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Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Franklin ()
Date: May 04, 2011 09:29AM

I'm 31, educated (master's degree), married with a kid, but lately have been wondering if I should have joined the military when I was younger. What would it be like for someone my age joing the military now? Does it make a difference of my professional working experience and education if I were to join at this point in my life? Any legit info is appreciated.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Shadow ()
Date: May 04, 2011 09:31AM

Why don't you call a recruiter? Then you'll get an accurate answer.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Date: May 04, 2011 10:17AM

You would probably stand a better chance of getting into the reserves than active duty.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Franklin ()
Date: May 04, 2011 10:23AM

I'd rather not go to a recruiter just yet because their job is to "sell" the military to people and get as many enlisted as possible. Looking for more realistic general info from anyone who might be knowledgeable on the subject.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Date: May 04, 2011 10:26AM

Franklin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'd rather not go to a recruiter just yet because
> their job is to "sell" the military to people and
> get as many enlisted as possible. Looking for
> more realistic general info from anyone who might
> be knowledgeable on the subject.

http://tinyurl.com/6j66p9j

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: SilverCansUponOurEars ()
Date: May 04, 2011 10:28AM

At your age your peers will call you "Gramps". If you start now and make
it a career you will be 51 before retirement eligibility. At that age you
might not want to find yourself in a rigorous environment such as the
combat arms. You didn't say what your degrees are in so I have no idea
what kind of specialty you would want to be in. Intelligence is interesting.
Logistics is boring as Hell. So on and so forth. I was in at 17 and
out at 21 and it turned out to be one of the smartest moves I ever made
but in my own circumstance spending my early 30's in the military would
not have been so good. The idea of a snot nosed 22 year old Lieutenant
with no Battle Stars on his ribbons trying to order me around would have
pissed me off.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: monkeyfightclub ()
Date: May 04, 2011 10:29AM

I joined the army at 19 years old. I felt a lot older than most of the people at basic training. I can only imagine how old you will feel.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Recruiter ()
Date: May 04, 2011 10:37AM

Since you have a degree you will get a couple of promotions automatically; I believe when you graduate Basic/AIT you will be a Private First Class (E-3) and 90 days in unit you will make Corporal(E-4. But since you have a degree you may be able to enlist with an Officer Candidate School option; after Basic/AIT you will go to OCS and on graduation you will be a Second Lieutenant (0-1). If you do not pass OCS you will have to complete your enlistment as an elisted man. Talk to a recruiter.

How you fit in with your peers will be more about your personality then your age.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: May 04, 2011 10:39AM

I went through basic with a guy, 31 or 32, We called him pops, but it was kinda a respect thing as he was one of the most physically fit people in my entire company upon entry into Basic.

Combat arms is probably not your forte and any decent recruiter will steer you towards a more technical job, assuming your masters educated mind can crush the Asvab. Regardless of MOS, be prepared to be surrounded my complete morons.

If you get a technical MOS, look for something that will get you TS clearance, serve 4 and come out at 35 or 36 with the opportunity to make BANK. This is not a misnomer, most all of my prior service friends are in caked up jobs.

If you are not married, look for a technical MOS that will all but ensure you tours in the middle east. The experience will give you even more opportunity and you wont spend a friggin dime. Spend 24 of 48 months overseas and you can stack real cash...

The downside is that as an enlisted soldier, you make pennies, so all of the time stateside gets depressingly expensive.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Banana Been Laughin ()
Date: May 04, 2011 10:52AM

Don't listen to any of the former enlisted on here. Gob bless 'em, but you don't want to be an enlisted man. You're educated, established, etc. Go to an officer recruiter, see what branches suit you and go from there.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: May 04, 2011 11:09AM

Banana Been Laughin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Don't listen to any of the former enlisted on
> here. Gob bless 'em, but you don't want to be an
> enlisted man. You're educated, established, etc.
> Go to an officer recruiter, see what branches suit
> you and go from there.


