Health - not age - restrictions
- Some 38 year olds and many even older are in better shape than younger people. I think it is unfair that its an arbitrary number rather than evidence-based test values that disqualify high quality candidates from service. Maybe older people are too much of a hardship on leadership or need too much training? It's easy to indoctrinate youth; however, 37 is not exactly 'youth' and remains arbitrary. That said, I bet the Department of Peace (Dennis Kucinich) would welcome us.
- —Guest Guest
Not fit to serve his country? :(
- I had been diagnosed with High Functioning Aspergers Syndrome in the 4th grade. While I wont deny that I have some social quirks for the most part I have been able to operate as a normal functioning member of society, having graduated from college with my bachelors. Wishing to serve my country, I decided to enlist with Air Force, my family having a long history with the service. At the office I cleared the height/weight check and passed the mock ASVAB test with a 97. Yet when I finally manage to speak to a recruiter, I find myself rejected for having Aspergers. Now I can understand the importance of a psychological evaluation to keep inciddents like what happened at Ft Hood from reoccurring but I feel its silly to automatically disqualify people just because of a label like High Functioning AS. Yes people with Aspergers tend to lean towards introversion, but they can also be observant and focused as well! Labels aside, Aspies can be patriots too! :(
- —Guest Ted88
Army medic
- The military is a place for single parent soldiers. I had my son my third year in the army. Yes it's difficult but the army had provided a good life for him. Base schools are outstanding compared to off base and even the daycares are better. My son has a lot of medicinal problems and the military pays for all his care I don't have to come out of my pocket for anything. Yes it's difficult leaving my son but at the end of the day I know it's what's best for him.
- —Guest Danielle
Don't fully agree
- I understand the administrative need for the stated age limits, but there are many folks much older than the current limits who certainly qualify mentally and physically. There should be a way for these folks to have their qualifications verified, reviewed, and judged acceptable or not acceptable. These folks (myself included of course!) could provide important added resources for the military and the country. Patriotism, skills, willingness and abilities do not end in the 3rd decade of life. Thanks for asking!
- —Guest cockerellc
Military should be ashamed
- It is a shame that people with expunged records or over weight people cant join the military. If someone is over the weight limit, but can pass a physical fitness test with flying colors then they are physically fit. If they pass the physical test there is no reason that they should have to look a certain way given their medical history is good. Also it is really unfair for someone to have their records expunged in the court of law and still have to be judged on them by the military. If thats the case the law should state guilty until determined innocent. If the military was to find an expunged record that someone did not report to them they can be put in jail or thrown out the military. Seems very crazy when the expungement papers clearly state that no record should be kept, made available, or be found to have ever existed. The person should never have to admit or acknowledge the fact or existence of the expunged case or cases. Now someone tell me how this is true at all? Ridiculous
- —chopshop2
just under the wire
- I'm 28 and too old for the air force, marinesx and coast guard. But there's always the reserves. Besides you'll probably be activate dutied as soon as you pass basic anyway. I'm single with no kids. They'd more than likely switch me to active duty quickly anyway.
- —Guest saj
Tough Choice
- There are a lot of reasons why a person would rather join when they are older as opposed to younger.Maturity, knowing what civilian life has done, and even a patriotic sense of pride.I myself joined at 29 showing my younger brothers that you can make things happen.The problem is, it is harder to join when you are older.The military doesn't go by age and treat you such.The military treats you according to rank.In that reason, a 40 year old private being overseen by a 22 year old sergeant is frustrating.Yes, I was better fit than most 18 year olds by far.I have the maturity level that surpases even my own leadership in most cases too.That is the problem.There is a discerning factor in all things.Even if you are in better shape or able to do more as you age, you are more stubborn.You see things in a more polorized light.As you get older you lose the maleable attitude that it will take to survive.If you are unwilling/unable to serve there are more ways to help.Help the community you live i
- —Guest Raymond
im a single mom who joined the navy
- This isn't true I was accepted into the navy reserve and I am a single parent .
- —Guest cmelchior
:(
- Find it a little discouraging that my past marijuana use would disqualify me when I'm just trying to turn my life around and make something of myself. Oh well.
- —Guest ss
Alecia swejkoski
- Why do we have to wait 1-2 years possibly more before I can enlist? I can give full custody to my mother-in-law now, and I would like to get it started now.
- —Guest Alecia Swejkoski
Can he re-enlist
- My husband served honorably from age 18 to 24. He is now 47 and unemployed for a year due to no fault of his. Can he re-enlist?
- —Guest Wife of unemployed former Navy enlisted
High Standards Are Good But...
- People who are just above the age should be allowed to serve if they are able to meet the same standards as other younger members. There are some older people that are in better shape than most teens. On the other hand, I understand that they cannot allow someone who is 65 to join.
- —Guest Andrew
What i thank
- Personaly i thank i should be able to enlist at what ever age as long as u can pass basic
- —Guest Daniel smith
Older is better soldier.
- I am 43 years old and in EXCELLENT shape. I am an MMA fighter and can crush the skull of most 20 something year olds with my bare hands. I am also a fire arms expert, and have been nationally ranked in long distance rifle competition.. I have a masters degree in Mathematics.... but I am too old to serve???!!! are you kidding me? Do you know why we have embarrassing incidents in which our soldiers video tape themselves desecrating enemy corpses and doing all kinds of idiotic stuff that only serves to make our enemies more determined?? Because THEY ARE KIDS!!!! Remove the age limits. Older (healthy) people in their 40s and 50s are now competing in the Olympics for crying out loud!!! Let GROWN UPS serve. It will be a better, stronger, US Armed Forces.
- —Guest Guest Ig
We should follow israels lead
- They serve in the military in israel until they are sixty and most are fit. The age limit should be accompanied witha physical and if you can hack it go. financial situations, if your willing to correct them you should be able to enlist or reenlist. Everyone who joins or want to should be given a chance never know might find that diamond in the rough.
- —Guest Thai
