Posted on Feb 12, 2020
What age do you think is too old to consider joining the military?
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Some days I get really discouraged because of my age and plan. I am 24, turning 25 in April. I will be enlisting as a private in a few months. About 40 college credits under my belt. I currently moved out of my apartment back in with my parents and I do not have a car right now. I’ve been jumping back and forth between serving and bartending jobs. I personally feel in my gut that the military (active duty) is the right choice for me. It doesn’t scare me or make me nervous. It genuinely motivates me and pushes me to be better thinking about my future in the army. I’m just concerned on the fact that I don’t have a plan. Is active a good idea? Should I consider college first and do the military part time? I guess I’m looking for personal experiences and seasoned advice.
MOS
Recruit
Basic Trainee
Advice
Posted 6 y ago
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I was 24+years old when I was drafted in 1966. I was married ,going to college ,and in the process of buying a home. I dropped out of the second summer session to handle the purchase. This information to say this.Once I got over my anger for having my plans disrupted,I settled in and made the best of it.l grew at a rate that I never could have in civilian life.I was offered skills to use during my life.I learned to embrace fear,mourn without shutting down,and cherish the lifelong friends I have made. The military is a whole lot more than what's on the movie screen.Your age is certainly not a deterrent to join the military.
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Ashley, I was a waiter for 8 years, until I was 30 years old, and I realized I can't wait tables for the rest of my life. I joined the Army (active duty) at age 31. I am a month away from my 6-year mark and I am currently a SSG, was recently selected to become a Warrant Officer, earned a B.S. degree in Finance, and deployed twice. I think active duty is a good decision, work hard, take it one day at a time, and clearly identify your goals and the steps you need to achieve them. Once you identify a plan to meet your objectives and goals, just stick with it, and you will succeed. It may not happen over night, but if you keep working hard, you will succeed. Best of luck to you.
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Ashley Nicole
That’s so awesome! It’s crazy how many people on this thread come from so many different walks of life and had so many different plans for themselves. Thank you for your input!
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COL Jon Lopey
SPC: Great point! I knew a former Marine veteran of the Korean War who served for many years but eventually got out. He joined the Army National Guard 20+ years later and even though he was over 50 year-old, he was a great Soldier and probably the most technically and tactically proficient junior NCO we had. Again, great comment. COL L
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COL Jon Lopey
Ashley: I served on active duty and in the reserves for nearly 36 or 37-years and you will have ups and downs but your military service coupled with the men and women you serve with, will be highlights of an exciting, meaningful, and service-filled life - If I wasn't outside the age limits, I'd volunteer to go with you! Congratulations... COL L
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40; however, I believe the officers are 34. Years ago I saw a doctor who came in at 51. He was an LC and had practiced medicine for 19 or 20 years in private practice.
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COL Jon Lopey
SMSGT: I remember a doctor at Fort Benning that was there when I did an Airborne physical in 1980. He looked like he could have been a WW II veteran. I saw him again when I went to Airborne school in 1984 - He was still there and still looked senior enough to be my grandfather but he was still plugging away in the trenches. I know the Army gives special dispensation to highly-skilled physicians in specialties that are needed. Again, some interesting comments. When I was in the USMC during the Viet Nam Era we still had senior officers and NCOs that had served in WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. COL L
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In my opinion, you are at a good age. When I was an instructor at FLW teaching CBRN AIT, my oldest student was 40. He was an active duty Soldier too
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when I first enlisted I was 17...… when I reenlisted I was 38 also I reupped as a pvt.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I was 18 when I went on active duty, 26 when I left. After and 8 year break went back into uniform at age 34. I came back in a a SSgt, same rank I left active duty with but lost the 4 years time in grade due to the number of years. In the next 14 years though I was promoted to TSgt, MSgt and SMSgt and retired with 22 years in uniform. I had no problem performing any of the PT or any other physical task. I had left active duty with two years of college credit and in the 8 year break between the two service periods between finished and received My BS degree. I also retired from a civilian Police Department and now collect retired pay from both the USAF and that Department. Later working an Armed Federal Contract worked with the USAF Security Police and not only worked into My mid 60's on that job but outran the 20 year old in the 1.5 mile run and finished My push ups and sit ups etc in 1/3rd the time I was allowed on each with no problem. Other guys were motivated and did better after seeing an old guy perform that well. I still don't sit around and do nothing and stay active both working and physical activity.
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COL Jon Lopey
SMSGT: You are a high-achiever and I admire your toughness and perseverance. Age is largely a matter of how we prepare for it and how we deal with it every day. Like you, I attempt to stay in shape, still run, and I keep my weight down. I admire your many achievements and thank you for doing so much for your county, service, community, and those around you. Leaders and hard-working people like you are one of the main reasons many law enforcement agencies have eliminated maximum age requirements because older candidates can be very productive and have a lot to offer those agencies because of their education, training, experience, maturity, and work ethic. God Bless & Semper Fi, COL L
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I joined at 33. The military is the best kind of plan you can have. If after 4 years that plan changes, so be it, you're better off than when you went in. You look good on paper and have more discipline to know what it is that you want. If you decide to stay in, you'll have career options, 401k, etc. after 20. You could potentially be set up with a pension before you're 50 and have a serious amount of doors open to you!
That said, truly think about why you're joining. I know people who joined because they had no direction, some who joined because they were just bored. Some made it, some failed miserably because they didn't stop to consider why they were doing it and got in for the wrong reasons. Like most things, do not rush into it. Consider all your options and know that the military is certainly a good one, should you choose.
That said, truly think about why you're joining. I know people who joined because they had no direction, some who joined because they were just bored. Some made it, some failed miserably because they didn't stop to consider why they were doing it and got in for the wrong reasons. Like most things, do not rush into it. Consider all your options and know that the military is certainly a good one, should you choose.
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I joined the USMC at 23-1/2. With those credits, talk to your recruiter and get a contract for E2, eligible for meritorious E3. I had the first part in my contract, the 2nd part I did not know about and missed graduating boot as a LCpl (E3)
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COL Jon Lopey
SSGT Barrows: That is great advice. I had two guys in my USMC boot camp platoon that were 26 (one was a former Army SGT & Viet Nam vet) and the other was a USMCR "college boy." They were called "old men" but they were good recruits and I'm sure did well afterwards. They took some flak, especially the Army veteran and the "college boy" but they endured, survived and graduated. Both were PFCs out of boot camp. I saw a former Navy PO1 (Viet Nam veteran) from another platoon that got LCPL out of boot camp (in my series) and I was surprised when I saw him with LCPL stripes but he was older, was wearing Viet Nam ribbons and he had obviously seen some real estate overseas during his service time! Thanks for serving - Semper Fi, COL L
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SSgt (Join to see)
Thank you sir.
Look like you live in some of the most gorgeous part of CA! My wife and I love that area.
Look like you live in some of the most gorgeous part of CA! My wife and I love that area.
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I joined when I was 24 and turned 25 in basic training Ashley Nicole. I was the oldest recruit, but also more mature and wiser. I am not too far off in retiring now. I've enjoyed my time in the Air Force!
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