Anyone here join the Military late in Life?

[Matt S]

Hey all

I'm about to disclose my age....WARNING.......back up, people, cause it aint pretty

I'm

Spoiler

39

Yikes!!!! Anyway, I have no kids, no wife.....and have been seriously flirting with joining the military before I do get too old - I look younger than I am probably due to the way I act half of the time, but age is age....

Leaning toward Army, and am about to talk with a recruiter in the next week or so....of course, gotta get my out of shape butt going, but figured I would see if any here have done the same and their experieces

 

[fosing]

you should visit the OSW boards. there are more people there that can help with what you're going through right now. cheers. :]

 

[Matt S]

you should visit the OSW boards. there are more people there that can help with what you're going through right now. cheers. :]

Thanks....and I know, many will be saying: Mid Life Crisis! LOL

Will check it out

 

[Boba Ben]

That's funny. I was actually just thinking about joining the National Guard yesterday to help me pay to finish my degree. I'm 25 years old.

 

[fosing]

Thanks....and I know, many will be saying: Mid Life Crisis! LOL

Will check it out

nah, not that. some board members there are actually service men active and retired who share the hobby of 1:6 kitbashing.haha :]

 

[BadMoon]

I'm pretty sure you will need a special waiver. Also be prepared to go through boot camp with a bunch of 17 and 18 year olds if you go in the summer. Your best bet would be to try to go through boot around early spring time. That way your class will be a bit older. Not much though.

Good luck!

 

[Matt S]

Yeah, that is the one down side - the age of the others....Lord, thanks for the spring advice!

Boba Ben - you are the perfect age!

 

[BadMoon]

Yeah, that is the one down side - the age of the others....Lord, thanks for the spring advice!

Boba Ben - you are the perfect age!

You're welcome! You will also be yelled at by people half your age!

 

[Matt S]

LOL, no problem.......when you get to be late 30s, you've mellowed out a bit..I cant take the heat

 

[The Chaver]

You're welcome! You will also be yelled at by people half your age!

Thats sad But true.. Lol!

 

[Darth Cruel]

When I was in the Marines, I had a fire team leader who joined when he was like 37, if memory serves, and he was a great Team Leader.

If your heart is in it, your body will follow. And I absolutely recommend that anyone with the desire should spend some time in the military. The experiences go far beyond getting in shape and learning new skills. The experience with different people from around the country and experiencing the world outside of the States can not be duplicated.
Just make sure you understand that you primary responsibility when you join the military is to stand in harms' way when the call comes in.

And one more thing...go Marines...you will not be sorry.

Good luck!

 

[Matt S]

Thanks, Darth Cruel......I have great respect for the USMC, of course....I'll take it under consideration....of all the units, concerned they are the most hardcore

 

[LOTRFan]

I certainly respect your willingness to serve our country, there are few things more noble.

Question though, are you a college grad? I would think that would be a must, before enlisting.

 

[hairlesswookiee]

Question though, are you a college grad? I would think that would be a must, before enlisting.

Only if he's planning on going to OCS school. Unless they changed it in the last 10 years they only require a high school or equivalent for enlistment.

 

[karamazov80]

When I was about to graduate with my bachelor's degree, there were recruiters from various armed forces telling me of graduate programs in military studies that they would pay for if you signed up.

In grad school, one of my peers who was in his 30s, and had a Master's degree and experience working for various political campaigns as an aid left and joined some kind of officer's training program that he apparently really loves.

So, I know there are opportunities for older people who want to join the military. I'm sure the recruiter(s) will help you out with the various options you may have.

 

[LOTRFan]

Only if he's planning on going to OCS school. Unless they changed it in the last 10 years they only require a high school or equivalent for enlistment.

No, I think you're right; I guess I assumed that if someone is looking for a career move in their late thirties they would want to be an officer.

 

[hairlesswookiee]

No, I think you're right; I guess I assumed that if someone is looking for a career move in their late thirties they would want to be an officer.

Yeah if you have a degree you're opportunities in the military really open up. Enlisted still isn't a bad gig if you choose the right MOS for yourself.

My brother just got promoted to Captain, and is currently in an intel position in he Army. He has a Bachelor's in Computer Animation.

 

[carbo-fation]

My brother also joined the Army. He's a 2nd Lt and once he graduates from Medical School, he'll be a Captain. He's been to officers training and he really loved it. I don't think I could ever do a military career but if it's something you really want, then go for it.

 

[ShadowX81]

Ive been a member of Air Force ROTC for the past 4 years and am about to commission as a 2nd Lt. in a few months and start Navigator training. Never been more excited for anything in my life.

Id say if this is something you really want to do, the do it. At 39 you are still just young enough but it really is your last chance. I know im bias, but I would definatly reccomend joingin the Air Force. The monetary benefits and lifestyle are by far the best of any of the branches, and you are more likely to find a job that suits you. Im telling you right now though, be prepared to have the nickname "Grandpa".

 

[Matt S]

I certainly respect your willingness to serve our country, there are few things more noble.

Question though, are you a college grad? I would think that would be a must, before enlisting.

Yup, graduated in 1996! Lord.....15 years out of college....off to buy a walker!!!!!

Ive been a member of Air Force ROTC for the past 4 years and am about to commission as a 2nd Lt. in a few months and start Navigator training. Never been more excited for anything in my life.

Id say if this is something you really want to do, the do it. At 39 you are still just young enough but it really is your last chance. I know im bias, but I would definatly reccomend joingin the Air Force. The monetary benefits and lifestyle are by far the best of any of the branches, and you are more likely to find a job that suits you. Im telling you right now though, be prepared to have the nickname "Grandpa".

Hey, I've been called much worse!!!! Thanks a lot all - I think my eyes alone would disqualify me from the Air Force, that, and I am a bit of a wimp with heights.... Something I can deal with easily enough, but just enough where I am thinking more ground based is the the way to go for me