain and not your body. Good study habits make all the difference at Pathfinder, and those with college experience tend to do better for that reason.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made Sep 16 at 2018 3:44 PM

2018-09-16T15:44:09-04:00

Are you assigned to an Airborne unit? Jump school can be handled, but you're going to be plenty sore in week two. If the only thing you're going to be is a five jump chumps, don't go. Leave the slot to an Airborne trooper. If you're going to be on status, then by all means go for it. Do lots and lots of push-ups before you go, do lots and lots of flutter kicks, too. Be ready to be graded at 17-21 standards. Do your next two or three practice APFT at that age group. Make sure whoever grades you has been there. Good luck, and learn the song.

Response by SFC Joh Williams made Sep 16 at 2018 11:40 PM

2018-09-16T23:40:40-04:00

I did airborne school at 35. Do what the instructors tell you when they tell you and all will be ok.
Native labs has a person who has been on jump status fo 50 years.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 6:38 PM

2018-10-03T18:38:53-04:00

Have you check with a head shrink lately? Seriously, I would find some gunho young AB type and give it all to me. You should know after about a week

Response by SSG Michael Hale made Oct 5 at 2018 4:45 PM

2018-10-05T16:45:07-04:00

AIRBORNE

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2018 10:38 AM

2018-11-24T10:38:22-05:00

I admire your drive and fitness.

Response by MAJ Milan George made Feb 8 at 2019 10:09 AM

2019-02-08T10:09:03-05:00

How did this go?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 11:14 AM

2019-05-16T11:14:57-04:00

I know this sounds absolutely impossible, but the closer you can come to passing the PT test at the 18 y/o level the more likely it is that you might wiggle into an ARSOC/USASOC, JSOC, USSOCOM, or a major combatant command. I isn't the PT standard by itself that potentially makes you ultra-competitive. It's your maturity, self motivation, the lack of whining, and your hands-on success & experience with one or more 3 letter agencies.
I doubt that you would make it into one of the Ranger Batts (except perhaps for the RTB as an intelligence expert), SF is a different story and you just need to speak with them. If you made it through TICS, you will probably not have any difficulty with SF Qualification. Assignment to major regional commands like CENTCOM or AFRICOM would be based more on what you did before the Army versus your current training. The big plus garnered from your current training cycles is the raw drive being demonstrated by a 51 y/o who is doing it all just like a 22 y/o. That's impressive.

Response by SGT Jim Wiseman made May 22 at 2019 10:27 PM

2019-05-22T22:27:53-04:00

I did mine in 2009 right after Basic and AIT at age 37. Had a few older candidates in there, most notably one Army Major. I was definitely among the oldest in that class at that time. I'll trust you've gotten through it by this time, but I thought I'd share. The physical had to be the toughest, but the little bit of mental s#$t was I'm sure, no problem. Runs which meant we'd be cut were the toughest. What I really dreaded was not being able to get through jump week. During tower week, I pulled my groin in the swing trainer. Had trouble during the last run and the PT afterwards. Luckily, it was a 4-day and I recovered enough to get through all 5 and get my wings. If only I had been able to get even one jump at a unit to get rid of my "5-jump-chump" status! LOL!

Response by SGT Andrew Harris made Mar 30 at 2020 7:39 AM

2020-03-30T07:39:26-04:00

Ok, you have so many things that are against you but it’s mind over matter. Since your over 50 Father Time is your biggest physical hurdle. PT score really has no impact since that is measured by your age. Your going into a ring with teenagers and 20 year olds. But your drive not to be called out or labeled as “old man” should be near the top of your list. I would practice doing PLF’s onto a mattress then eventually onto a floor or ground. Just to toughen your body sine your recovery is not as fast as when your in your 20’s. Now, that was the physical part Next is the mental.
The military recruits young men and women for a reason. Influenced! You’re much wiser and more aware of the ramifications of the ultimate sacrifice. You have a family now and those thoughts may have an impact on your decision as you enter week 3. (Jump week). Nevertheless, mind over matter if you want it then go get it. It will be one of the most greatest “lifetime” achievements. Not many have the intestinal fortitude or physical abilities to accomplish such a feat. I’ll say a prayer for your safety. Good luck and always listen to your “black hats”

Andrew
AIRBORNE!!!
June 91 Bravo Company

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 22 at 2020 5:41 PM

2020-06-22T17:41:01-04:00

Sir, how did it turn out?