Army Raises Enlistment Age for Reservists to 39

reuteurs ^ | Mar 21 | na

[fso301]

The problem with this is that in the 4 1/2 years since 9/11, those who were within this increased enlistment age limit and were turned away due to being "too old" are still deemed too old and turned away.

[af_vet_rr]

It's too bad it came to this, but the personnel shortage is on the brink of disaster. It's a shame that the military didn't fix retention at the right end, and instead is just looking to pull more people off the streets in the hope they stay in long enough to be replaced. Even that's a losing strategy, but at least its sustainable.

Unfortunately, nobody will realize this until several years have past. The worst to come out of this, is the loss of institutional knowledge. That's something that is very hard to measure, and I'm sure it probably hurt us in some way in Iraq (I'm referring to the cuts Clinton made, where a lot of people retired early or left earlier than they would have, and took a lot of knowledge with them). With a further loss of institutional knowledge, it will definitely hurt us down the road.

The military needs to work harder on retaining the people it already has.

[af_vet_rr]

Imagine a young troop putting a 40 year old at attention and screaming at him when his barracks doesn't pass inspection.

Putting aside the fact that most 40 year olds who are motivated enough to go through something like this are probably a helluva lot more responsible and mature than an 18 or 19 year old going through basic, they would have to be dealt with in other ways.

Screaming in somebody's face isn't going to do a damn thing to somebody who's been married for more than a few years ;-) (and here comes the flames from the ladies)

[tame]

AWESOME! Next step: raise the army's active duty age requirement to 39 or 40 a.s.a.p.

[tame]

This is a terrific first step in line with my earlier thread. click on the following link: Open letter to Bush, Congress, Rush, Hannity, and Freepers re military age requirments.

[Conspiracy Guy]

Raise it to 51 and I'm back in.

[tame]

Raise it to 51 and I'm back in.

yep, we've got more work to do.

[DollyCali]

yes, tame.. I recall your zeal 2 years ago...I too would not mind doing my share but they have to bump those years considerably. No I could NOT keep up or match the physical condition of the 19 year olds.. but there are many administrative things we could do & free up the young healthy dudes & gals who can be on the field.

OTOH...there are very few people I know 25 years younger than myself who can keep up with me... so I guess everything is relative

[airborne]

I've been accused of being a perfect idiot (I'd like to go airborne ... ),

If you're a perfect idiot, you might qualify as an airborne officer! ;^)

[tame]

OTOH...there are very few people I know 25 years younger than myself who can keep up with me

thank goodness for that :o)

[ABG(anybody but Gore)]

I'm not sure how they do it in the Reserves, but having been discharged from the Guard in 1992, I looked a few years ago at reenlisting and asked if I would have to go back through Basic and AIT. I was told that anybody who's already been through Basic or bootcamp is exempt. Not sure if that's really true or not, but it did make sense. I don't know very many vets who would want to go through it again. Personally, I know I couldn't put up with the screaming, physical, and mental BS like I did when I was 17.

As it is, given the fact I have a bad back and arthritic knee, there's no way I could pass the physical just to enlist.

[dakine]

I'm 41+, I was just tested using the USAFs latest P.T. standards (the USAF has by far the easiest).
Anyways, here I am, a 41 year old getting tested on sit-ups, push-ups, and a run. I got thinking about my 40+ year old friends I grew-up with and where they were/are in their careers. Just a perspective....

[Conspiracy Guy]

I'm in excellent health and mean as a snake. I'd sweep floors or fight on the front line. But recruiters laugh at 51 year olds even with prior service.

[eyespysomething]

Actually I was borderline then, and am borderline now.

I think I may inquire about this.

[Gefreiter]

e2,
My guess would be to use the older recruits as examples for the younger ones.

Drill sergeants are alot of things, but dumb ain't one of them. They will recognize the best way to both teach the older recruit what he needs to know, as well as utilize the same recruit's knowledge to best effect.

BTW, does anyone else still get a little nervous at the sight of a "brown round" coming your way?

[elfman2]

" My guess would be to use the older recruits as examples for the younger ones"

That would be about my guess too. If for no other reason than it’s the easiest thing to do.

[wallcrawlr]

They raised the age...

Why would the army want a 33yr old husband and father of 2(4yr and 3 week old)?

[FourtySeven]

Thanks for the ping! Interesting news.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Why does your comment sound sarcastic?

The raising of the age cap gives older former military members ,that got out during the Clinton years ,an opportunity to serve their country again.

My husband just signed up to rejoin the Army ,after finding out about the raise in age ,he is 39 and welcomes the opportunity to serve his Country once again and I am proud of him!

He would have done it sooner ,but the age cap didn't allow it!

[af_vet_rr]

My guess would be to use the older recruits as examples for the younger ones.

That would probably be the best way to do so, since the instructors would know that instinctively, the younger recruits would look upto the older recruits.