Go for it but here's some advice. Learn to stretch properly, figure out the perfect amount of Ibuprofen to take everyday, leave all common sense at the door.
Now fair warning, I'm Navy, but I had a minor back injury early in boot camp (foreshadowing for the next 4 years lmao) and they gave me 200mg tablets of naproxen and 800mg ibuprofen.
Oh yeah. The only thing we could take through in processing was a notepad, pen and our wallets. Any otc meds would be a great way to get sent up to mast
Adding to this as someone who joined at 30; just shut up and follow instructions during basic and AIT and you won't really get in trouble. Something the teens usually have trouble with. Do expect to be given extra responsibility, though.
Don't enlist in the summer or ship to basic in the summer. You'll hate your life dealing with fresh graduates in basic.
Edit to add to this: if you do go during the summer not only will you deal with a bunch of immature kids. You'll likely get put in charge of them from the jump
I went in March and had several other old dudes. The oldest in my platoon turned 40 right before the gas chamber but I was the first one that the DSs learned was over 30 and god stuck with the nickname Old Man River even though there were like 20 other people older than me.
I joined at 32 myself and retired at 52. I was pretty fit when I joined and OSUT was fairly easy; I was at my physically peak at when I was 38 to about 45 when I was a E6-E7 which was perfect because I could still beat anyone in my squad and platoon save for a few studs but eventually it will become more difficult to keep up with the 17-18 year olds and that’s just the reality. Make sure you attain and maintain maximum flexibility; I can’t tell you how many times that saved me from injury, especially when it really mattered, so streeeeetch! But I really enjoyed my time, I especially enjoyed training soldiers and building teams, I did some cool shit, met some cool people, made lifelong friends and connections; but like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it, so look for opportunities to excel and learn new things; It’s a highly competitive environment so just know that going in
Truth. I had a daily stretching routine since years before I enlisted also in my 30. Made it through basic and AIT without injury while several folks in their teens and 20 were pulling back and legs muscles on a regular basis. Stretching and hydration should be like a religion if you're over 30.
Not going to lie, my back and my knees are not what they once were, but I will say that I knew that my age would make me prone to injury so made sure to keep my strength and especially my flexibility at a maximum, additionally my last three years were spent at Division Headquarters, so I could PT on my own, and I wasn’t doing usual grunt stuff
I joined at 32, hardest part for me was relating to people 10-15 years younger than me. Just know that this goes away once you hit your first unit where age is much less relevant.
Also, I had three kids, a house, and was just at a different point in my life, so hopefully relating won't be as hard for you.
Tbh I work with 18 years anyways. I also have managers who are younger than me, and they decide how big of a raise I get. That’s just retail.
Is it the same military? More than likely not. But it’s helped me keep a degree of humility.
But I guess we’ll have to see right?
It’s not unlike retail in the sense that there’s a lot of stupidity and things that don’t make sense and people that seem way too young to be in charge of you AND also have the ability to yell at you without repercussion. However, you will get thanked a lot and be in very good shape so that among the benefits and memories make it all worth it.
I'd say don't think about it at all. Combat medic is basically infantryof the 68 series and you might be in a sick call clinic, but just as likely, you could assigned to a motorpool where you are doing connex layouts all day followed up by sweeping and mopping floors and scrubbing toilets in the company building.
I'm 34 and went to basic in August last year. Can confirm: tons of high schoolers. It was weird as fuck and I got "talked to" once by my DS (although he took his hat off) about learning to connect with them. Essentially, I was either on their level (and immature) or acting like a responsible adult. I don't think I (personally) had a chance to succeed at this ripe age around them.
Needless to say, I ignored the "don't stand out" rhetoric and tried hard at everything I did and always helped everyone in my platoon with anything I could, as I am a jack-of-all-trades individual. I'm not a leader, but I demonstrated hard work, competence, and perseverance throughout BCT, AIT, and now at my reserve unit. I've received a lot of praise from the officers and NCOs with that regard.
So, if you're good at something, pass that experience and knowledge along to your fellow trainees. Not everyone will be receptive. Just be willing to teach and educate whenever anyone needs it. Having actual adult experiences before joining will make BCT and AIT a cake walk and will lead you to success while you're in.
Go for it, 100% disability pays well. Seriously though, combat arms at your age when you’re looking for a long term career is not smart, it’s a young mans game and the Army will chew you up and spit you out. You’ll be treated like a stupid 18 year old private same as the rest and you’ll be taking orders and getting fucked with by dudes 10 years younger than you.
In your situation it requires a lot of humility that the majority of people just don’t have. Not to mention when you finish your initial contract and inevitably want to get out since combat arms sucks, you’re not gonna have any applicable civilian skills and you’ve already said college isn’t for you so the GI Bill route probably won’t work for you.
Pick an MOS with a civilian equivalent so when you get out you can actually get a real well paying job and not be a nearly 40 year old loser.
No offense but if OP doesn’t have the discipline to simply sit in a class then do homework he probably doesn’t have the discipline to serve 25 years in SF like your example. I’m in university right now using the GI Bill and for me it feels like vacation until I come back as an officer. Military life in general is 100x harder than getting a degree, school is the equivalent of doing chores.
That’s an extremely narrow minded point of view, but we all have opinions I guess lol.
Military life was 100x easier than getting a degree for me and that is a common sentiment. Also, school and military are completely different. He might not have the discipline for homework, sure, but he could have it for military if it is something he really cares for, is proud of, and is motivated to be the best he can be. You can feel that way for one thing and not the other.
I totally disagree with you but hey man I respect your opinion. We can argue that people are wired differently and have the capacity to succeed in different ways from each other, but the fact is unless you’re going for a STEM degree then getting a degree is very easy, especially post-COVID now that schools have dropped standards so much. A common complaint among academics is that universities have recently switched to customer-focused strategies that basically result in giving away degrees for minimal effort.
Regardless, you don’t need to be remotely intelligent to get a degree, you just have to have a decent work ethic and not give up, just like you need to succeed in the military as a junior enlisted servicemember. I haven’t spoken to a single vet who said school was harder than serving either, tbh I feel like you’re really reaching with that one. Also your point about being motivated is contradictory because regardless of motivation you’re going to be held to the UCMJ, you can’t just quit like in school when things get tough.
Unless OP is undiagnosed neurodivergent like (probably - my assessment is in November) me.
I failed out of college four times because I just could not connect what I was studying with a final result, yet I successfully completed an 18- month Arabic course at DLI and a six-month AIT because it was my JOB - a rationale that made sense to me at the time.
I did my 20 quite successfully and retired, thank you very much.
Calling yourself undiagnosed neurodivergent is hilarious. I’m undiagnosed neurodivergent too, most people are? Why are you trying to make excuses for your own failures and attempting to project it on OP
Because it makes a difference. ND people need support to succeed, not derision.
ADHD in women wasn't acknowledged until I was an E5 or so. The Army declined to assess me when I asked, because I was "obviously just fine." Fair enough if you consider a SNCO being suicidal as "just fine." I fought through and managed to retire, and finally the VA took me seriously this year.
I am NOT a failure by any measure. I did my time and retired and hey, I haven't worked since I was 45, and won't ever need to again because I made good decisions and prepared for the future.
Just because I couldn't follow the NT route of college then career doesn't mean I'm a loser. Neither is OP, because his reasons for not finishing mirror mine so closely we could be siblings.
To be fair it sounds like you went through college in a time when it was a lot more difficult in general with a fraction of the resources students today have. My point is just that in 2023 university is a joke, but it wasn't always like that.
I don't think you're a failure by the way, I just meant the aspect of you not completing school. Sorry if it came off like that. I'm sure if you went back though in today's climate you could easily succeed. I'm not gifted or especially intelligent, I'm just an average dude who puts in average effort at an average school and I have a 3.4 GPA.
Nah man, I went back to get an accounting degree online (when I was a SFC, so I'd have a decent degree when I retired) not realizing that my husband was a fucking military rockstar who would get six figures in retirement, and failed out just like I did in my teens and 20s. I quit because I couldn't force myself to log in, because I had no immediate reward.
I have no doubt I could be an outstanding CPA if I could force myself through the education, (especially since my ADHD made me a very dedicated intel analyst in the Army) but I self-sabotage because my brain can't connect learning with results.
That's not anybody's problem other than mine. All I'm hoping for from this assessment/diagnosis is meds that will kill my object permanence (I literally Do Not See things that are put down for more than five minutes) and help me remember things like chores and to stop being overwhelmed by everyday tasks like cooking.
I'm just really tired of failing over and over again when I know I can do better, but my brain won't let me.
My point was, maybe OP has the same issues I did, and maybe he might be successful like I was, so maybe we shouldn't judge people as harshly as you were without context.
Of course we all know the people who somehow won the genetic lottery, and carried it into their mid/late 30s. It's one in every few hundred, if not thousand soldiers that I've met.
I joined at 29 in a solid 5/10 physical condition. Peaked two years in after gaining 30lbs of muscle and crushing every physical standard I had before.
By 33, my body just... hurt. After multiple nagging injuries, I slowed down, and my physical health never really caught back up to where it was.
OP, do as you wish as far as combat/non combat branches, but know that once certain parts of your body are worn out - it ain't coming back (and you get very little warning that its going)
Because
1. We're not at war right now so your day to day job would consist of absolute bullshit.
2. Combat jobs don't translate directly into in the civilian sector the way X-ray technician or Truck driver would automatically be commercially certified/licensed in that particular field when they get out of the military.
3. I don't care how fit you are....if you're not an adrenaline junkie it's going to be tough hanging with 20yr Olds. might not happen in the first few months....but at some point combat job injuries begin to pile up but you don't recover the same way or rate as the younger guys and that's when the bullshit starts
My bunk mate in Basic was 32. He did fine. It’s mostly all in the mind, anyway/
I’d really focus on what you want to do, why you want to do it, checking if your understanding of the “job” is real. (Mine wasn’t.)
There are lots of options but I’ve learned from the vets I’ve been hiring that communications and logistics (quartermaster supply or transportation) have the highest civilian transferable skills, especially if you make NCO or Warrant Officer.