Thats kinda what I was going for... I dunno about chances of making OCS at 31, though. The great military establishment is still allowed to discriminate due to age. Not saying chances are good or bad, I just don't know.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Date: May 04, 2011 11:15AM

Suffice it to say, it's probably possible you can join the Army in some respect. But given your age, you probably won't be able to maximize your earning potential because of it.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: May 04, 2011 11:21AM

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Suffice it to say, it's probably possible you can
> join the Army in some respect. But given your age,
> you probably won't be able to maximize your
> earning potential because of it.


Its not "probably possible" he is over a decade under the limit.


Army Raises Maximum Enlistment Age
Stars and Stripes | By Lisa Burgess | June 23, 2006
ARLINGTON, Va. — For the second time in six months, the Army is raising the maximum enlistment age for new recruits, this time from 40 to 42, recruiting officials announced Wednesday.

Also, it is impossible to determine "maximum earning potential" without knowing the current variables such as, what he makes now, how secure his job is, what type of opportunity costs he will forgo upon enlistment, or entry into OCS.

Factor in the possibility of higher future earnings / benefits due to experience/clearances/skills aquired in the service and it is a very cloudy picture to see.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Date: May 04, 2011 11:27AM

JBass Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> Also, it is impossible to determine "maximum
> earning potential" without knowing the current
> variables such as, what he makes now, how secure
> his job is, what type of opportunity costs he will
> forgo upon enlistment, or entry into OCS.
>


Given his age, it's doubtful he will retire a full Colonel. Let's put it that way.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: May 04, 2011 11:31AM

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> JBass Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> >
> > Also, it is impossible to determine "maximum
> > earning potential" without knowing the current
> > variables such as, what he makes now, how
> secure
> > his job is, what type of opportunity costs he
> will
> > forgo upon enlistment, or entry into OCS.
> >
>
>
> Given his age, it's doubtful he will retire a full
> Colonel. Let's put it that way.


Aaah, I got ya, Speaking about military retirement. I read the OP and assumed he was looking for the experience wants to serve but not necessarily a career; take some experience and a clearance then sign with a beltway bandit. There are pros to both sides.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: dov ()
Date: May 04, 2011 11:33AM

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> JBass Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> >
> > Also, it is impossible to determine "maximum
> > earning potential" without knowing the current
> > variables such as, what he makes now, how
> secure
> > his job is, what type of opportunity costs he
> will
> > forgo upon enlistment, or entry into OCS.
> >
>
>
> Given his age, it's doubtful he will retire a full
> Colonel. Let's put it that way.


That doesn't mean he won't maximize his earning potential.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: ITRADE ()
Date: May 04, 2011 12:45PM

You would not be able to hack it being enlisted with a masters degree. The average soldier is pretty stupid, wreckless, and under 22.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: genius lawyer at your service ()
Date: May 04, 2011 12:49PM

ITRADE Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You would not be able to hack it being enlisted
> with a masters degree. The average soldier is
> pretty stupid, wreckless, and under 22.
Attachments:
retard.jpg

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: the answers-more ???? ()
Date: May 04, 2011 01:08PM

The question you pose is much too broad.

Are you thinking active, reserve, national guard; which service, what do you want to get out of it - service to country, student loan repayment, training, and/or more education benefits?

While most recruits are younger, it isn't unusual for enlistees to be in their thirties, especially with the economy sucking. Your degrees will get your additional enlisted ranks, but it is true that you're probably too old for officer programs. The recruiter's job is to sell you on enlisting, but I highly recommend visiting them for the most up to date information. You don't make a commitment until you pass the physical (medical) and enlist.

I enlisted at 18, but didn't get out until I was forty, the Army years in my thirties were probably when I was the fittest.

Your maturity will go a long way in the military. One word of caution, with Dems in office the defense budget will likely see cuts, not good for personnel since politicos are loathe to see weapon systems get the ax.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: eesh ()
Date: May 04, 2011 01:15PM

Franklin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm 31, educated (master's degree), married with a
> kid, but lately have been wondering if I should
> have joined the military when I was younger. What
> would it be like for someone my age joing the
> military now? Does it make a difference of my
> professional working experience and education if I
> were to join at this point in my life? Any legit
> info is appreciated.




