Hello everyone, I've been reading the forums for several weeks and have really dug the amazing info I've received.
I'm 38 years old and thinking about the Reserves. I tried Regular Army before, over 20 years ago when i was 17. Made it through BCT at Ft. Jackson in 1987. Got into AIT, and due to my extreme immaturity level, was separated.
Now I've gone to EMT and Medic school, and am in touch with a great recruiter about the Reserves. No one is sure yet if i'll have to retake BCT, but if it comes down the line, i'll go ahead and do it again. I'm a bit scared, since i'm certainly not a spring chicken anymore. I guess i'm just looking for some encouragement. I know this is what I want to do, and I'm willing to do what it takes. I think i was just too young when i first joined. Now, I'm much more prepared and ready to see it through.

if u know u want to do it then go for it..the army needs some mature motivated soldiers....

If they make you do basic again, don't worry about it. It's not as hard as you remember. Just work on cardio if you've let your run slide and you should have no probs.
I would advise against going during summer surge, mainly because IBA (body armor) in Cat 5 heat is no joke for someone that isn't used to it, at any age.

To be honest: 20 years out you will pobably do basic again. If not all they have a refresher course where you relearn all the stuff at a faster pace. But good luck, take it like a soldier either way.

Well, it may have changed since 2005 but then it was anymore than a 3 year break in service required the solider to re-attend BCT. I bet it's in the reg for recruiting. Or you could go to goarmy.com and ask one of the recruiters in the chat. Sometimes they can be helpful.

But if you do go for Medic, make sure you bring all your certifications with you that way you can skip part of the training.

Good luck! :-)

Recruiter checking in. If you did more than 180 Days of Service, you may not have to re-do BCT, if you did less, then you surely will. Talk to your Recruiter. BCT is not all that hard. I was in the medical field before I was detailed as a Recruiter and your experience will be a huge advantage.

Best of luck.

SSG Schwartz

Yea I just got done with BCT 1 week ago. We had a 39 year old in our company and he did fine. No worries, BCT is not that hard anymore.

Good luck to you, if you have any questions feel free to hit me up. I am a prior service that came back and am a 68W also.