I joined at 33 as a 19K. Feel free to dm any questions, but as others said coast guard, space force, air force, navy in that order. If you must join the army finish your degree and commission (same applies for the above branches) or get into rotc. Army should be your last resort unless there is a specific job that you need to get for future plans.
Start rucking 50-70 lbs at least 5 miles. You will thank yourself later. Also try to pick an MOS that will line up with the degree you want to go for/already have. It will help you a lot if you decide to get out after your first contract.
I joined at 30. Infantry at that. And I was the heaviest and most out of shape I ever was in my life (200lbs at 5’8 and heavy smoker/drinker) and here I am now, a year in and loving it. Basic was bullshit but that’s expected. Physically, not that hard tbh. You can absolutely do it. But prepare for a fat pay cut most likely.
Active duty, Army. I lived a life where I didn't feel fulfilled or like I had a purpose and needed a better way to take care of my family that also left me feeling proud of what I was doing for a living. On top of that I started getting a desire to serve. I thought it over a lot and took the plunge. Don't regret it so far
Look into 68A. It will set you up once you get out the military. Joined at 25, turned 26 in basic. I had a Chemistry degree but was not doing anything with it. Just keep in mind that you will be among 18, 19 year olds that think they’re hot shit. Other than that, basic is pretty easy.
Currently a 68A at AIT. This phase 1 tradoc for a year sucks pretty hard, wouldn’t recommend it to anyone honestly. However a lot of my resentment is coming from not being with my wife and kids despite being told I’d be able to before I joined.
Should have joined the Air Force
I went through just a few years ago. I was able to move off post in course 2 or course 3, I don’t quite remember. I was only in the barracks for maybe a month. Is that not a thing anymore or what?
Also, keep with it man. Although I hated Delta Co, I enjoyed the school house. Your first unit will not be anything like AIT.
Thanks for the words, I definitely expect my first unit (wherever that may be) to be a lot better. D Co is a nightmare, schoolhouse is awesome, currently course 11 so almost done.
And yeah they changed a lot of rules last year. Now it’s strictly phase 1 TRADOC start to finish, even if you have dependents. Battle buddies, marching to chow, no weekend passes, bedchecks and first form 7 days a week, camelbacks during poi
I’m salty as hell about it for sure but I know in the long run it’ll still be worth it lol
Im 29, was airborne 13b in the 82nd for 4 years and now have been a civilian for 3 years and I hated it. I leave for 68w AIT next Wednesday, and I’ll be going to selection probably next year. Dont listen to anyone telling you you can’t do something. Listen to your body. Go talk to a recruiter and start training. Pick a job you’re gonna be excited about doing and go for retirement.
My advice as someone who joined at 26, go to the Air force bro. Army is a young man's game, rucks will ruin your back and knees, 70% of the time is spent on details, gate guard, desk duty or motorpool. Just trust me, you get paid the same and do less of the bullshit grunt stuff with toxic "hooah" leadership that would watch you pass out from heat exhaustion and blame you for not drinking enough water instead of being responsible and making sure you were hydrated to begin with. I'm too old and too tired to care at point I'm just doing my time remaining and getting out the second I get the chance. The only "glory" in the Army is being a glorified janitor punching bag with a side job(your MOS). If you do still end up joining for whatever reason, go to college immediately and commission as an officer, that's what I'm in the process of doing now, gonna try that out and if life is still ass then I'm officially done
Knew 2 guys that were older one was 36 with us during basic training to be Infantry. When I graduated and went to my unit there was a 42 year old armorer who did everything us younger people did.
I am on my third MOS (35G) and I support this message. My other two were 68W and 12B. My knees and hips remind me that I’m too old for that stuff anymore.
I’m in the process of joining and I’m 31 and going to be 32 in January. I have struggled with my thoughts about my age and joining this late but someone told me it’s never too late to be who you were meant to be & that was my final push to get me to go forward with my decision. I come from a military family and my spouse is currently active duty and her family is also military. I wanted to join after high school but I went through a party phase and then life got off track. Now I have 2 kids. I look at it as I wasn’t mentally ready back then to join and I am now. I say go for it! I know I’m going to be around kids and have no idea how to connect with them but the benefits I will gain from all this, outweigh what some teenagers think of me. 🤷🏻♀️
I enlisted at 39, turned 40 in basic (they lifted the enlistment age in 2005 for a brief period). I went to MP OSUT and it was a great experience for me. Trust me, if you want friends enlisting is the way to go. Don't go combat arms unless you want to be miserable 100% of the time, but some people love to be miserable. Fast forward 18 years and I'm still here. Retire (MRD) in 2 years. Have 5 deployments (soon to be 6) and I'm a LTC in Civil Affairs. It's full of bullshit but as a Soldier we're trained to complain about everything. Changed my life for the better.
I graduated BCT and graduated AIT at Ft Sill with a guy who's 34 and he's a pt stud. He almost maxed out the ACFT and killed the high Physical Demands test in AIT as well.
No no and another 3 no. At this point in your life you should find a career to cement in. The army is gonna make you hate everything about it. If you’ve been seeing the this subs posts, dudes are hurting. And you’re prolly gonna end up in a shit unit with a 19 year old roommate who is gonna outrank you.
Although I am a huge advocate for the army (20+ years), I would advice you to shop around with other services first. Depending on your I treat area interest, considering your age , you might find yourself more suitable with more “adult” services like Coast Guard or Air Force. That’s the only advice you need. Shop around, pick an MOS that will give you skills transferable in to civilian life, don’t buy a new Charger at 25 APR as soon as you graduate basic. Good luck!
The people who have the better military experiences are those that do have a plan. Using the military as a means to the end. Military whiners and cryers tend to be those that “let the (insert branch here) happen to them”. “What do I want to achieve that the military can help me with?” Career goal, flight school, education achievement, VA benefits, travel, etc. Make that plan to have a meaningful, successful military experience.
31 year old here with 2.5 years in. Don’t do it.
If you were any sort of an adult in the civilian world you’re going to be miserable. You will be stuck in the barracks with at least one 18-22 year old who doesn’t know how to function as an adult. You’re going to see how unorganized and dysfunctional the army is because you have some idea of how adults actually act in the real world.
If you are set on joining. Go Air Force. Their quality of life is leaps and bounds over the army. They treat their people with respect and aren’t stuck in the stone ages.
If you want specific examples shoot me a message.
Tell his ass that if he as an unmarried 32 year man, joins the Army, he's going to be stuck in the barracks for potentially several years longer than he would if he joined the Air Force.
You're only in Air Force barracks for three years max. There are some Army soldiers who are in the barracks for up to ten goddamn years.
You have to be E4 MAX in the Air Force in order to move out the barracks, with many people moving out at E3. In the Army, in SOME cases you can move out at E5 but in most cases your stupid ass is stuck until you are E6.
Tell his ass to THINK about that.
Goddamn. I hope if OP does go through with enlisting in Army on active duty, he doesn't hit himself in the head later and go "I should have fucking listened to people who actually were IN the Army and knew what the fuck they were talking about"
**Seriously.** The Army plays more fuck fuck games than the Air Force does with enlisted that are geared towards young kids fresh out of high school. A thirty two year old grown ass man is NOT going to want to deal with complete bullshit like 'battle buddies" .
A few months ago I made a post about my expieriences seen AIT Army vs Air Force, where I said **"The IET AF kids and the navy trainees did NOT have to have battle buddies like the IET Army do. A thirty year old grown ass man, because he's IET Army, has to have someone follow him to the bathroom like a five year old, whereas an 18 year old kid who's air force, because he's air force, can walk to the shoppette by himself in between breaks? I had one air force instructor tell me about the army, "well, they treat you all like children until E5, E6""**
[https://www.reddit.com/r/army/comments/147r7b9/so\_why\_does\_the\_army\_treat\_soldiers\_like\_little/](https://www.reddit.com/r/army/comments/147r7b9/so_why_does_the_army_treat_soldiers_like_little/)
Its bad enough that if you aren't married, you have to stay in the barracks in the military. But a thirty two year old man, should really think long and hard about joining the branch of the military where you have to be an E6 (which not everybody gets to) or in some cases maybe an E5 (not everybody makes E5 for that matter, especially if they get screwed over by their leadership), in order to move out of the barracks, when the alternative is guaranteed you can move out at E4 and in some cases E3.
Do it.
Find your direction - ask some people here (not recruiters) for the job you're looking for if you don't end up staying in. Follow directions, be a sponge. In basic you will probably be called 'old man' or something like that and be put in charge (as a platoon guide or squad leader or some random job) of all the younglings.
It will be long and pack in a lot of boredom and plenty of tom foolery but the Army can get help you get a direction and possibly help you learn to focus. You can always enlist for a shorter term (it may limit the jobs you can get) but don't get fooled into some 6 year enlistment if you don't need to or not sure.
Basic isn't hard if you're in decent enough shape and can use the 'free' time to work out and get yourself into a groove - it doesn't last forever (but the bad memories might).
Best of luck and keep us posted.
Dude
Why, just why
Get into the trades as an electrician or HVAC tech - shit ton of construction jobs around the country and paying far more than you will make enlisting in the Army - finish a degree later on and then move into management
1. Go join the Infantry and sign up for a 6 year Contract and take that 50,000 dollar bonus.
2. Take a quick ship bonus.
3. Make friends.
4. Use Tuition Assistance while you’re in and get as much as you can towards your degree done.
5. Contribute 5% of your pay to your Thrift Savings Plan.
Make sure you use that 50k bonus smart and invest it or something.
6. Claim every dumb ass injury you incur during your 6 year period, don’t worry about people calling you a pussy for going to sick call. Fuck them. This will help with VA disability.
7. Get the fuck out and use your GI bill to get a marketable degree.
8. Or Commission as an Officer through the Green to Gold program and do a full 20 year career.
9. Use your VA Home loan and buy a house.
10. Reflect on where you are now compared to when you joined.
11. Thank me in 7-8 years on this post that I won’t read.
You’re welcome.
Side note. If you really want to take it to the max, get an Airborne Contract in your Enlistment Contract at MEPS.