First of all, there are people a few years older than you joining the military, it's not THAT big of a deal going in at 31. If you go into the Army, you will be made a specialist (E-4) as anyone that has a degree automatically makes E-4. You cannot go in as an officer, as you didn't go to a military academy or have ROTC in college. You can go to OCS though after a couple of years being enlisted.

Don't listen to the morons in this thread advising you against going enlisted with a college degree. I went through basic training with a woman that had a graduate degree in psychology, and a guy that had an undergrad in electrical engineering; and there are plenty of people in combat arms with degrees, I met a guy that had a Ph.D in history and was in Air Defense artillery.

The one thing you have to be focused on is physical fitness. If you haven't been exercising all these years, going from couch potato to basic training is hard, especially if you aren't a young kid straight out of high school.

Good luck.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: doodoo Mcghee ()
Date: May 04, 2011 02:49PM

"Don't listen to the morons in this thread advising you against going enlisted with a college degree."

Right, instead of listening to us "morons" who were actually officers with advanced degrees, put yourself in a situation where you make far less $$, socialize with 19 year-olds, have to salute everyone, get treated like a child most of the time, live in worse quarters, and command the respect of absolutely no one (at least until you make E-5). That's the situation you want to be in.

Listen, I'm not bad-mouthing enlisted men. I love enlisted men. I'm the proud grandson of an enlisted man and I'm named for an enlisted man, all of whom have more courage, toughness and dedication than I'll ever have. But, if you're established, educated, older and intelligent, you should be part of the club. It's just better.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Recruiter ()
Date: May 04, 2011 03:12PM

"You can go to OCS though after a couple of years being enlisted."

This is incorrect; you can enlist for OCS and go straight from Basic Training/AIT to OCS.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: May 04, 2011 03:25PM

Recruiter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "You can go to OCS though after a couple of years
> being enlisted."
>
> This is incorrect; you can enlist for OCS and go
> straight from Basic Training/AIT to OCS.


My college roommate went OCS and refused to sign any enlistment papers prior to his acceptance in the OCDS program. Entry into OCS is not automatic nor guaranteed prior to acceptance, Dont let a Recruiter tell you anything to the contrary, if this is the route you want to go. EI- "Yeah, its cool lets get you signed up, then we will work on OCS" Once in OCS, you must complete the program or finish out your service enlisted.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: eesh ()
Date: May 04, 2011 03:37PM

Recruiter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "You can go to OCS though after a couple of years
> being enlisted."
>
> This is incorrect; you can enlist for OCS and go
> straight from Basic Training/AIT to OCS.





This is such a bullshit statement, and just because you named yourself "Recruiter," it doesn't add validity to your post.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: eesh ()
Date: May 04, 2011 03:40PM

doodoo Mcghee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "Don't listen to the morons in this thread
> advising you against going enlisted with a college
> degree."
>
> Right, instead of listening to us "morons" who
> were actually officers with advanced degrees, put
> yourself in a situation where you make far less
> $$, socialize with 19 year-olds, have to salute
> everyone, get treated like a child most of the
> time, live in worse quarters, and command the
> respect of absolutely no one (at least until you
> make E-5). That's the situation you want to be
> in.
>
> Listen, I'm not bad-mouthing enlisted men. I love
> enlisted men. I'm the proud grandson of an
> enlisted man and I'm named for an enlisted man,
> all of whom have more courage, toughness and
> dedication than I'll ever have. But, if you're
> established, educated, older and intelligent, you
> should be part of the club. It's just better.





1.) You obviously were never in the military, much less an officer.

