Hey everyone,

What is the real deal with all these middle aged people going back into the armed forces (Army) more specifically? And some are going as far as heading to basic training at the ages of 35-41...what up?

1. Is it because there are no jobs in the world?

2. Is the public really into supporting this so-called "war on terrorism?"

3. Or, are people on borderline homelessness?

What up folks give me your thoughts?

I'm guessing they just want to serve their country. I may be wrong though...

quote:

Originally posted by Harlembluez:
Hey everyone,

What is the real deal with all these middle aged people going back into the armed forces (Army) more specifically? And some are going as far as heading to basic training at the ages of 35-41...what up?

1. Is it because there are no jobs in the world?

2. Is the public really into supporting this so-called "war on terrorism?"

3. Or, are people on borderline homelessness?

What up folks give me your thoughts?

Could be nice as long as they dont let their age get confused with rank structure. All soldiers shoyuld be treated fairly young or old. All must do the same tasks. I came in the army later at 28 and had to deal with younger NCO's telling me what to do. I just decided it sucked and caught up to or passed them. but yes some of them had jobs problems, some other reasons. It might be nice to have some older people around show the younger soldiers what respect is. They do it all for different reasons just like you and me.

1. Have a pretty decent job with good benefits.

2. Toss up on backing the "War on Terror", but I do believe in my backing my friends and family that are serving.

3. Got a roof over my head. Was late with the rent a couple of times though

I'm 34 here and I'll be enlisting in the spring. It's been a long history in my family to serve and now seems a good time. Besides, I can finish out my degree and don't have to worry about what to wear in the mornings for work.

I'm 43 years old and I just joined. I joined because I love America and want to serve my country. As far as being close to homeless; I've been a dentist for 12 years, money is not a concern.

Well I'm 37 years old and I'm prior service. I really don't think it's your business about how old someone is unless you know their financially situation and are willing to help them. I'm going back in because it will help my current situation. Why are you in?

Having trained some of these "older" soldiers in BCT at Jackson...most of them are in much better shape physically and definitely emotionally than the 17-20 years olds that make up the majority of our trainees.

Thanks SSGGunbunny for that reply,because my current reserve unit, I'm the oldest female and the only one currently that has past her APFT over the 20 year olds. They are overweight and don't care and smoke and drink. Whereas (not to brag) none of that!!!!

I think what we are beggining to see is the "gamer" generation entering the military. When I was a kid I remember playing my Nintendo for maybe one hour at the most and then running outside to go play b/c I was tired of being inside and wanted to hang out with my friends, but kids today get online to "hang out" with their friends, they connect to Xbox Live to play video games with their friends and talk about their day. Running around with toy guns or playing sports has been replaced by games like Halo and Call of duty (I am currently playing COD4) and all the football, basketball, baseball games out there.

Now I am not saying video games are bad, like I said I play almost everyday on my Xbox 360, but I also exercise everyday, which some if not a lot of younger people are not doing that much anymore.

This is just my opinion.

Who cares how old someone is. All I care about is that they can hack it. I'd rather have someone beside me who joined the Army at 30+ and does their job than some 18-21 yr old who complains all the time. From my experiences soldier who chose to join the army later in life a prepared mentally for all the crap that Ole Uncle Sam likes to dish out. They've been around and they understand that no matter where you work there is going to be some level of BS that you have to deal with. The exact reason they join is irrelevant to me. I've never served with a homeless person but who knows, he may have a reason to bust his hump because he knows where he's been and how much digging through dumpsters suck.

Hello everyone, hoping your new year is well.

To all those who posted their answers to the question (thanks). The answers were great!

"Nanyette," the point of me asking the question was not to offend anyone, so I apologize if it came out that way. I am also prior service, but I am not in. Anyhew, oneday, I was viewing "military.com" and it made mention that the age requirement increased to 42, and what was so strange was at that moment, I too thought about going back in and reclassing from 92A to 88N (Transportation Management Coordinator).

I just turned 40 in December and I am currently speaking to a recruiter about opportunities. After joining "armystudyguide," I started reading how many upper aged individuals (men & women) were deciding to join or re-join and I thought how odd - especially since we are at war. Some old heads are even going as far as basic training. So I just wanted to know what was up with the trend and how soldiers were feeling.

Any please keep it coming. Tell your friends to post their comments as well. It may help others who are older and want to join feel better about their decision. So far, I have heard good things about the trend.

Take care all, be talking with you soon.

quote:

"Become the person you want to be...not the person you feel stuck Being!"