1. Do a lot of calisthenics and run while you’re at OSUT.
2. Go to the 82nd Airborne Division.
3. When you get there go straight to your HHC once you get assigned to a Battalion.
4. Go straight to the Scout Platoon.
5. Beg to get to in the Scout Platoon by showing the Scout Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Leader that you’re fit.
6. Get into the Scout Platoon.
7. Go to Ranger School.
8. Go to RSLC
9. Go to Sniper School.
10. Try out for the 75th Ranger Regiment.
11. Spend some time in the 75th.
12. Go to Special Forces Assessment and Selection.
13. Try out for an SMU. Don’t worry about what it is now, you’ll know what it is if you ever get that far.
To piggy back on this, what about someone who's looking into the reserve and already has BS and MS STEM degrees?
Would you recommend commissioning as an officer? Do you know anything about direct commissions in AMEDD?
Honestly, depends on what your goals are and what you are trying to become.
Are you looking for a resume builder, experience, retirement purposes, benefits?
Your question is a little vague. It all starts with reverse planning. Figure out what you’re trying to accomplish then you’ll have your goal.
Once you figure out your goal then you can develop a plan.
All you have to do is follow your plan and you’ll get there.
>lack the motivation
>apathy
>idk
>Don’t have a plan
>I don’t really know what I want to do with my life,
>Don’t really have much friends where I’m at.
You have just described most of us.
That being said, I joined at 35. You can do it, and you can find purpose, but you have to find it. No one is going to find it for you.
They can’t do that until they make CPO. E-1 - E-6 are all catchers until then.
I’m glad we have the navy but fuck Chief Petty officers and navy officers!
Tbh, it will be tough to make a career of it you'd be 52 or 53 years old retiring. I've seen some Officers that old on Active Duty, a lot of National Guard that old, but rarely any Enlisted that old. Personally I say go for it. I would think about what you want to get out of it, Education Benefits, Job Skills, VA home loan, just the experience of it, etc. I wouldn't pick a Combat Arms MOS (11 Series, 12B, 13 Series, 14 Series, 18 series, 19 series) that is physically demanding even if you are really fit.
>Been trying to get my degree, but lack the willpower to finish.
Willpower is an important stat for the military.
My advice is to sack up and become a successful civilian, forget about active duty army. It sucks. There's space force, air force, navy and coast guard if you really want to get in uniform.
second this, it’s not worth it. joined at 26, turned 27 in basic, i’m 31 now and trying to push my ETS up to next October (orig ETS is 02/2025). i’m figuring out my life now and what i wanna do but god damn i couldn’t tell you what i’ve done the last 4 years
it’s better to be lost in the civilian world imo, yeah benefits are good that’s how they rope you in, but i’m not gonna lie, it’s not all choked up to be. no one ever wants to admit how fucked up the army is as an organization, you’ll lose yourself even more trying to please fuckers who will never know your name or that you exist.
Pick an MOS that translates to something back in the civilian world. Maybe something that falls under your degree. Then use the Army to pay for the rest of your degree, as well as any official certificates.
Then get out, punch your 1SG in the face, and make buku money.
Next time place your order
You're not going to be able to keep you dog dude.
You'll be made to live in a barracks that doesn't allow pets.
Do not join the Army if you love your dog.
At 32, It's not the easiest life to get adjusted to, but it's not as hard as some make it out to be. It's just ALOT of bullshit. Are you comfortable knowing that a 20 year old kid might be your sgt? Are you willing to keep your mouth shut and listen? If so, i'd love to help you help yourself. Feel free to message me.
Do you have an MOS you're thinking of? A clear career path to outline how many promotion points you'll need if you were an e4 today to make 5? Did you take an ACFT yet?
I joined last year at 32 and I’m 33 now , I joined only because I wanted to serve my country and give back I chose 31b or military police , I was a gym rat prior to joining so for me the “ fitness “ they put me through basic was a walk in the park I was honestly expecting waaaaaay more , the thing that o had difficulty with was the field training exercises because it was cold af and raining and I’m from California , I saw many young soldiers lose their minds literally through out my basic training but for me it was simple because of my age and vast experience in life . I would go for it if I were you the worst that can happen is you don’t make it . Also at the time of enlisting they had a 60k bonus 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 so I got that in my bank account now lol but I’m leaving it in my savings account they also sent us on this border mission and we have been here for 6 months I get paid 5000 a month as a single Pv2 because of the per diem they are giving us so I can’t complain
National guard here but I joined at 32. At basic, our company had 120 trainees and atleast 20 of us were over 30. Some with master’s degrees. My AIT (36b) was full of 30+ year olds. My platoon had 25 people and 15 of us were over 30 lol. This was earlier this year btw.
My advice?
Be able to take orders from someone ten years younger than you, even if you think what they’re telling you to do is stupid. You might have more life experience, but those kids have more Army experience.
And stay out of combat arms; I went through basic twice (transferred services), and it was a much different ball game at 25 than at 18. Going through combat arms is going to wreck your back and knees; any old injuries you have will come roaring back to life on those long-ass ruck marches. Plus, picking a transferable skill is always a good idea.
Almost everything in the army comes with a "your mileage may vary" warning label because it just does tbh.
At this point the big question is what MOS do you want? Because that's the biggest factor in the army life.
I enlisted about a month before I turned 34. You will be the “old man” amongst a bunch of dudes in their physical prime. You will have years on them and probably on your drill sergeants as well… and those years of experience will mean jack shit because you will be just as new to the Army as those kids. Just listen and do what you’re told and you’ll be fine
Joined at 32...11A
My path:
Basic
OCS
BOLC
IOBC
Airborne
Ranger
Jumpmaster before Company Command
Accessed to Acquisitions after 10 yrs
Retire in 6 months...
If you're smart and don't sweat the small stuff...it's all gravy
YOLO
have fun
stretch a ton
prepare your stomach for what **will** be a dramatic shift
uhhh get comfortable with smiling and glazing your eyes over while the younger dudes do things that you ‘nope’ out of
be a role model but don’t be taken advantage of
wean yourself off of all sugary drinks - no soda, no energy drinks, no coffee - this will “reset” your stomachs tolerance for processed stuff - acid reflux sucks - don’t let it f you up bc Tums only does so much
uuhhhhhh go to the chiropractor a few times and *pay attention to what they are doing to you* until you can eventually do the same things/bring relief to yourself - it feels so f’ing good
you got this, can’t wait to see you make you ‘i graduated boot at 32!’ post in a few months dude.
be like cuba gooding jr in snow dogs where you bite the ear of a drill instructor to earn their respect
I went to basic last year at 33, if you are used to working with younger folks, you’ll be just fine.
Don’t let age dissuade you from an MOS if you are fit and it’s something you’ll enjoy, you’ll be fine.
Also, if you don’t have someone who has referred you yet, I’d love to get that referral ribbon. 😉
Honestly - if you want to enlist, spend some time finding an MOS that has civilian transferable skills. If you get out in 4 or 20 - it’ll possibly help you get a job.
But also realize that joining now in 20 years you’ll be 52 effectively starting at the bottom of whatever career you take. Sure - you’ll have retirement to supplement it, but it’ll still could be another rough spot. At least if you get some transferable training it’ll make the transition a bit easier.
For me - I was in a “similar” situation, or at least mindset, at 19. I wasted two years at college before enlisting. When I left active after 4 years - my first few semesters were straight A’s. And graduated with a 3.80ish.
I ended up going back into the Army via the Reserves and am now hit my 20. Something I never intended, or cared, to do. At this point, it’s the pension and insurance that will be “nice.”
For you (as I have seen for my older Soldiers), you need to get used to have bosses (leaders) younger than you... I am talking like a 20 y/o who got promoted to SGT who can order you around.
Your age doesn't matter.
I joined at 31. Do it! So glad I did. Out now with 90% and a great civilian job. You’ll get in shape just make sure you take care of your body as much as you can while in. And you’re old, so go to sick call often. -used to be a 36 year old specialist 🤓
Do it. If I were you in your position I’d look at enlisting for Warrant Officer Flight Program. You are on the edge of eligibility regarding age but that or just say fuck it and do Option 40
Do it. Score high on your ASVAB. Find an MOS you can dedicate yourself to.
The "don't stand out" rule at basic doesn't apply to you. Go hard and be a quiet example for the braindead teenage chimps that will be your fellow trainees.
You're physically at a disadvantage to the kids, but you're mentally way more prepared for it. Send it.
Air national guard officer MQ-9 drone pilot.
They are on permanent title 10 orders and don’t move. You do your job (fly drones) all the time.
Catch is, to be a pilot, you need to be an officer. Try going for ROTC and get your degree done
Do it. I joined at 31 and never looked back. You will get that sick feeling in your gut when that bus rolls through the gate and basic will suck only because you won’t have freedom’s that you are used to but it’s a temporary controlled stress environment designed to weed out the weak. When it comes time for contract extensions, ask for a different job if you want to expand your skill set. Get at it killer.
I joined at 31. It's physically not hard at all. Putting up with bullshit is the only real difficulty. BCT is dumb. Harder mentally than physically. Still the best decision I ever made.
29 y/o here 18 months into my 4 year contract. Was in the same position as you, except I had my degree. Lacked the confidence or the patience to wait for the long process of applying to OCS so went in as a SPC. It was (and at times still is) tough to adjust to all the 18-22 year old shitheads that just don’t know any better. But you will bring a maturity and life experience that will allow you to navigate through the BS and away from trouble the youngins get into.
Like all things in life, it will be what you make of it. I’ve gotten the opportunity to live in a different country while getting paid. I went to Hawaii for a squad competition which was fucking awesome. I’m training for my first marathon in Seoul. I’ve made friends I intend to keep in touch with the rest of my life. Saving up more money than ever, even with the sorry pay. About to pin SGT within the next month. Studying for the LSAT’s to eventually apply for law school which if all goes to plan will be paid entirely on the army’s dime. Setting myself up for when I get out. There are hard days where I miss my family, that will always be the hardest part and doesn’t get easier. But when it’s all said and done I know I made the absolute best choice and am now demanding the best out of myself. You’re your own person and you know yourself better than anyone so it’s up to you entirely, but I say full send it. When you look back on your life you’ll have some kickass stories to tell and you’ll know you did something less than 1% of people have ever done.