2. The OP can't go in as an officer right away for reasons I already stated. His only option is to enlist.

3.) Officers don't say "part of the club." You're an idiot.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: doodoo Mcghee ()
Date: May 04, 2011 03:48PM

eesh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> doodoo Mcghee Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > "Don't listen to the morons in this thread
> > advising you against going enlisted with a
> college
> > degree."
> >
> > Right, instead of listening to us "morons" who
> > were actually officers with advanced degrees,
> put
> > yourself in a situation where you make far less
> > $$, socialize with 19 year-olds, have to salute
> > everyone, get treated like a child most of the
> > time, live in worse quarters, and command the
> > respect of absolutely no one (at least until
> you
> > make E-5). That's the situation you want to be
> > in.
> >
> > Listen, I'm not bad-mouthing enlisted men. I
> love
> > enlisted men. I'm the proud grandson of an
> > enlisted man and I'm named for an enlisted man,
> > all of whom have more courage, toughness and
> > dedication than I'll ever have. But, if you're
> > established, educated, older and intelligent,
> you
> > should be part of the club. It's just better.
>
>
>
>
> 1.) You obviously were never in the military, much
> less an officer.
>
> 2. The OP can't go in as an officer right away for
> reasons I already stated. His only option is to
> enlist.
>
> 3.) Officers don't say "part of the club." You're
> an idiot.


Fuck you, I got out as an Navy O-3. SWO. I went directly into OCS, never enlisted, straight out of grad school. And CLEARLY you weren't part of the club. Enjoy enlisted life, pissant.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: May 04, 2011 03:54PM

Sorry, OP, No Active Duty Officer slots for you.



REQUIREMENTS

To attend Officer Candidate School, you must be a U.S. citizen and a college graduate, be at least 18 years of age at the time of regular Army enlistment and entered active duty or ship to training on or before your 30th birthday. Army Reserve, be at least 18 years of age at the time of enlistment and entered active duty or ship to training on or before your 35th birthday. (Age waiver will be granted on meritorious cases only). High school seniors may also apply.

ELIGIBILITY

When you are ready to apply to OCS, simply contact your local Recruiter to start the application process. Thank you for your interest, we eagerly await your completed application.

COLLEGE OPTION
Must enter active duty or ship to training prior to their 30th birthday. Army Reserve officer candidates must enter active duty or ship to training before their 35th birthday. (Age waivers will be granted on meritorious cases only).

___________________________________________________________________________

So even if you want to look at a reserve option, Dont Enlist with the intentions of applying; If OCS is still the way you wanna go, Get accepted FIRST, then sign paperwork.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: eesh ()
Date: May 04, 2011 04:13PM

doodoo Mcghee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Fuck you, I got out as an Navy O-3. SWO. I went
> directly into OCS, never enlisted, straight out of
> grad school. And CLEARLY you weren't part of the
> club. Enjoy enlisted life, pissant.





And I was talking about the OP becoming an officer in the Army, not Navy, so your attempt at correcting the information presented is irrelevant. Had you been in the military, you would have known that the path to becoming an officer is different in each branch of the military.

Also, regarding your attempts at throwing insults, officers don't talk like that either.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: doodoo Mcghee ()
Date: May 04, 2011 04:22PM

eesh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> doodoo Mcghee Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > Fuck you, I got out as an Navy O-3. SWO. I went
> > directly into OCS, never enlisted, straight out
> of
> > grad school. And CLEARLY you weren't part of
> the
> > club. Enjoy enlisted life, pissant.
>
>
>
>
> And I was talking about the OP becoming an officer
> in the Army, not Navy, so your attempt at
> correcting the information presented is
> irrelevant. Had you been in the military, you
> would have known that the path to becoming an
> officer is different in each branch of the
> military.
>
> Also, regarding your attempts at throwing insults,
> officers don't talk like that either.

