What can a 35 year old do to prepare for BCT (workout, diet, etc.)? What career advice do you have for someone wanting to become an officer?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 23:51:29 -0500

I am 35 years old and just enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard. I've always wanted to enlist but I never did because I had family obligations that would not allow me too. I've spent the last 13 years caring for my legally blind sister and my niece. My nieces father died of a rare genetic cancer when she was two. So I've basically been a live-in uncle/dad who took care of the household. There was no other family to help or even wanted too. It’s a long story. So... Now that my sister is married to a man who fills that roll nicely. I am for a lack of a better term free to live my dreams. When I picture myself it's always in uniform I have always felt that is where I belong. Like it is what I was meant to do. (Idk maybe that sounds silly.) I am 6'2" and 218lbs. I am, what you would call pear-shaped, A.k.a. the dad bod. I am barely inside the regulations for the army national guard. I sit at 24% body fat according to a recent tape. The max is 25% I have an associates degree in Public Service with a focus on Public Law A.k.a. Constitutional Law. I want to become an officer. I spoke with my recruiter and I will have all the college credits to become an officer after BCT & AIT. I have always wanted to fly but due to my age that might be an issue. So I am thinking Crew Chief on a Blackhawk UH-60 is my best bet. I am looking for career advice and some instruction on what I can do to prepare for BCT. What workout specifically? What diet? I really want to excel at this and I am very eager to begin this chapter of my life. I have memorized the Army Values, Soldiers creed, Phonetic Alphabet, General Orders and am working on memorizing the Army song.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 12:15 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 00:15:07 -0500

Top priority should be fitness and weight loss.
The max you mentioned is for recruiting. Your body fat allowance will be less I think when you get to a unit.

Anyways I don't know how the oklahoma guard operates, but OCS slots are competitive and no one will give you a shot if you arent competative in fitness, height, and weight.

That's also great leverage to get things you want once you are in. Start training deadlifts, sprints, and functional fitness generally. Google acft training and start prepping for the future fitness test.

I recommend a balanced diet.

Focus on self improvement and leverage that in the future.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 14 at 2020 12:22 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 00:22:58 -0500

Never again drink a “pop - soda - cola” drink!

Water helps any diet immensely. One grandson only reaches for a bottle of water when he comes to see me. (he is down from 340 to 270 and striving for 220 - at 6’-4”), he will be svelte!

You cannot make a mess if and when you spill water! It evaporates leaving no trace!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 12:49 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 00:49:30 -0500

I was 32 when I got into aviation. Let let age scare you. I’m 40 now and currently picking up my second aviation MOS. Once you get through basic, AIT is easy as long as you can read, write, and turn a wrench.

The lowest GPA in my class right now is a 90 and the kid that has that is far from the sharpest tool in the shed.

Response by SFC Michael Krogmann made Feb 14 at 2020 1:00 AM

SFC Michael Krogmann — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Low carb has worked for me. Avoid processed foods, bread, pasta, etc

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 14 at 2020 4:38 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 04:38:46 -0500

My husband and I have been doing Keto diet. I get it that a lot of people are against it, but I can say it does work and it works fast. My husband usually loses more than I do quicker. Definitely do your research but there are a lot of useful pages and sites out there. There are a lot of groups on Facebook and Instagram that have recipes and support. My husband likes it because he can eat meat and bacon.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 8:12 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 08:12:27 -0500

Power to you brother! Just went through at 33!

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 8:52 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 08:52:40 -0500

As stated before, the first and most important thing to do is get in shape. I would look up the army website for the ACFT and do the exercises outlined there; as the APFT will most likely be obsolete by the time you enter BCT.
If you want to go flight warrant then it is easier for you to put in a packet and go street-to-seat rather than enlisting and then doing a packet for flight. Yes, your age might hinder you a bit but there are individuals in flight school with me right now who are the same age as you (remember that the Army has a waiver for everything). So if you really want to fly I would first try dropping a flight packet before signing up to enlist.
Good luck with your process and keep up the hard work.

Response by 1SG Raymond Benning made Feb 14 at 2020 9:25 AM

1SG Raymond Benning — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:25:05 -0500

Eat healthy. It doesn’t have to be perfect but the effort must be there. Incorporate water at every meal. Water, water, water. The more you drink, the more your body will want. Focus on events for the new ACFT. Get your muscles use to the exercise.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Feb 14 at 2020 11:45 AM

CPL Gary Pifer — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 11:45:03 -0500

I rejoined at age 46 in 2002... forget all the nonsense about memorizing creeds, songs etc... Your goal is to get enough years and points to retire in 25 years... But you must deploy long enough to get Veteran status at least once 91 days? . You won't be the oldest by far.... maybe in BCT.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 1:49 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 13:49:36 -0500

Feel free to message me and I can help you with your diet and workout (no charge). I’ve done a transformation myself and enjoy helping others.

Response by PO1 Orlando Miller made Feb 14 at 2020 2:47 PM

PO1 Orlando Miller — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 14:47:19 -0500

I'm proud of you for enlisting. Best advice is to work out daily, but more importantly, run 2-3 miles a day to reduce your body fat.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 3:23 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:23:09 -0500

In at 33, here. Avoid sugar and processed flour. Run as much as you can. Stay hydrated! Those things will make you feel better, which will increase our drive to do more.

Response by Maj J B made Feb 14 at 2020 4:46 PM

Maj J B — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 16:46:56 -0500

If your not a strong runner start a couch to 5K program (google search couch to 5K). Make sure your doing pushups. Look for good pushup workouts and sets on-line as well.

Response by SSG Joshua Johnson made Feb 14 at 2020 9:01 PM

SSG Joshua Johnson — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 21:01:06 -0500

Google Stew Smith 45 days beginner program. It has nutrition and exercise info.

Response by MSgt James Reaves made Feb 15 at 2020 6:39 AM

MSgt James Reaves — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 06:39:00 -0500

First thing I would do, change my life style, and put all your effort into getting into shape, physically and mentally. Put everything else behind you. If you want to advance in the military.
You made the first step by getting into the guard, but that is just a tiny step. Now step up the pace and become a big tough soldier. Then apply for the school you want. When your superiors see that you are serious, than you can get started in the direction you want. Good luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2020 12:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 12:53:27 -0500

Well I completed training graduated October 2nd. I was given soldier leader of the cycle at basic and distinguished honor graduate at AIT. I appreciate all the info and tips I was provided. Thank you everyone.