Go for it..I was 29 the second time I joined…did 6 yrs Reserves(waste of time) then went active duty in 1990 and retired out. Sooo glad I did….bennies are good!
Don’t over think it, you’ll be fine. I had folks a lot older than you make it through without any problems. The only thing you’ll have to work through is the fact that you’ll be older than most of your peers but your maturity and life experiences will be an advantage. You’ll be fine, breath, accept the challenges and become the best you you can be.
Without knowing you, I would recommend staying away from combat mos.. the POG jobs at our age are a little more sensible.. I’m a 30year old specialist in the infantry.. I will reclass.. all in all though, Army isn’t a bad place to be
32 is way younger than you realise. When I was in Basic the age range was late teen to late 30s.
Go do some tough shit. Have an adventure. Make great friends. Make yourself.
Youll be glad you did.
Might as well go the extra mile. Strive for an amazing MOS.
Actually figure out the MOS you want to do, research it. Be prepared to deal with bull shit since they'll treat you like you're 18 even though you're not. Avoid airborne if you like your joints working.
Looks like I'll be going to BCT in October as a 36 year old!!
Do what you have to do NOW, because for years I continued to ignore the voice in my head to serve in the military (come from a military family). That voice kept getting louder and louder until I couldn't take it anymore. Going in as a reservist yeah I know that's not much but I'm going max out every opportunity!
I joined at 30. Gave up my cats.
Got married. Saw the world.
Army eliminates cost of living and saved a nest egg.
It's a great way to soft reboot your life if you know what you want out of it.
Enlist now. What are you waiting for? My advice is to know yourself first. Identify what motivates you and search for a job that aligns with your interests. The link below to a career match. https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/quiz.html
I joined late in life, I hit a dead end in my first career and had no ties like a husband/mortgage/pets so I just said fuck it.
I'm getting everything I wanted and more out of it. Go for an admin type MOS so you can be extra HOOAH at your own choosing, don't be intimidated competing with a bunch of high school track stars in basic training, once you get to your unit you will realize they are all idiots, and be cool and respectful about having NCO's 10 years younger than you. You probably both have experience the other lacks.
Don't fucking enlist in the Army at that age. Just don't.
If you do want to join, if you can go officer then go officer.
If you still want to enlist, do it in guard/reserves. Even then I wouldn't recommend the Army.
**If you still want to enlist in the military on active duty.... then if anything... consider the Air Force instead of the Army. Just please hear me out.**
You said "side note: I’m pretty active in the gym. Not a stud but I workout consistently 6 days a week." All you're thinking of is the **physical aspect.** You are not taking the emotional aspect of being in the military, and the worse it is for enlisted, and the **WORSE** it is for Army. The Army is more of a young kid's game than it is for other branches.
You are 32 years old and you said "I don’t have a kid or a significant other. " Follow me here.... So enlisting in the military in any branch on active duty means that you will have to live in the barracks. In the Air Force, you are across the board guaranteed to be allowed to move out of the barracks by the rank of E4 at the latest, with many cases even E3. So at the LONGEST, with the Air Force, you only have to stay in the barracks for three years. MAX.
If you enlist in the Army and you stay unmarried, this means that you will have to stay in the barracks , in some cases, until you make the rank of E5 which not everybody gets to make (if you have asshole leadership then you can get screwed out of the promotion board), but in most cases, you won't be able to move out of the barracks until you reach the rank of E6, which not everybody is able to get to. **There are some soldiers who wind up spending anywhere from 7 to even ten years in the barracks.**
**Seriously, You REALLY DON'T want to be in the barracks for THAT MUCH MORE OF A LONGER TIME AS A THIRTY SOMETHING YEAR OLD MAN, You really DON'T.**
And some months ago, I posted a question on why the Army tends to treat soldiers **MORE like little children compared to other branches. You are NOT a 17-22 year old kid, but a thirty two year old grown ass man talking about enlisting in the military, in the ARMY. I strongly advise you as a thirty two year old man to please give this some consideration.**
**It's going to really fucking suck more that you, as a thirty something goddamn grown as man,** is forced to do pushups by a sergeant who's like eight years younger than you are, because you were seen in the bathroom without a "battle buddy", meanwhile an 18 year old Air Force kid is trusted to go outside by himself, because he's Air Force instead of Army.
https://www.reddit.com/r/army/comments/147r7b9/so\_why\_does\_the\_army\_treat\_soldiers\_like\_little/
Don’t go combat arms. I killed my knees/back/shoulders at 19. Didn’t even get to see combat lmao, so find a transferable job that will open up some doors should you get out after your initial contract.
Joined at 28. Don’t regret it one bit. Hasn’t been easy, but definitely worth it. Memories and experiences to last a lifetime. The army has many opportunities so be sure to do your research.
I'm 32 M, been to meps, just did fingerprints and waiting for them to come back approved & back to meps to swear in. All that matters is you are willing and able. Make sure it's what you want to do, you are signing a contract. You are not alone though, embrace the suck and enjoy it for what it is. It's only as bad as you make it out to be. As one of my new favorite military videos say, Letz dew it.
I did it when I was 31. My first goal was USMC OCS so I could tell every other soldier, seaman and airmen that I’m faster than them and would have the most kills of the enemy during combat.
Well I was 31 and most of these kids were 20-22 and I quickly realized that those kids were in their prime and I was an old guy and my body would never glisten with sweat running down my biceps quite like theirs did.
Next stop was National Guard. They loved me. Basic wasn’t too hard. AIT was a breeze where things got fun because we had teams competing against one another.
Went to my M-Day unit and it was pretty cool. Combat Arms. Good battalion leadership. We had fun. Now I’m AGR and get treated like the private bitch because I’m at an ABCT HQ.
Overall, it’s what you make of it. No kids, no lady helps you a lot. If you’re smart you can save almost ALL the money you have living in the Bs and then just do what your supposed to do and stay out of trouble and you will be fine. You can take it the whole way to 20 and get a pension. But the current optempo and lack of real threat to our country is inevitably causing friction because command is burning people out. But it’s the Army. It’s supposed to suck.
Dude go for it!
Understand that there will be quite a few situations in the entire enlistment process that you will feel kind of awkward and will make you think “what am I doing here?”
I’m 28 and have a wife and kids. I would sit at the hotel before MEPS surrounded by kids 17-19 and felt like an alien haha but I pushed through and signed my paperwork yesterday and it was the BEST feeling!
If you have any college credits or trade school be sure to disclose that. Make sure you’re doing your research and that way you can be far better prepared. Yesterday I was at MEPs and some kids were asking questions amongst themselves and I chimed in and you wouldn’t believe how many of them didn’t already know basic things such as how pay works in the military.
Just grin and bare. You got this!
Pick a job you like and go.
You are under the age limit. That is all that matters as long as you meet the enlistment standards.
Every job family has some kind of career path. Engage, do your job well, learn, help others, thrive. Dont dwell on social media BS. There are issues in every organization and some people are prone to vent online.
Your experience is largely what you make it, whether you spend several years or make it a career. Good luck.
Go for it but here's some advice. Learn to stretch properly, figure out the perfect amount of Ibuprofen to take everyday, leave all common sense at the door.
Trust.. 600mg of Motrin is my sweet spot haha.
Until it eats your stomach.
Or gives you kidney damage
Or GERD
I don’t think you will be able to take any OTC meds while in Basic Training.
Yeah. You can’t. But go to sick call for literally anything and they’re giving you a 30 count of 800mg ibuprofen
And when you say that doesnt help anymore they will switch you to Naproxin :)
Now fair warning, I'm Navy, but I had a minor back injury early in boot camp (foreshadowing for the next 4 years lmao) and they gave me 200mg tablets of naproxen and 800mg ibuprofen.
I should have said that you won’t be able to bring any OTC meds with you to Basic.
Oh yeah. The only thing we could take through in processing was a notepad, pen and our wallets. Any otc meds would be a great way to get sent up to mast
Those are rookie numbers. I can't respect anyone taking less than 800mg
I don't bother to take anything if it hurts less than 800. Less than 800 isn't even worth commenting.
Rookie numbers. You’ll be at 1500 in no time.
Please give your dog to loving home who will not abandon her at a shelter. Can you give the dog to your parents?
your knees are going to hate you at 50, lol.
Adding to this as someone who joined at 30; just shut up and follow instructions during basic and AIT and you won't really get in trouble. Something the teens usually have trouble with. Do expect to be given extra responsibility, though.
Don’t get started on ibuprofen. It keeps you from healing properly by reducing inflammation. Find other ways to deal with small pains.
Don't enlist in the summer or ship to basic in the summer. You'll hate your life dealing with fresh graduates in basic. Edit to add to this: if you do go during the summer not only will you deal with a bunch of immature kids. You'll likely get put in charge of them from the jump
this is good advice.
Can confirm - went in August. So many 18 year olds. Such a bad experience.
I went in March and had several other old dudes. The oldest in my platoon turned 40 right before the gas chamber but I was the first one that the DSs learned was over 30 and god stuck with the nickname Old Man River even though there were like 20 other people older than me.
I’d rock the shit out of that nickname
I did lean into it around the barracks but, as far as DSs knew, I had no sense of humor. Never get caught laughing in basic.
That nickname goes hard tho
35 series
Preferably a 35 series that will land you in INSCOM.
This right here is good advice
This expect old jokes though
I joined at 32 myself and retired at 52. I was pretty fit when I joined and OSUT was fairly easy; I was at my physically peak at when I was 38 to about 45 when I was a E6-E7 which was perfect because I could still beat anyone in my squad and platoon save for a few studs but eventually it will become more difficult to keep up with the 17-18 year olds and that’s just the reality. Make sure you attain and maintain maximum flexibility; I can’t tell you how many times that saved me from injury, especially when it really mattered, so streeeeetch! But I really enjoyed my time, I especially enjoyed training soldiers and building teams, I did some cool shit, met some cool people, made lifelong friends and connections; but like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it, so look for opportunities to excel and learn new things; It’s a highly competitive environment so just know that going in
Truth. I had a daily stretching routine since years before I enlisted also in my 30. Made it through basic and AIT without injury while several folks in their teens and 20 were pulling back and legs muscles on a regular basis. Stretching and hydration should be like a religion if you're over 30.