I didn't attempt to correct anything other than your factually incorrect statement. I know there are different standard for getting into the officer corps in each service. I didn't say anything about the OP going into Army OCS, Marine OCS, AF OTS, or Navy OCS. I only said that he should go in as an officer. And, given that a service like the Navy offers that very option without having to enlist, he can do so, as long as they waive the age requirement. Nice try shoe-horning my argument into yours so it could make sense. Stand at attention when you're speaking to an officer, son. I certainly hope your rating wasn't intelligence.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Mr. Misery ()
Date: May 04, 2011 04:30PM

The army wants 'em young, dumb and full of cum, not with college degrees and the ability to reason.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: MrMephisto ()
Date: May 04, 2011 04:32PM

Franklin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm 31, educated (master's degree), married with a
> kid, but lately have been wondering if I should
> have joined the military when I was younger. What
> would it be like for someone my age joing the
> military now? Does it make a difference of my
> professional working experience and education if I
> were to join at this point in my life? Any legit
> info is appreciated.

If you can't go directly to OCS, I would pass on the military. Unless they bump you right up to E-5 after basic training, you'd be doing shit jobs and taking orders from people younger than you. Also, junior enlisted pay sucks, and you could very well end up as one of those military families on food stamps.

Why would you want to join at 31?

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: eesh ()
Date: May 04, 2011 04:32PM

doodoo Mcghee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> I didn't attempt to correct anything other than
> your factually incorrect statement. I know there
> are different standard for getting into the
> officer corps in each service. I didn't say
> anything about the OP going into Army OCS, Marine
> OCS, AF OTS, or Navy OCS. I only said that he
> should go in as an officer. And, given that a
> service like the Navy offers that very option
> without having to enlist, he can do so, as long as
> they waive the age requirement. Nice try
> shoe-horning my argument into yours so it could
> make sense. Stand at attention when you're
> speaking to an officer, son. I certainly hope your
> rating wasn't intelligence.




It's cute pretending to be a military officer online, don't worry, people here pretend to be doctors and lawyers and business executives too. As far as this post of yours, it is clear you don't know what you are talking about. It would seem you quickly googled some information on how to be an officer and are throwing as many terms and acronyms as you can get a hold of.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: May 04, 2011 04:34PM

eesh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> doodoo Mcghee Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > I didn't attempt to correct anything other than
> > your factually incorrect statement. I know
> there
> > are different standard for getting into the
> > officer corps in each service. I didn't say
> > anything about the OP going into Army OCS,
> Marine
> > OCS, AF OTS, or Navy OCS. I only said that he
> > should go in as an officer. And, given that a
> > service like the Navy offers that very option
> > without having to enlist, he can do so, as long
> as
> > they waive the age requirement. Nice try
> > shoe-horning my argument into yours so it could
> > make sense. Stand at attention when you're
> > speaking to an officer, son. I certainly hope
> your
> > rating wasn't intelligence.
>
>
>
> It's cute pretending to be a military officer
> online, don't worry, people here pretend to be
> doctors and lawyers and business executives too.
> As far as this post of yours, it is clear you
> don't know what you are talking about. It would
> seem you quickly googled some information on how
> to be an officer and are throwing as many terms
> and acronyms as you can get a hold of.

Roger that, Private. I believe he wants you in the "front, lean and rest position" If you know what I mean.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: eesh ()
Date: May 04, 2011 04:36PM

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Why would you want to join at 31?





The economy. You would be surprised how many older men with families come in as junior enlisted. As far as crummy pay, you have to consider that you are getting free housing, free food, free clothing, and outstanding medical benefits.

Plus, if you are married, you will be entitled to housing and separation pay. Definitely a second chance for you and your family if you are suffering from a bad economic situation.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: doodoo Mcghee ()
Date: May 04, 2011 04:38PM

"As far as this post of yours, it is clear you don't know what you are talking about."

Hilarious that I don't know what I'm talking about even though I lived through it and became an officer. Yet you, who admit to not being an officer, know everything about it. Classic. Let me guess--you were Special Forces to boot. Buhbye, chip-on-your-shoulder former enlisted guy.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: SmilinNamVet ()
Date: May 04, 2011 04:50PM

doodoo Mcghee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------





> Fuck you, I got out as an Navy O-3. SWO. I went
> directly into OCS, never enlisted, straight out of
> grad school. And CLEARLY you weren't part of the
> club. Enjoy enlisted life, pissant.

