Is 27 to old to join theUS military?

Nat

I saw this question and chuckled. I enlisted in the Army (active duty) at age 27 myself. That was the year before 9/11. Many things have happened then.

With regards to the Army, it is not too late for you, but the fact that you haven't completed undergraduate studies hurts you. That rules out getting a commission, so you'll have to go enlisted. You're over the age bracket for getting a commission later on down the road unless it's in the National Guard with an age waiver as well.

Recruiters won't give you as good a picture of what you're facing as much as a career NCO on a military installation, or a Career Counselor at a MEP station. I suggest the following:

(1) Take a good inventory of your life. Are you joining because you're in debt? Because you want to run away from something or someone? Because you're patriotic and want to give something back to your country? Sound out the reasons before you walk through the recruiter's door, because you will give up a lot of your freedoms and a lot of what you take for granted now in your life as a civilian.

(2) Are you in good physical health? Do you have a criminal record? Checkered past? Trouble with authority? You need to sort all this out beforehand. You don't have much time left on your hands, but if you're in pretty bad shape, take a year out, get a trainer, take some martial arts, and in all seriousness work on your physique. Being unfit will destroy your career progression. Being morally dissolute will destroy your career progression. Take stock of yourself.

(3) What is it you want to do as a career? Fight? Do paperwork? Work with technology? See yourself in these various tasks. Plan ahead. What is it you want to do for the next six years, what skills you want to walk away with. The character development comes naturally; the resume building is something that takes a lot more effort.

Once you've taken stock of everything and come to some firm conclusions, discuss this all with your family, since whatever decision you make will impact them as firmly as it will impact you. Good luck.

DAVID B

Roadkill

Depends on your health and what kind of shape you're in. I was 21 when I attended basic training, I had no problems. There were only two guys in the company older than me one was about 29 it was pretty rough on him. He looked to be in pretty good shape but your body doesn't recover as fast as a teenager.

I saw something the other day where the military was taking guys in their 40's. But you better have something special to offer they only took a 100 or so in that age range last year.

I think the military is a pretty good deal. Food, clothes, shelter and some spending money. Plus depending on your job some pretty good training.

kinito_2000_1999

If were 18 answering that question I would give you advice. But at 27 I would think you are matured and smart enough to know the correct answer. Good luck!

ah'stee'ah'dil'g

i don't think so, if your head is screwed on tight, you shouldn't have a problem being in the military---it's alot of fun, meet alot od different people from all dif. backgrounds--it's good ****---more so, look into what kind of job you want in the military before joining or they'll throw you wherever they want---try to use that little college you have to get into OCS--it's better pay and alot more responsibility that being enlisted---go for it---

poeticone522

it is not too old to join the military you might start from the bottom but make sure if you do get a good mos

chariot804

If you want to I don't see why not. It'll be a lot of physical work...get ready!

It all depends on what branch you are planning on going into. Also dependsif you plan on going Active or Guard/Reserve. I know the AF cut off was 27 but the Army I dont even know if they have a cut off anymore.

There are individuals that I know of right now that are getting ready to come back into the Army and they are in there 50's.

Yes you will prob have people out rank you that are younger then you. Me for example I am a 22 yr old Sgt. Thats only because I came in at 18. When it comes to the military age doesnt matter you recieve your rank according to what people above you think that you can handle. I wouldnt worry about that.

Just go talk to your local recruiter and they should be able to answer any question you may have.

Army Military Police --- HOORAH

fr_chuck

No it is not, but you will need to be in pretty good physcial shape.

Also joining the National Guard may be an option also that you want to look into

Miss Anthrope

No, but I wouldn't do it. You'd be bossed around by 18 - 21 yr olds.

ironcityveteran

Very bad idea! I joined when I was 22 and that was too old. I am 27 now and am waaayyyy too old. They expect you to keep up with 18 year olds. If you think that's no problem, just go down to your local high school and spend a day with the gym class.

fliege52000

I don't think so. They are really thankful right now for everybody coming in and joining the army. They need soldiers.

puttingmorecreaminyourmilk

go ahead son you might get send to Iraq to kill people... Well done

dukalink6000

Talk with a recruiter. It's not too old, but it's not that young, either.

Vulcan 1

No 27 isn't
the cut off age used to be 40
Im not sure if this has been changed

HEartstrinGs

No, it's not too old. The age cap is 40. If you're mature enough to debate going in the military, you'll know the right answer for you. Talk to a recruiter and see what can be offered to you. I suggest you pick a MOS (job) that is marketable when you get out of the military though. People always think it's fun to blow things up, but then they can't get a job on the outside. It's good to see that you're willing to serve your country. Also, please don't take the advice of people not in the military or the people screaming "don't do it". It's not their life, it's yours.

Good luck in your choices!!

Tazaor

I think it is great to go work for the military. Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons and that your heart is in it. If you are a person that wants to do it to help out the USA then who cares what your age is when you are helping your country out.

If you decide to go ahead and do thank you for helping our country!!

fortitudinousskeptic

Once you're over 27, they won't take you for any reason. Or maybe it's 26. But regarless......28 or over and you can't even get into the reserves.

robert43041

Not too old. See your local military recruiter. Talk about career / job options. You do well in there, and you've got yourself a pension in 20 years, at the ripe old age of 47 - still young enough to get on to another career. GO!

lambtonliner

not if they accept you they sure need the troops in iraq

airmonkey1001

Why don't you just get a job with the local mafia? They will pay you more and you'll have a better chance of survival plus they won't ask you to kill women and children.

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