The barriers put in place by the services to prevent a retiree from coming back on active duty are monumental. Many of us who did 20 to 30 years and acheived command level rank are traditonally and vigorously prevented from getting back on active status, even as a 'back-fill' officer (a stateside assignment that can free-up a younger active duty type for overseas combat assignment). The personnel dudes simply want to avoid the massive paperwork with the retired finance sections and the active duty operational types have a pathologic fear of experienced senior officers getting into the command and support chain and thus hindering their own advancement.
A local dentist from around here was recalled because the Army needed a dental surgeon. But no color uniform wants an old throttle pusher, JAG or battle staff planner or member. Of course they're right. War is a young man's vocation irrespective of the experience; probably outdated any how---and besides, most of us couldn't even live through a routine 5K, sit-up and pull-up PT test.
Of course they're right. War is a young man's vocation irrespective of the experience; probably outdated any how---and besides, most of us couldn't even live through a routine 5K, sit-up and pull-up PT test. Actually they are not right. During WW-II there were lots of WW-I retreads, especially in the Navy. They often served as CO's of smaller ships, transports, oilers, etc. Or they served in the logistics tail back home.
Once such was portrayed in the movie PT-109, serving very typically as the chief maintenance officer for a PT boat squadron or flotilla.
I'm old and fat, but I could do my job, freeing up a younger guy to serve in theater, or just supplying needed extra manpower.
Many ex service members are serving now, but as contractors or civil servants in support roles. That includes your old Feline Freeper.
… and besides, most of us couldn't even live through a routine 5K, sit-up and pull-up PT test.
Back when the Army was calling up retirees, many volunteered – but there was that requirement to pass the PT test. Exceptions could easily be made. I can teach my old MOS with a very short time to update. I do not need to run 2 miles to be able to stand at a podium or on the deck of a ship. I could easily free up the young marathoner now standing at the podium.