That's the kind of horse shit attitude that got officers fragged in Nam.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: MrMephisto ()
Date: May 04, 2011 04:55PM

eesh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> MrMephisto Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > Why would you want to join at 31?
>
>
>
>
>
> The economy. You would be surprised how many older
> men with families come in as junior enlisted. As
> far as crummy pay, you have to consider that you
> are getting free housing, free food, free
> clothing, and outstanding medical benefits.
>
> Plus, if you are married, you will be entitled to
> housing and separation pay. Definitely a second
> chance for you and your family if you are
> suffering from a bad economic situation.

That's surprising to me. I was in before the economy went to shit, and the junior enlisted with families were struggling, especially in this area. Families on food stamps, commanders and supervisors being called about rent payments...

The free medical care and the commissary are awesome, but it just seems like a step back for a guy with a Master's degree.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: dika-dika ()
Date: May 04, 2011 05:47PM

If it is for economic reason....need a good job and you got basket weaving degrees. Go for it. It is tough to get in now because yearly quotas are filling up fast for all the services, so get in any way you can. My nephew just left for the USAF basic after waiting for year and half for an opening and he is a college graduate.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: SmilinNamVet ()
Date: May 04, 2011 05:56PM

dika-dika Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If it is for economic reason....need a good job
> and you got basket weaving degrees. Go for it.
> It is tough to get in now because yearly quotas
> are filling up fast for all the services, so get
> in any way you can. My nephew just left for the
> USAF basic after waiting for year and half for an
> opening and he is a college graduate.

It's going to get a lot worse too. I smell upcoming troop strength reductions
with Bin Laden out of the picture. Watch for them to up the test score
requirements and stop looking the other way over minor scrapes with the law.
Unless you can speak, read, and write Arabic (or some other Middle Eastern
language), Russian, or Chinese, it's gonna get tight.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: eesh ()
Date: May 04, 2011 06:33PM

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> That's surprising to me. I was in before the
> economy went to shit, and the junior enlisted with
> families were struggling, especially in this area.
> Families on food stamps, commanders and
> supervisors being called about rent payments...





Some of the soldiers just don't manage their money. In the DC area, the BAH with or without dependents is more than adequate.

If you are E1-E4, get BAH and assigned anywhere in the Military District of Washington, you will be getting around $1500 without dependents and around $1800 with dependents.


The good thing about BAH is it isn't taxed, and you don't have to use all of it on rent and utilities. There were quite a few soldiers that found apartments on Route 1 for less than $800 a month and were banking an extra one grand a month from BAH. There is no excuse to be in trouble with a landlord over unpaid rent.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: dontbeafool ()
Date: May 04, 2011 06:41PM

Look dont do it period. If you do not yet have a family - you soon will and this will totally fuck it up. Think about your future kids and forget this. YOu really need to be 18 and stupid for this kind of stuff.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: MrMephisto ()
Date: May 04, 2011 07:07PM

eesh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Some of the soldiers just don't manage their
> money. In the DC area, the BAH with or without
> dependents is more than adequate.
>
> If you are E1-E4, get BAH and assigned anywhere in
> the Military District of Washington, you will be
> getting around $1500 without dependents and around
> $1800 with dependents.
>
>
> The good thing about BAH is it isn't taxed, and
> you don't have to use all of it on rent and
> utilities. There were quite a few soldiers that
> found apartments on Route 1 for less than $800 a
> month and were banking an extra one grand a month
> from BAH. There is no excuse to be in trouble with
> a landlord over unpaid rent.

I didn't get to move off-base and I didn't get married, so I have no idea about BAH. My only experience with it is guys getting in trouble for not paying their bills, getting their cars repossessed, etc. Maybe I just knew a lot of dirtbags in the military.

