Older Recruits Challenge Army and Vice Versa

NY Times ^ | June 18, 2009 | JAMES DAO

[furquhart]

This makes a damned lot of sense to me. Logically, it sounds like something that will strengthen the Armed Forces.

[iowamark]

[Marie2]

I imagine this will be very good for the younger troops.

[NVDave]

Old age and treachery can do as much or more than youth and a bad haircut.

[stormer]

He’s from my old outfit - you can tell by the number on his hat.

[SIDENET]

Someone needs to tell that guy that he can retire.

[napscoordinator]

“There are no layoffs in the Army.”

There is in the Navy. We are having major cuts especially in the E-7 through E-9 area.

[neverdem]

He’s from my old outfit - you can tell by the number on his hat.

Were you in the 69th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division?

[thescourged1]

I went back for seconds myself in 1998, and graduated from the Fort Benning School for Boys Infantry Course at the ripe young age of 31. I had an absolute blast with it all and had even more fun when I was sent to 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. At that age and having been and done it once already in the mid-1980's, the mind game was laughable and the new appreciation and perspective was priceless. I wish I had done it 10 years earlier. However, my prematurely ruined knees from ruck-humping the boonies and running with teenagers was the price of it all.

And I don't regret a bit of it. :-)

[neverdem]

“There are no layoffs in the Army.”

There is in the Navy. We are having major cuts especially in the E-7 through E-9 area.

The Air Force has had a similar predicament. They might be able to join the Regular Army. It's something to consider. Don't forget other components in the reserves.

[BradyLS]

Wow! Enlistment age is up to 42? If my prior service still counts, I could barely make the window re-enlist!

...But would they really want a guy at my age out there as an E-1???

[Tainan]

Going in as an E-1? Recruiter should be able to get you better with an Honorable Discharge.
Then E-3 out of boot camp. Look for time-in service to kick in at AIT. Then E-4 pretty quick. With returning skills and the right slot, E-5 should be yours within 2 years.
Just sign right here and we'll make it happen!

...nyuk nyuk nyuk...;)

[Leisler]

I was an infantry medic. Even age aside, I noticed big guys, like football linemen and tall guys had knee and ankle problems more than short/skinny guys. Having the pack up higher, longer legs all produce basic physics more stress at ‘stress points’. Not to mention fifty more pounds of muscle might help you bench press a lot, but by and large it is just more weight on you knees and feet as far as they are concerned.

[wally_bert]

I’ll have to think about it. Besides I would need a few medical waivers since I have had some minor health problems since I got out.

[neverdem]

Wow! Enlistment age is up to 42? If my prior service still counts, I could barely make the window re-enlist! ...But would they really want a guy at my age out there as an E-1???

Unless they changed other regulations, prior service still counts for longevity pay. Civilian education also counts for rank. I re-enlisted in the Regular Army as a Private First Class, E3, in 1980. I had been a light weapons infantryman, 11B is the designation for that military occupational specialty, in Vietnam for more than 20 months between two tours. I already had an automatic promotion to Specialist, E4, at eight months because I had a B.S. degree, IIRC. My major was chemistry. Ask if you have a degree in the arts.

Education is highly valued. When I applied for their health professions scholarship program after I became a medical student, they made me a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserves. If you can finish med school, then you'll be a captain. Getting into med school isn't as competitive as it once was.

[Uncle Meat]

That 69 on his hemet has to be a joke.

[Hot Tabasco]

I was an E-5 when I was discharged from the Army back in 1972. If I was eligible to re-enlist (not that I am, I’m way too old) and chose to do so, would I have to go thru basic training again and start all over as a a Pvt. E-1?

[DuncanWaring]

Does he have hands?

[2harddrive]

They may not be able to march as long or endure as much punishment, or fight as hard hand-to-hand, but they can still drive, still shoot, still observe, and provide example and inspiraation to younger men.