What advice would you give someone who is joining the National Guard at 29 years of age?

Omar Bautista — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 14:16:51 -0400

Greetings all, I was wondering if someone can give me any advice in joining the National Guard at age 29. I wan to serve while maintaining my civilian carrer, that is why I choose the guard. My current education is in the Information Technology field, I have a BS in Computer Science and a MS in Information Security. My current MOS option is 25b, I want some advice on the matter since I really don’t have any experience within the military perspective. Any advice will be recive with highly gratitude.

Response by SGT Nicholas M. made Apr 16 at 2019 2:29 PM

SGT Nicholas M. — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 14:29:45 -0400

Utilize this website for the physical fitness standards:
https://usarmybasic.com/army-physical-fitness/apft-standards

Locate your age bracket and the minimum score for AIT is a 50 in each event. Once you get to the operational NG, the minimum score will become 60, so my recommendation would be to train for achieving 60 percent or higher in each category. As for any other prep, there is really nothing to advise on that front. AIT is designed to take the slowest learner and make them proficient in whatever the MOS is. You have a severe leg up on the competition due to your background in Computer Science and InfoSec so don't sweat it. Get into the mentality that you don't know everything and you can learn something from anyone. Its not a good idea to show up to AIT with arrogance. Absorb what you can and strive to learn new things every day and you should be fine.

APFT Standards for 2019 - Updated Army PT Standards 2019

The APFT Standards scale used by the Army to determine a soldier's physical fitness. At least 60 points per event are required in the Army. Updated every year to ensure the APFT charts are accurate and up to date! See what you are required to score based on your age and gender!

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 16 at 2019 4:21 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 16:21:43 -0400

I was 27 when I went through OSUT, 29 for OCS and 30 for my Officer Basic Course. Stricter on entry than when I entered, so get in shape and make sure you can make weight when you got to the MEP's. If you are in shape, Basic isn't terrible and they tend to pull the older guys for leadership positions. Listen to the drills, do what they say and it will pass quickly. AIT for a 25B shouldn't be a big deal with your background and it should be considerably less physical than being a Grunt (Infantry, which I volunteered for twice).

Response by Kiersten Childs made May 7 at 2019 10:55 AM

Kiersten Childs — Tue, 07 May 2019 10:55:18 -0400

I'm going into the Navy at almost 27. I think there will be a lot more pressure for us to be more mature and responsible especially at boot camp. I know I plan on stepping up and I'm going to try to be a leader at boot camp. I don't really have any advice because I'm in the same boat as you but we just need to act our age and not join in the high school drama of the younger recruits. lol

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Jan 18 at 2021 8:56 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 20:56:15 -0500

You will do fine. Just enlist and take it one day at a time and you will have fun get an education and mentoring and will have fun. Remember talk and treat everyone the way you want to be treated Hooah

Response by Ashley John made Feb 7 at 2024 2:41 PM

Ashley John — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:41:49 -0500

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