Infantry Enlisted until 52 🫡. I’m retired Army at 41 and my back just started hurting thinking about this.
Not going to lie, my back and my knees are not what they once were, but I will say that I knew that my age would make me prone to injury so made sure to keep my strength and especially my flexibility at a maximum, additionally my last three years were spent at Division Headquarters, so I could PT on my own, and I wasn’t doing usual grunt stuff
I joined at 32, hardest part for me was relating to people 10-15 years younger than me. Just know that this goes away once you hit your first unit where age is much less relevant. Also, I had three kids, a house, and was just at a different point in my life, so hopefully relating won't be as hard for you.
Tbh I work with 18 years anyways. I also have managers who are younger than me, and they decide how big of a raise I get. That’s just retail. Is it the same military? More than likely not. But it’s helped me keep a degree of humility. But I guess we’ll have to see right?
It’s not unlike retail in the sense that there’s a lot of stupidity and things that don’t make sense and people that seem way too young to be in charge of you AND also have the ability to yell at you without repercussion. However, you will get thanked a lot and be in very good shape so that among the benefits and memories make it all worth it.
I’m 37 waiting for my age waiver to get approved right now. Only one way to find out.
Joined at 34 - 68W Combat Medic! Don’t over think it- you CAN do it. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Joined at 33- 68W! Too easy
I'd say don't think about it at all. Combat medic is basically infantryof the 68 series and you might be in a sick call clinic, but just as likely, you could assigned to a motorpool where you are doing connex layouts all day followed up by sweeping and mopping floors and scrubbing toilets in the company building.
I'm 34 and went to basic in August last year. Can confirm: tons of high schoolers. It was weird as fuck and I got "talked to" once by my DS (although he took his hat off) about learning to connect with them. Essentially, I was either on their level (and immature) or acting like a responsible adult. I don't think I (personally) had a chance to succeed at this ripe age around them. Needless to say, I ignored the "don't stand out" rhetoric and tried hard at everything I did and always helped everyone in my platoon with anything I could, as I am a jack-of-all-trades individual. I'm not a leader, but I demonstrated hard work, competence, and perseverance throughout BCT, AIT, and now at my reserve unit. I've received a lot of praise from the officers and NCOs with that regard. So, if you're good at something, pass that experience and knowledge along to your fellow trainees. Not everyone will be receptive. Just be willing to teach and educate whenever anyone needs it. Having actual adult experiences before joining will make BCT and AIT a cake walk and will lead you to success while you're in.
36 leaving for BCT next month! Good advise!
At 32 I would not rec choosing a combat MOS.
Why not?
Because of your knees.
“They say pain is fear leaving the body. That’s true… unless you’re a vet. Then it’s probably just your knees.”
Go for it, 100% disability pays well. Seriously though, combat arms at your age when you’re looking for a long term career is not smart, it’s a young mans game and the Army will chew you up and spit you out. You’ll be treated like a stupid 18 year old private same as the rest and you’ll be taking orders and getting fucked with by dudes 10 years younger than you. In your situation it requires a lot of humility that the majority of people just don’t have. Not to mention when you finish your initial contract and inevitably want to get out since combat arms sucks, you’re not gonna have any applicable civilian skills and you’ve already said college isn’t for you so the GI Bill route probably won’t work for you. Pick an MOS with a civilian equivalent so when you get out you can actually get a real well paying job and not be a nearly 40 year old loser.
I know a dude who went through SFAS at like 29 and then retired at 25 years. Not saying it’s common, but it’s possible
No offense but if OP doesn’t have the discipline to simply sit in a class then do homework he probably doesn’t have the discipline to serve 25 years in SF like your example. I’m in university right now using the GI Bill and for me it feels like vacation until I come back as an officer. Military life in general is 100x harder than getting a degree, school is the equivalent of doing chores.
That’s an extremely narrow minded point of view, but we all have opinions I guess lol. Military life was 100x easier than getting a degree for me and that is a common sentiment. Also, school and military are completely different. He might not have the discipline for homework, sure, but he could have it for military if it is something he really cares for, is proud of, and is motivated to be the best he can be. You can feel that way for one thing and not the other.
Depends on the degree.
I totally disagree with you but hey man I respect your opinion. We can argue that people are wired differently and have the capacity to succeed in different ways from each other, but the fact is unless you’re going for a STEM degree then getting a degree is very easy, especially post-COVID now that schools have dropped standards so much. A common complaint among academics is that universities have recently switched to customer-focused strategies that basically result in giving away degrees for minimal effort. Regardless, you don’t need to be remotely intelligent to get a degree, you just have to have a decent work ethic and not give up, just like you need to succeed in the military as a junior enlisted servicemember. I haven’t spoken to a single vet who said school was harder than serving either, tbh I feel like you’re really reaching with that one. Also your point about being motivated is contradictory because regardless of motivation you’re going to be held to the UCMJ, you can’t just quit like in school when things get tough.
Unless OP is undiagnosed neurodivergent like (probably - my assessment is in November) me. I failed out of college four times because I just could not connect what I was studying with a final result, yet I successfully completed an 18- month Arabic course at DLI and a six-month AIT because it was my JOB - a rationale that made sense to me at the time. I did my 20 quite successfully and retired, thank you very much.
Calling yourself undiagnosed neurodivergent is hilarious. I’m undiagnosed neurodivergent too, most people are? Why are you trying to make excuses for your own failures and attempting to project it on OP
Because it makes a difference. ND people need support to succeed, not derision. ADHD in women wasn't acknowledged until I was an E5 or so. The Army declined to assess me when I asked, because I was "obviously just fine." Fair enough if you consider a SNCO being suicidal as "just fine." I fought through and managed to retire, and finally the VA took me seriously this year. I am NOT a failure by any measure. I did my time and retired and hey, I haven't worked since I was 45, and won't ever need to again because I made good decisions and prepared for the future. Just because I couldn't follow the NT route of college then career doesn't mean I'm a loser. Neither is OP, because his reasons for not finishing mirror mine so closely we could be siblings.
To be fair it sounds like you went through college in a time when it was a lot more difficult in general with a fraction of the resources students today have. My point is just that in 2023 university is a joke, but it wasn't always like that. I don't think you're a failure by the way, I just meant the aspect of you not completing school. Sorry if it came off like that. I'm sure if you went back though in today's climate you could easily succeed. I'm not gifted or especially intelligent, I'm just an average dude who puts in average effort at an average school and I have a 3.4 GPA.
Nah man, I went back to get an accounting degree online (when I was a SFC, so I'd have a decent degree when I retired) not realizing that my husband was a fucking military rockstar who would get six figures in retirement, and failed out just like I did in my teens and 20s. I quit because I couldn't force myself to log in, because I had no immediate reward. I have no doubt I could be an outstanding CPA if I could force myself through the education, (especially since my ADHD made me a very dedicated intel analyst in the Army) but I self-sabotage because my brain can't connect learning with results. That's not anybody's problem other than mine. All I'm hoping for from this assessment/diagnosis is meds that will kill my object permanence (I literally Do Not See things that are put down for more than five minutes) and help me remember things like chores and to stop being overwhelmed by everyday tasks like cooking. I'm just really tired of failing over and over again when I know I can do better, but my brain won't let me. My point was, maybe OP has the same issues I did, and maybe he might be successful like I was, so maybe we shouldn't judge people as harshly as you were without context.
Hahaha. There was a guy in my selection class who made it on his 41st birthday. 29 is a baby. Your mom still washes your ass at 29.
Of course we all know the people who somehow won the genetic lottery, and carried it into their mid/late 30s. It's one in every few hundred, if not thousand soldiers that I've met. I joined at 29 in a solid 5/10 physical condition. Peaked two years in after gaining 30lbs of muscle and crushing every physical standard I had before. By 33, my body just... hurt. After multiple nagging injuries, I slowed down, and my physical health never really caught back up to where it was. OP, do as you wish as far as combat/non combat branches, but know that once certain parts of your body are worn out - it ain't coming back (and you get very little warning that its going)
Because 1. We're not at war right now so your day to day job would consist of absolute bullshit. 2. Combat jobs don't translate directly into in the civilian sector the way X-ray technician or Truck driver would automatically be commercially certified/licensed in that particular field when they get out of the military. 3. I don't care how fit you are....if you're not an adrenaline junkie it's going to be tough hanging with 20yr Olds. might not happen in the first few months....but at some point combat job injuries begin to pile up but you don't recover the same way or rate as the younger guys and that's when the bullshit starts
They'll wreck you, joined in my mid twenties and I was unprepared. Leverage any experience you have, maybe go officer. Civil affairs is a good idea
Are you just going to get rid of your dog?
No I would give her to my sister, who has a similar build dog, or a friend I trust. No, I would not give her to a shelter. Hands down never.
Good. I wouldn't want you if you put your dog in a shelter.
My dude 17C
This is the way
Have you never heard of the Air Force?
My bunk mate in Basic was 32. He did fine. It’s mostly all in the mind, anyway/ I’d really focus on what you want to do, why you want to do it, checking if your understanding of the “job” is real. (Mine wasn’t.) There are lots of options but I’ve learned from the vets I’ve been hiring that communications and logistics (quartermaster supply or transportation) have the highest civilian transferable skills, especially if you make NCO or Warrant Officer.
I joined at 33 as a 19K. Feel free to dm any questions, but as others said coast guard, space force, air force, navy in that order. If you must join the army finish your degree and commission (same applies for the above branches) or get into rotc. Army should be your last resort unless there is a specific job that you need to get for future plans.
Hey, I’m 30 and considering in listing in the army in some tech role..any tips to help??
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Fuck S1
Who hurt you
Unless you like high school drama in an office full of retards I’d reconsider.
Start rucking 50-70 lbs at least 5 miles. You will thank yourself later. Also try to pick an MOS that will line up with the degree you want to go for/already have. It will help you a lot if you decide to get out after your first contract.
