I was a Navy Reserve recruiter from 1986 to 1998. We had a program call the “Advanced Paygrade Program” where we would enlist people at a paygrade equal to their civilian experience and education, up to E-6 (which was rare). I made a living out of recruiting with this program. We recruited welders, machinists (mechanics), equipment operators, electricians, even clerks and storekeepers. On their first annual two weeks of training they would go to a mini-boot camp where they would learn Navy tradition, how to wear uniforms, etc. The program was around for years but was discontinued shortly after I retired.
One of the guys in my platoon on Parris Island was a retread from the Air Force. He had to get a waiver to enlist because he was 29 years old.
Shortly before graduation, our DI’s brought him out in front of the platoon and told us that he warranted special recognition, because he had kept up with us young studs for 13 weeks, and he had gutted it out despite being an old man...