Come to think of it, I did know a lot of dirtbags in the military.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: JBass ()
Date: May 04, 2011 07:20PM

SmilinNamVet Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> dika-dika Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > If it is for economic reason....need a good job
> > and you got basket weaving degrees. Go for it.
>
> > It is tough to get in now because yearly quotas
> > are filling up fast for all the services, so
> get
> > in any way you can. My nephew just left for
> the
> > USAF basic after waiting for year and half for
> an
> > opening and he is a college graduate.
>
> It's going to get a lot worse too. I smell
> upcoming troop strength reductions
> with Bin Laden out of the picture. Watch for them
> to up the test score
> requirements and stop looking the other way over
> minor scrapes with the law.
> Unless you can speak, read, and write Arabic (or
> some other Middle Eastern
> language), Russian, or Chinese, it's gonna get
> tight.

Thanks for the insight!

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Dane Bramage ()
Date: May 04, 2011 09:32PM

Perhaps a National Guard OCS slot?

I did successfully process a Warrant Officer Flight Candidate when on recruiting duty.

Anywho, agree somewhat with parts of the above. Lower enlisted aren't paid a lot. I smell a Clinton-like drawdown in the future, meaning retention control points are tightening up (need to hit certain ranks at X years). NCO pay ain't bad and top three NCO pay is good with BAH. Nice part of enlisted is you pick your MOS before you sign up, officers get their branch assigned.

An OCS 2LT with ROTC gets no respect, one straight off the street gets less. The best officers I served with were prior enlisted, the vast majority of the other officers were totally clueless. All officers rely on great NCOs to get the job done.

-------------------------------------------------
“We don’t have any rude, unpleasant people here. We’re different!”

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: 496 ()
Date: May 04, 2011 09:39PM

dontbeafool Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Look dont do it period. If you do not yet have a
> family - you soon will and this will totally fuck
> it up. Think about your future kids and forget
> this. YOu really need to be 18 and stupid for
> this kind of stuff.


I get the feeling that YOU, are 18 and stupid.........



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/2011 09:39PM by 496.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: ITRADE ()
Date: May 04, 2011 11:10PM

To answer the question, different services have different rules on OCS. When I was in college in ROTC I had a friend who did not have a ROTC plan but decided to enter AOCS at NAS Pensacola. He was a licensed pilot so he felt that he had a leg up on the other candidates. He was smart, fit and motivated.

Unfortunately he washed out because he was not a good swimmer and could not pass the naval aviator's swim requirements which required significant swimset skills - treading water in full flight suit and swimming a mile (if I recall correctly). The test was much more rigorous than for enlisted personnel or line officers who would undergo the Third or Second class swim batteries.

After washing out of AOCS, he bailed totally. It was either naval aviation for him or nothing. He chose the latter and was not required to undergo enlisted service.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: '07 ()
Date: May 04, 2011 11:21PM

the answers-more ???? () - are you dumb????


Dems are more likely to a) cut weapons systems than an enlisted persons salary/benefits

b) NOT send them to the wrong country for war, only to see our brave men and women put in harm's way

OP: Go for intelligence. Forget the 'regular' armed forces at this time in ur life

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: sdfgsf ()
Date: May 04, 2011 11:22PM

the answers-more ???? () - are you dumb????


Dems are more likely to a) cut weapons systems than an enlisted persons salary/benefits

b) NOT send them to the wrong country for war, only to see our brave men and women put in harm's way

OP: Go for intelligence. Forget the 'regular' armed forces at this time in ur life

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Dane Bramage ()
Date: May 05, 2011 07:07AM

sdfgsf Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Dems are more likely to a) cut weapons systems
> than an enlisted persons salary/benefits
>
> b) NOT send them to the wrong country for war,
> only to see our brave men and women put in harm's
> way

I smell a partisan. Here are a few facts, Clinton cut personnel, Obama will cut personnel. Tricare premiums for retirees are going up under the Dems. With the exception of Iraq, Dems are the ones who got us involved in the vast majority of wars in modern times. Think Vietnam. Heck, think Libya.

Retention Control Points are already tightening, it's harder to enlist even with two wars and a sucky economy. The military still offers a great career and some fantastic benefits, but it's going to get cut under the Dems.

I'm giving you facts Mr. Anon Troll, whatcha got?

-------------------------------------------------
“We don’t have any rude, unpleasant people here. We’re different!”