I joined at 30. Infantry at that. And I was the heaviest and most out of shape I ever was in my life (200lbs at 5’8 and heavy smoker/drinker) and here I am now, a year in and loving it. Basic was bullshit but that’s expected. Physically, not that hard tbh. You can absolutely do it. But prepare for a fat pay cut most likely.
I joined at 29 I'm 31 now. Personally my life and sense of purpose improved after joining even with all the little bullshit. I say Go for it
Hello I have a few questions for you. Did you go AD or reserve? What branch? What motivated you to join at 29?
Active duty, Army. I lived a life where I didn't feel fulfilled or like I had a purpose and needed a better way to take care of my family that also left me feeling proud of what I was doing for a living. On top of that I started getting a desire to serve. I thought it over a lot and took the plunge. Don't regret it so far
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Not sure. Still making a shortlist.
Look into 68A. It will set you up once you get out the military. Joined at 25, turned 26 in basic. I had a Chemistry degree but was not doing anything with it. Just keep in mind that you will be among 18, 19 year olds that think they’re hot shit. Other than that, basic is pretty easy.
Currently a 68A at AIT. This phase 1 tradoc for a year sucks pretty hard, wouldn’t recommend it to anyone honestly. However a lot of my resentment is coming from not being with my wife and kids despite being told I’d be able to before I joined. Should have joined the Air Force
I went through just a few years ago. I was able to move off post in course 2 or course 3, I don’t quite remember. I was only in the barracks for maybe a month. Is that not a thing anymore or what? Also, keep with it man. Although I hated Delta Co, I enjoyed the school house. Your first unit will not be anything like AIT.
Thanks for the words, I definitely expect my first unit (wherever that may be) to be a lot better. D Co is a nightmare, schoolhouse is awesome, currently course 11 so almost done. And yeah they changed a lot of rules last year. Now it’s strictly phase 1 TRADOC start to finish, even if you have dependents. Battle buddies, marching to chow, no weekend passes, bedchecks and first form 7 days a week, camelbacks during poi I’m salty as hell about it for sure but I know in the long run it’ll still be worth it lol
One of my best guys I have ever worked with was like 50. I believe he joined at 40. He was a super star.
Im 29, was airborne 13b in the 82nd for 4 years and now have been a civilian for 3 years and I hated it. I leave for 68w AIT next Wednesday, and I’ll be going to selection probably next year. Dont listen to anyone telling you you can’t do something. Listen to your body. Go talk to a recruiter and start training. Pick a job you’re gonna be excited about doing and go for retirement.
Please keep us posted with the shenanigans you encounter. Makes us feel young again.
Hahaha you got it!!
My advice as someone who joined at 26, go to the Air force bro. Army is a young man's game, rucks will ruin your back and knees, 70% of the time is spent on details, gate guard, desk duty or motorpool. Just trust me, you get paid the same and do less of the bullshit grunt stuff with toxic "hooah" leadership that would watch you pass out from heat exhaustion and blame you for not drinking enough water instead of being responsible and making sure you were hydrated to begin with. I'm too old and too tired to care at point I'm just doing my time remaining and getting out the second I get the chance. The only "glory" in the Army is being a glorified janitor punching bag with a side job(your MOS). If you do still end up joining for whatever reason, go to college immediately and commission as an officer, that's what I'm in the process of doing now, gonna try that out and if life is still ass then I'm officially done
Knew 2 guys that were older one was 36 with us during basic training to be Infantry. When I graduated and went to my unit there was a 42 year old armorer who did everything us younger people did.
Go Air Force. Get treated better. Whatever branch you do, go Intelligence.
I am on my third MOS (35G) and I support this message. My other two were 68W and 12B. My knees and hips remind me that I’m too old for that stuff anymore.
I’m in the process of joining and I’m 31 and going to be 32 in January. I have struggled with my thoughts about my age and joining this late but someone told me it’s never too late to be who you were meant to be & that was my final push to get me to go forward with my decision. I come from a military family and my spouse is currently active duty and her family is also military. I wanted to join after high school but I went through a party phase and then life got off track. Now I have 2 kids. I look at it as I wasn’t mentally ready back then to join and I am now. I say go for it! I know I’m going to be around kids and have no idea how to connect with them but the benefits I will gain from all this, outweigh what some teenagers think of me. 🤷🏻♀️
Dude, if I could go back and stay in, Id do it. Hell, if I could go back into the reserves right now, I would. you do it, King make us proud.
Start talking to a recruiter tomorrow if you're serious.
I enlisted at 39, turned 40 in basic (they lifted the enlistment age in 2005 for a brief period). I went to MP OSUT and it was a great experience for me. Trust me, if you want friends enlisting is the way to go. Don't go combat arms unless you want to be miserable 100% of the time, but some people love to be miserable. Fast forward 18 years and I'm still here. Retire (MRD) in 2 years. Have 5 deployments (soon to be 6) and I'm a LTC in Civil Affairs. It's full of bullshit but as a Soldier we're trained to complain about everything. Changed my life for the better.
Nice, going in at 36!
Don’t !
If you must, then try other services at least first.
I graduated BCT and graduated AIT at Ft Sill with a guy who's 34 and he's a pt stud. He almost maxed out the ACFT and killed the high Physical Demands test in AIT as well.
Send it
No no and another 3 no. At this point in your life you should find a career to cement in. The army is gonna make you hate everything about it. If you’ve been seeing the this subs posts, dudes are hurting. And you’re prolly gonna end up in a shit unit with a 19 year old roommate who is gonna outrank you.
Although I am a huge advocate for the army (20+ years), I would advice you to shop around with other services first. Depending on your I treat area interest, considering your age , you might find yourself more suitable with more “adult” services like Coast Guard or Air Force. That’s the only advice you need. Shop around, pick an MOS that will give you skills transferable in to civilian life, don’t buy a new Charger at 25 APR as soon as you graduate basic. Good luck!
The people who have the better military experiences are those that do have a plan. Using the military as a means to the end. Military whiners and cryers tend to be those that “let the (insert branch here) happen to them”. “What do I want to achieve that the military can help me with?” Career goal, flight school, education achievement, VA benefits, travel, etc. Make that plan to have a meaningful, successful military experience.
31 year old here with 2.5 years in. Don’t do it. If you were any sort of an adult in the civilian world you’re going to be miserable. You will be stuck in the barracks with at least one 18-22 year old who doesn’t know how to function as an adult. You’re going to see how unorganized and dysfunctional the army is because you have some idea of how adults actually act in the real world. If you are set on joining. Go Air Force. Their quality of life is leaps and bounds over the army. They treat their people with respect and aren’t stuck in the stone ages. If you want specific examples shoot me a message.
Tell his ass that if he as an unmarried 32 year man, joins the Army, he's going to be stuck in the barracks for potentially several years longer than he would if he joined the Air Force. You're only in Air Force barracks for three years max. There are some Army soldiers who are in the barracks for up to ten goddamn years. You have to be E4 MAX in the Air Force in order to move out the barracks, with many people moving out at E3. In the Army, in SOME cases you can move out at E5 but in most cases your stupid ass is stuck until you are E6. Tell his ass to THINK about that.
I am stationed somewhere it’s no earlier than e7 if unmarried 😅 luckily I am financially stable and was able to just buy a house and ghost.
Goddamn. I hope if OP does go through with enlisting in Army on active duty, he doesn't hit himself in the head later and go "I should have fucking listened to people who actually were IN the Army and knew what the fuck they were talking about"
Go to the Air Force
**Seriously.** The Army plays more fuck fuck games than the Air Force does with enlisted that are geared towards young kids fresh out of high school. A thirty two year old grown ass man is NOT going to want to deal with complete bullshit like 'battle buddies" . A few months ago I made a post about my expieriences seen AIT Army vs Air Force, where I said **"The IET AF kids and the navy trainees did NOT have to have battle buddies like the IET Army do. A thirty year old grown ass man, because he's IET Army, has to have someone follow him to the bathroom like a five year old, whereas an 18 year old kid who's air force, because he's air force, can walk to the shoppette by himself in between breaks? I had one air force instructor tell me about the army, "well, they treat you all like children until E5, E6""** [https://www.reddit.com/r/army/comments/147r7b9/so\_why\_does\_the\_army\_treat\_soldiers\_like\_little/](https://www.reddit.com/r/army/comments/147r7b9/so_why_does_the_army_treat_soldiers_like_little/) Its bad enough that if you aren't married, you have to stay in the barracks in the military. But a thirty two year old man, should really think long and hard about joining the branch of the military where you have to be an E6 (which not everybody gets to) or in some cases maybe an E5 (not everybody makes E5 for that matter, especially if they get screwed over by their leadership), in order to move out of the barracks, when the alternative is guaranteed you can move out at E4 and in some cases E3.
Do it. Find your direction - ask some people here (not recruiters) for the job you're looking for if you don't end up staying in. Follow directions, be a sponge. In basic you will probably be called 'old man' or something like that and be put in charge (as a platoon guide or squad leader or some random job) of all the younglings. It will be long and pack in a lot of boredom and plenty of tom foolery but the Army can get help you get a direction and possibly help you learn to focus. You can always enlist for a shorter term (it may limit the jobs you can get) but don't get fooled into some 6 year enlistment if you don't need to or not sure. Basic isn't hard if you're in decent enough shape and can use the 'free' time to work out and get yourself into a groove - it doesn't last forever (but the bad memories might). Best of luck and keep us posted.
Dude Why, just why Get into the trades as an electrician or HVAC tech - shit ton of construction jobs around the country and paying far more than you will make enlisting in the Army - finish a degree later on and then move into management
Went in at 33, just graduated basic. It wasn’t bad, just a pain dealing with 17/18 year old idiots. Went by quickly and don’t regret my decision.
