Posted on 12/10/2006 11:12:17 PM PST by MinorityRepublican
PETERSBURG, Va. -- As the World Trade Center rubble smoldered, Sharon Samuel felt determined to do something for her adopted country; she decided to enlist in the Army.
But the Army told the Brooklyn hairdresser she was too old.
"I wanted to serve. I wanted to give back," said the 40-year-old Trinidad native. "I have felt the pain New Yorkers felt."
Samuel got a second chance this year when the Army increased its maximum enlistment age to 42. So, off she went to Fort Lee, about 25 miles south of Richmond, for training in logistical support.
She has joined more than 1,460 people in the 35-to-42 age bracket who have enlisted in the Army and Army Reserve since Congress authorized extending the enlistment cutoff beyond age 35.
The change is part of an effort to help the Army reach its recruitment goals amid an unpopular war and mounting casualties.
It is also part of an effort to become more inclusive, said Col. Kevin A. Shwedo, director of operations, plans and training for the Army Accessions Command, which oversees recruiting.
"The overall population that you're talking about is minuscule, but what we're gaining in terms of experience and maturity and desire is phenomenal," Shwedo said. "Virtually every one of them is called Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, but they bring a special flair to every soldier in that group."
Of the nation's military services, the Army has the highest age limit, with the others ranging from 27 to 34, and up to 39 for reserve components. Most branches consider waivers for those over the age limit who have prior military service.
Many of the older recruits are looking for a lifestyle change.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Three years ago at 42, I could have done it. Maybe even a year ago. Now, at 45, it would be out of my league. I'm in great shape and could pass the PT test with ease, but I've had two severely pulled muscles in the past year, and have never had that kind of trouble before. If I tried it now most likely I wouldn't make it through training due to injury. I think my body is telling me it's finally time to slow down.
That's good to see - my brother joined later than most and now plans to make the Army his career. He's doing very well, happiest he's ever been.
Unfortunately, there's no way I could have passed any military physical. The WTC and Pentagon attacks on 9/11 came less than a month before my 40th birthday, but four months after having back surgery. My surgeon told me after looking at my myelograms and CAT scans, that I was in danger of being permanently paralyzed if I didn't have surgery as soon as I could possibly get scheduled. He was concerned that I might have to have emergency surgery on my spine prior to my scheduled date.
At 58, as I am now, I don't stand any chance of getting back in. Although I'm in decent shape for my age, I doubt I could pass an Army PT Test any more. Currently, my VA doctor tells me I have an injured heart muscle, so that alone would keep me out.
So, I'll do the next best thing I can and watch the troops six as they receive all the support I can give.
I just did an interservice transfer from the Navy to the Army at age 44 tougher standards than the Navy but it can be done. 3 branchs of the military and still serving
There are old farts in the military? Who'd of thunk it....
Thank you, Michael Felberbaum, for the slap in the face of our military. If the numbers of older recruits are small, and they are, they have almost no impact on the military making its yearly numbers, and increasing its retention rates, which is exactly what's happening.
Just another lamestream attempt to insert some treasonous remarks in an otherwise positive story. According to his logic, nobody of any age should be volunteering now.
There's some of us old farts out the the military wouldn't want back in under any circumstances. As a buddy said, "I'd have to do my killing sitting down, now. But I'd go back if they needed a helicopter door gunner." His last Navy job was on a PBR on the Mekong in 1968.
After 25 years in the service, my body is telling me the same. The past few years (since hitting 40) have been rough on me physically. I can't imagine just starting out now. I figure I'll retire soon.
My good buddy (my boss in the Navy) just left Iraq as a contractor—complete with desert camo uniform and desert living. Nothing too physically demanding—and just as well. He's 68!
Sumpthin' about them Texans....
I'm 48 with prior USMC service and I'm working on going in the National Guard. I took the ASVAB test last week and will be going for the physical within the next couple weeks. At that point, I'll need an age waiver to make it. I'm looking at hooking up with a Combat Engineer Company and figure with my BS degree in Construction Engineering and still being in great shape (for a 48 year old) I've got a pretty good chance.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1748785/posts
Liberal rag that it is.
Well, it's not like we'd send 70-year-olds (John Caulfield) to Afghanistan if we had plenty of younguns. It's not like we'd have to offer record-level re-enlistment bounties if we had no problems with retention.
My brother was asked by his co-worker: "Why are they sending an old guy like you?"
My brother replied: "Because the young guys like you aren't doing your part!"
The impacts on families (esp Reeserve/Guardsmen) and the dampening of recruitment are two of the long-term negative effects of the Iraq adventure that I don't hear discussed much. :-(
I met a pair of contractors over there that were former SEALs. By 'former', I mean I wouldn't be surprised if they swam ashore at Normandy. Still, they carried themselves like quiet, veteran gunslingers, and you could tell just by looking at them they were dangerous men. Anyone that lives to that old of an age pulling triggers is no one to be trifled with.
There is no greater service one can perform than to serve his (meaning women, also) country. We have many outlets that are not government conducted, which perform the same function as serving in the military. You have begun to serve by taking part in this dialogue. Now the issues of repressive taxation, illegal alien flood, excessive spending of the part of this government, illegal foreign aid using our taxed money and so many more issue that can be addressed by those of us who are the true caretakers of our country. The government is a sham. We have no greater enemy in this world than our own government, when the intent of that government is to enslave us, as a population and keep us on the plantation and in the fields, head down and picking the cotton that they then tax us for using.
I am 46. I couldn't pass a physical if they spotted me a mile and a quarter in a mile and a half run.
However, if they really wanted someone my age, I would give it another shot. Already did my time 25 years ago.
I couldn't pass the physical either and I'm only 70.
I couldn't pass the physical and I'm 31. :)
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