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Ralph Pootawn ()
Date: May 05, 2011 08:52AM

How old was Colonel Sanders when he joined?

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Ut videam ()
Date: May 05, 2011 10:40AM

I know you're probably trolling, Ralph, but nevertheless—here goes:

"Colonel" Harland Sanders never served in the armed forces of the United States. His rank is purely honorary, held by nature of his appointment by the governor of Kentucky to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

http://sos.ky.gov/executive/kentuckycolonels.htm

http://kycolonels.org/index.cgi?id=52

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: ArmyOCSDad ()
Date: August 02, 2011 10:05PM

My son is age 27 with 1 year post masters education and in excellent physical condition. He is currently at Ft Benning. 150 people in his OCS class for 42 active duty slots. 2500 OCS grads last year/ 1200 for this year/ 600 for next year. PT score of 278 was initial cut( 12 points higher than ever)--100 people from his class held back for 3 week recycle. The drawdown has begun in a big way. National Guard and reserve get priority for OCS. He has people with special forces service in his class who are not making the cut. Most disappointing

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: CuriousGeorge ()
Date: August 02, 2011 10:32PM

Would 22 yrs old be a good time to join? I almost joined the Marines at 18 but my parents totally flipped out...lol

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: army28 ()
Date: August 03, 2011 01:15PM

No actually 31 isn't that old at all. Cut off for active duty is 41 I think. I, myself, am also trying to enlist in the Army and I am 28. It's not as easy as you think though I mean Army is pretty backed up now at 140%. All those college grads like me who couldn't find a career for the past few years now deciding to enlist has really backed things up. Also I thought I was in pretty good shape but last month I was at 30% body fat and I need to be down to 26%. I've lost 15 lbs, am down to 27%, so I just need to lose that 1% or so and I am in. But it doesn't stop there you have to keep that bmi from MEPS all the way to Basic and throughout your career you will be retested and if you don't make the bmi or pass the physical fitness exam you are out like that. Joining is a big decision, just be prepared for the lifestyle change. I mean I am 28 but I am single, have no kids, had to move back home after I got "let go," from my remedial task job which could've been performed by a high school drop out, don't have any payments besides student loans which the army takes care off, so I really won't be leaving that much behind. Also if I were you I wouldn't go OCS without any prior service which is what all of my Army friends are telling me. Enlist and you can still go green to gold, also with your masters I believe you can enlist as E-6, with me I can do E-4 however I am trying for MOS 31B Military Police so I don't know how that will work out. Best of luck to you and thank you for considering the Army, hope we all make it in!

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: privatejoe ()
Date: August 03, 2011 01:28PM

At 31 you'll be one of the youger guys. Today's Army goes up to like mid 40s or something.

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: Shy Bladder ()
Date: August 03, 2011 01:28PM

Question for people who have been in the military:

What is the drug testing process like? I heard that the observer is required to look at your dick and watch the piss come out into the bottle. How fucking awkward is that?! Is it common for people to have a difficult time peeing in that situation?

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: army28 ()
Date: August 03, 2011 02:24PM

John Holmes never did!

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Re: Joining the Army at age 31
Posted by: OTS? ()
Date: August 03, 2011 03:57PM

Franklin Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm 31, educated (master's degree), married with a
> kid, but lately have been wondering if I should
> have joined the military when I was younger. What
> would it be like for someone my age joing the
> military now? Does it make a difference of my
> professional working experience and education if I
> were to join at this point in my life? Any legit
> info is appreciated.


I assume you mean O.T.S. With your education, I would not go in as as enlisted guy, you'd be out of place. I went in relatively late 23 and felt out of place because the majority of the recruits were like 18, 19. I've known guys who went in at an older age into officer's training that's OK. Alot of guys in OTS were prior enlisted who got a degree later, were maybe E-5s and got accepted into OTS so they were like 33 or 35. But, the best advice is to talk to a recruiter, just don't let them pull the wool over your eyes. Those guys are like used car salesmen, if you catch my meaning.

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