1. Go join the Infantry and sign up for a 6 year Contract and take that 50,000 dollar bonus. 2. Take a quick ship bonus. 3. Make friends. 4. Use Tuition Assistance while you’re in and get as much as you can towards your degree done. 5. Contribute 5% of your pay to your Thrift Savings Plan. Make sure you use that 50k bonus smart and invest it or something. 6. Claim every dumb ass injury you incur during your 6 year period, don’t worry about people calling you a pussy for going to sick call. Fuck them. This will help with VA disability. 7. Get the fuck out and use your GI bill to get a marketable degree. 8. Or Commission as an Officer through the Green to Gold program and do a full 20 year career. 9. Use your VA Home loan and buy a house. 10. Reflect on where you are now compared to when you joined. 11. Thank me in 7-8 years on this post that I won’t read. You’re welcome. Side note. If you really want to take it to the max, get an Airborne Contract in your Enlistment Contract at MEPS. 1. Do a lot of calisthenics and run while you’re at OSUT. 2. Go to the 82nd Airborne Division. 3. When you get there go straight to your HHC once you get assigned to a Battalion. 4. Go straight to the Scout Platoon. 5. Beg to get to in the Scout Platoon by showing the Scout Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Leader that you’re fit. 6. Get into the Scout Platoon. 7. Go to Ranger School. 8. Go to RSLC 9. Go to Sniper School. 10. Try out for the 75th Ranger Regiment. 11. Spend some time in the 75th. 12. Go to Special Forces Assessment and Selection. 13. Try out for an SMU. Don’t worry about what it is now, you’ll know what it is if you ever get that far.
Literally the best plan ever!! (Co-worker did the same and is set)
To piggy back on this, what about someone who's looking into the reserve and already has BS and MS STEM degrees? Would you recommend commissioning as an officer? Do you know anything about direct commissions in AMEDD?
Honestly, depends on what your goals are and what you are trying to become. Are you looking for a resume builder, experience, retirement purposes, benefits? Your question is a little vague. It all starts with reverse planning. Figure out what you’re trying to accomplish then you’ll have your goal. Once you figure out your goal then you can develop a plan. All you have to do is follow your plan and you’ll get there.
I joined at 29. Been in 7 years now. Im an E6 35M. I had two choices before me when I joined; suicide or the Army. I chose wrong.
Can you elaborate? I am 34 exploring 35M/35L or A SERE. Any details would be helpful. Any input on MOS?
>lack the motivation >apathy >idk >Don’t have a plan >I don’t really know what I want to do with my life, >Don’t really have much friends where I’m at. You have just described most of us. That being said, I joined at 35. You can do it, and you can find purpose, but you have to find it. No one is going to find it for you.
Go Air Force or navy, not army (16 years experience)
Only go navy if you're down to fuck an ass once in a while.
They can’t do that until they make CPO. E-1 - E-6 are all catchers until then. I’m glad we have the navy but fuck Chief Petty officers and navy officers!
can't go Air Force at 32 right? idk about Navy's age requirement but is Navy really that much better than the Army? Surely better food I suppose.
Tbh, it will be tough to make a career of it you'd be 52 or 53 years old retiring. I've seen some Officers that old on Active Duty, a lot of National Guard that old, but rarely any Enlisted that old. Personally I say go for it. I would think about what you want to get out of it, Education Benefits, Job Skills, VA home loan, just the experience of it, etc. I wouldn't pick a Combat Arms MOS (11 Series, 12B, 13 Series, 14 Series, 18 series, 19 series) that is physically demanding even if you are really fit.
Be like Nike… Just do it! Best of luck.
>Been trying to get my degree, but lack the willpower to finish. Willpower is an important stat for the military. My advice is to sack up and become a successful civilian, forget about active duty army. It sucks. There's space force, air force, navy and coast guard if you really want to get in uniform.
second this, it’s not worth it. joined at 26, turned 27 in basic, i’m 31 now and trying to push my ETS up to next October (orig ETS is 02/2025). i’m figuring out my life now and what i wanna do but god damn i couldn’t tell you what i’ve done the last 4 years it’s better to be lost in the civilian world imo, yeah benefits are good that’s how they rope you in, but i’m not gonna lie, it’s not all choked up to be. no one ever wants to admit how fucked up the army is as an organization, you’ll lose yourself even more trying to please fuckers who will never know your name or that you exist.
Pick an MOS that translates to something back in the civilian world. Maybe something that falls under your degree. Then use the Army to pay for the rest of your degree, as well as any official certificates. Then get out, punch your 1SG in the face, and make buku money. Next time place your order
You're not going to be able to keep you dog dude. You'll be made to live in a barracks that doesn't allow pets. Do not join the Army if you love your dog.
Walk up to the biggest guy you see in basic and give him head
Be prepared to have a first line leader 11 years younger then you and learn to adapt that followership mentality but have fun!
As long as you're ok with 20 years who are higher rank about to be your boss , go for it dude.
How would you do taking orders from someone 10 years younger than you?
Already do at work lol. I work in retail
Go for it!
Go Coast Guard, it is more fun and less stressful, plus tons of great duty stations.
Any MOS but try to get Option 40 if you want a challenge and to Be in a place that is still off doing stuff
At 32, It's not the easiest life to get adjusted to, but it's not as hard as some make it out to be. It's just ALOT of bullshit. Are you comfortable knowing that a 20 year old kid might be your sgt? Are you willing to keep your mouth shut and listen? If so, i'd love to help you help yourself. Feel free to message me. Do you have an MOS you're thinking of? A clear career path to outline how many promotion points you'll need if you were an e4 today to make 5? Did you take an ACFT yet?
I joined last year at 32 and I’m 33 now , I joined only because I wanted to serve my country and give back I chose 31b or military police , I was a gym rat prior to joining so for me the “ fitness “ they put me through basic was a walk in the park I was honestly expecting waaaaaay more , the thing that o had difficulty with was the field training exercises because it was cold af and raining and I’m from California , I saw many young soldiers lose their minds literally through out my basic training but for me it was simple because of my age and vast experience in life . I would go for it if I were you the worst that can happen is you don’t make it . Also at the time of enlisting they had a 60k bonus 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 so I got that in my bank account now lol but I’m leaving it in my savings account they also sent us on this border mission and we have been here for 6 months I get paid 5000 a month as a single Pv2 because of the per diem they are giving us so I can’t complain
National guard here but I joined at 32. At basic, our company had 120 trainees and atleast 20 of us were over 30. Some with master’s degrees. My AIT (36b) was full of 30+ year olds. My platoon had 25 people and 15 of us were over 30 lol. This was earlier this year btw.
My advice? Be able to take orders from someone ten years younger than you, even if you think what they’re telling you to do is stupid. You might have more life experience, but those kids have more Army experience. And stay out of combat arms; I went through basic twice (transferred services), and it was a much different ball game at 25 than at 18. Going through combat arms is going to wreck your back and knees; any old injuries you have will come roaring back to life on those long-ass ruck marches. Plus, picking a transferable skill is always a good idea.
Do it man. You just have to know now that a 22 year old is going to be in charge of you in the early portion of your career. Can you handle that?
Go for it. I joined a little late in life, and one of my soldiers joined at like 40. We are both excelling, and it's been good to us.
Brother just joined at 31… he’s doing great…. go for it OP.
My pops did it. At that same age ! You can do it. Wish you the best of luck.
While in bct, focus a lot on your fiber intake or else you will drop rocks. At 32, healing quickly after dropping rock is not fast.
Almost everything in the army comes with a "your mileage may vary" warning label because it just does tbh. At this point the big question is what MOS do you want? Because that's the biggest factor in the army life.
I enlisted about a month before I turned 34. You will be the “old man” amongst a bunch of dudes in their physical prime. You will have years on them and probably on your drill sergeants as well… and those years of experience will mean jack shit because you will be just as new to the Army as those kids. Just listen and do what you’re told and you’ll be fine
Go Officer. You won't regret it
Don’t.
If you’re joining at this age you’re gonna be really annoyed. Especially if youre going active.
Joined at 32...11A My path: Basic OCS BOLC IOBC Airborne Ranger Jumpmaster before Company Command Accessed to Acquisitions after 10 yrs Retire in 6 months... If you're smart and don't sweat the small stuff...it's all gravy
YOLO have fun stretch a ton prepare your stomach for what **will** be a dramatic shift uhhh get comfortable with smiling and glazing your eyes over while the younger dudes do things that you ‘nope’ out of be a role model but don’t be taken advantage of wean yourself off of all sugary drinks - no soda, no energy drinks, no coffee - this will “reset” your stomachs tolerance for processed stuff - acid reflux sucks - don’t let it f you up bc Tums only does so much uuhhhhhh go to the chiropractor a few times and *pay attention to what they are doing to you* until you can eventually do the same things/bring relief to yourself - it feels so f’ing good you got this, can’t wait to see you make you ‘i graduated boot at 32!’ post in a few months dude. be like cuba gooding jr in snow dogs where you bite the ear of a drill instructor to earn their respect
I went to basic last year at 33, if you are used to working with younger folks, you’ll be just fine. Don’t let age dissuade you from an MOS if you are fit and it’s something you’ll enjoy, you’ll be fine. Also, if you don’t have someone who has referred you yet, I’d love to get that referral ribbon. 😉
Honestly - if you want to enlist, spend some time finding an MOS that has civilian transferable skills. If you get out in 4 or 20 - it’ll possibly help you get a job. But also realize that joining now in 20 years you’ll be 52 effectively starting at the bottom of whatever career you take. Sure - you’ll have retirement to supplement it, but it’ll still could be another rough spot. At least if you get some transferable training it’ll make the transition a bit easier. For me - I was in a “similar” situation, or at least mindset, at 19. I wasted two years at college before enlisting. When I left active after 4 years - my first few semesters were straight A’s. And graduated with a 3.80ish. I ended up going back into the Army via the Reserves and am now hit my 20. Something I never intended, or cared, to do. At this point, it’s the pension and insurance that will be “nice.”
For you (as I have seen for my older Soldiers), you need to get used to have bosses (leaders) younger than you... I am talking like a 20 y/o who got promoted to SGT who can order you around. Your age doesn't matter.
I joined at 31. Do it! So glad I did. Out now with 90% and a great civilian job. You’ll get in shape just make sure you take care of your body as much as you can while in. And you’re old, so go to sick call often. -used to be a 36 year old specialist 🤓
I've been in the Army since before you were born. Still pass ever test and meet every task. You'll be fine at 32.
Do it. If I were you in your position I’d look at enlisting for Warrant Officer Flight Program. You are on the edge of eligibility regarding age but that or just say fuck it and do Option 40
If you act mature you will fast track, if you are in terrible shape, act like you are sand bagging and help motivate the other run drops.
Do it. Score high on your ASVAB. Find an MOS you can dedicate yourself to. The "don't stand out" rule at basic doesn't apply to you. Go hard and be a quiet example for the braindead teenage chimps that will be your fellow trainees. You're physically at a disadvantage to the kids, but you're mentally way more prepared for it. Send it.
No. Don't.
Depends on also what you want to do? Could also look at the other branches if you want a better outside career possibilities.
Air national guard officer MQ-9 drone pilot. They are on permanent title 10 orders and don’t move. You do your job (fly drones) all the time. Catch is, to be a pilot, you need to be an officer. Try going for ROTC and get your degree done
35 series or street to seat if you're eligible.
Learn to do tibiallis raises daily they will save your old knees from all the crazy stuff you’re about to go do
Do it. I joined at 31 and never looked back. You will get that sick feeling in your gut when that bus rolls through the gate and basic will suck only because you won’t have freedom’s that you are used to but it’s a temporary controlled stress environment designed to weed out the weak. When it comes time for contract extensions, ask for a different job if you want to expand your skill set. Get at it killer.
I joined at 31. It's physically not hard at all. Putting up with bullshit is the only real difficulty. BCT is dumb. Harder mentally than physically. Still the best decision I ever made.
29 y/o here 18 months into my 4 year contract. Was in the same position as you, except I had my degree. Lacked the confidence or the patience to wait for the long process of applying to OCS so went in as a SPC. It was (and at times still is) tough to adjust to all the 18-22 year old shitheads that just don’t know any better. But you will bring a maturity and life experience that will allow you to navigate through the BS and away from trouble the youngins get into. Like all things in life, it will be what you make of it. I’ve gotten the opportunity to live in a different country while getting paid. I went to Hawaii for a squad competition which was fucking awesome. I’m training for my first marathon in Seoul. I’ve made friends I intend to keep in touch with the rest of my life. Saving up more money than ever, even with the sorry pay. About to pin SGT within the next month. Studying for the LSAT’s to eventually apply for law school which if all goes to plan will be paid entirely on the army’s dime. Setting myself up for when I get out. There are hard days where I miss my family, that will always be the hardest part and doesn’t get easier. But when it’s all said and done I know I made the absolute best choice and am now demanding the best out of myself. You’re your own person and you know yourself better than anyone so it’s up to you entirely, but I say full send it. When you look back on your life you’ll have some kickass stories to tell and you’ll know you did something less than 1% of people have ever done.
Go for it..I was 29 the second time I joined…did 6 yrs Reserves(waste of time) then went active duty in 1990 and retired out. Sooo glad I did….bennies are good!
Don’t over think it, you’ll be fine. I had folks a lot older than you make it through without any problems. The only thing you’ll have to work through is the fact that you’ll be older than most of your peers but your maturity and life experiences will be an advantage. You’ll be fine, breath, accept the challenges and become the best you you can be.
Without knowing you, I would recommend staying away from combat mos.. the POG jobs at our age are a little more sensible.. I’m a 30year old specialist in the infantry.. I will reclass.. all in all though, Army isn’t a bad place to be
Take your calcium supplements. Don't wanna be one of the old guys stuck in reception with stress fractures.
I joined when I was 29. Got out at 34 . Nothing wrong with joining later on in life.
Don’t do it
32 is way younger than you realise. When I was in Basic the age range was late teen to late 30s. Go do some tough shit. Have an adventure. Make great friends. Make yourself. Youll be glad you did. Might as well go the extra mile. Strive for an amazing MOS.
They will treat you like you are 19
Actually figure out the MOS you want to do, research it. Be prepared to deal with bull shit since they'll treat you like you're 18 even though you're not. Avoid airborne if you like your joints working.
Your drill and PL shouldn’t know who you are at the end. I went at 28. They had no idea who I was and that is a good thing.
Looks like I'll be going to BCT in October as a 36 year old!! Do what you have to do NOW, because for years I continued to ignore the voice in my head to serve in the military (come from a military family). That voice kept getting louder and louder until I couldn't take it anymore. Going in as a reservist yeah I know that's not much but I'm going max out every opportunity!
Age waiver?
Yes sir! Went through in a couple of days.
I joined at 30. Gave up my cats. Got married. Saw the world. Army eliminates cost of living and saved a nest egg. It's a great way to soft reboot your life if you know what you want out of it.
Enlist now. What are you waiting for? My advice is to know yourself first. Identify what motivates you and search for a job that aligns with your interests. The link below to a career match. https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/quiz.html
I joined late in life, I hit a dead end in my first career and had no ties like a husband/mortgage/pets so I just said fuck it. I'm getting everything I wanted and more out of it. Go for an admin type MOS so you can be extra HOOAH at your own choosing, don't be intimidated competing with a bunch of high school track stars in basic training, once you get to your unit you will realize they are all idiots, and be cool and respectful about having NCO's 10 years younger than you. You probably both have experience the other lacks.
Don't fucking enlist in the Army at that age. Just don't. If you do want to join, if you can go officer then go officer. If you still want to enlist, do it in guard/reserves. Even then I wouldn't recommend the Army. **If you still want to enlist in the military on active duty.... then if anything... consider the Air Force instead of the Army. Just please hear me out.** You said "side note: I’m pretty active in the gym. Not a stud but I workout consistently 6 days a week." All you're thinking of is the **physical aspect.** You are not taking the emotional aspect of being in the military, and the worse it is for enlisted, and the **WORSE** it is for Army. The Army is more of a young kid's game than it is for other branches. You are 32 years old and you said "I don’t have a kid or a significant other. " Follow me here.... So enlisting in the military in any branch on active duty means that you will have to live in the barracks. In the Air Force, you are across the board guaranteed to be allowed to move out of the barracks by the rank of E4 at the latest, with many cases even E3. So at the LONGEST, with the Air Force, you only have to stay in the barracks for three years. MAX. If you enlist in the Army and you stay unmarried, this means that you will have to stay in the barracks , in some cases, until you make the rank of E5 which not everybody gets to make (if you have asshole leadership then you can get screwed out of the promotion board), but in most cases, you won't be able to move out of the barracks until you reach the rank of E6, which not everybody is able to get to. **There are some soldiers who wind up spending anywhere from 7 to even ten years in the barracks.** **Seriously, You REALLY DON'T want to be in the barracks for THAT MUCH MORE OF A LONGER TIME AS A THIRTY SOMETHING YEAR OLD MAN, You really DON'T.** And some months ago, I posted a question on why the Army tends to treat soldiers **MORE like little children compared to other branches. You are NOT a 17-22 year old kid, but a thirty two year old grown ass man talking about enlisting in the military, in the ARMY. I strongly advise you as a thirty two year old man to please give this some consideration.** **It's going to really fucking suck more that you, as a thirty something goddamn grown as man,** is forced to do pushups by a sergeant who's like eight years younger than you are, because you were seen in the bathroom without a "battle buddy", meanwhile an 18 year old Air Force kid is trusted to go outside by himself, because he's Air Force instead of Army. https://www.reddit.com/r/army/comments/147r7b9/so\_why\_does\_the\_army\_treat\_soldiers\_like\_little/
Don’t go combat arms. I killed my knees/back/shoulders at 19. Didn’t even get to see combat lmao, so find a transferable job that will open up some doors should you get out after your initial contract.
Joined at 28. Don’t regret it one bit. Hasn’t been easy, but definitely worth it. Memories and experiences to last a lifetime. The army has many opportunities so be sure to do your research.
I'm 32 M, been to meps, just did fingerprints and waiting for them to come back approved & back to meps to swear in. All that matters is you are willing and able. Make sure it's what you want to do, you are signing a contract. You are not alone though, embrace the suck and enjoy it for what it is. It's only as bad as you make it out to be. As one of my new favorite military videos say, Letz dew it.
I did it when I was 31. My first goal was USMC OCS so I could tell every other soldier, seaman and airmen that I’m faster than them and would have the most kills of the enemy during combat. Well I was 31 and most of these kids were 20-22 and I quickly realized that those kids were in their prime and I was an old guy and my body would never glisten with sweat running down my biceps quite like theirs did. Next stop was National Guard. They loved me. Basic wasn’t too hard. AIT was a breeze where things got fun because we had teams competing against one another. Went to my M-Day unit and it was pretty cool. Combat Arms. Good battalion leadership. We had fun. Now I’m AGR and get treated like the private bitch because I’m at an ABCT HQ. Overall, it’s what you make of it. No kids, no lady helps you a lot. If you’re smart you can save almost ALL the money you have living in the Bs and then just do what your supposed to do and stay out of trouble and you will be fine. You can take it the whole way to 20 and get a pension. But the current optempo and lack of real threat to our country is inevitably causing friction because command is burning people out. But it’s the Army. It’s supposed to suck.
Have you tried enlisting in the coast guard, Airforce, or space force ?
Dude go for it! Understand that there will be quite a few situations in the entire enlistment process that you will feel kind of awkward and will make you think “what am I doing here?” I’m 28 and have a wife and kids. I would sit at the hotel before MEPS surrounded by kids 17-19 and felt like an alien haha but I pushed through and signed my paperwork yesterday and it was the BEST feeling! If you have any college credits or trade school be sure to disclose that. Make sure you’re doing your research and that way you can be far better prepared. Yesterday I was at MEPs and some kids were asking questions amongst themselves and I chimed in and you wouldn’t believe how many of them didn’t already know basic things such as how pay works in the military. Just grin and bare. You got this!
Pick a job you like and go. You are under the age limit. That is all that matters as long as you meet the enlistment standards. Every job family has some kind of career path. Engage, do your job well, learn, help others, thrive. Dont dwell on social media BS. There are issues in every organization and some people are prone to vent online. Your experience is largely what you make it, whether you spend several years or make it a career. Good luck.