Introduction

Longhorn98 · Post by **Longhorn98** » July 4th, 2005, 12:17 am

Rangers, ladies and gentlemen: My name's Robert, and I'm a 29 year-old DEP'er awaiting my ship date of 21 July 2005. I've lurked on this site for a few weeks and already I've found a wealth of helpful information. I've signed an 11x contract but was unable to secure an Airborne/Opt. 40 as a result of LASIK surgery I had in 2003 (according to MEPS I can't have Airborne guaranteed with a medical waiver). I intend to volunteer for Airborne/RIP/SF if I'm given the chance at BCT-Ft. Benning.

I'm a graduate of the University of Texas with 7 years experience sitting behind desks staring at computer screens. It would take far too much of your time to explain why I'm compelled to enlist at my age other than to say that, for once in my life, I want to accomplish something truly extraordinary and I think the Army can provide me that opportunity. I look forward to proving myself and serving alongside our country's best and brightest.

I have dedicated myself to becoming a Ranger since I learned the story of the late Ranger Pat Tillman. Ranger Tillman exemplified the noble traits of all Rangers, all soldiers and hopefully all Americans, and I can only hope that one day I can be considered an equal among such honorable men.

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself.

RTO · Post by **RTO** » July 4th, 2005, 12:24 am

Welcome Robert. Thank you for signing up. I hope your dream of becoming a Ranger comes true some day. If it helps, I also went thruough RIP at 29. It can be done. Good luck to you.

Kilted Heathen · Post by **Kilted Heathen** » July 4th, 2005, 12:27 am

Tell them to kiss your ass.
You can get Airborne with a med waiver, your recruiter just doesn't want to work for you.
We have a couple of SMEs here on recruiting that will be able to give you better guidance.
Unless the the lasik left you fucking color-blind you should still be able to get an Airborne contract.
Without at least Airborne you won't be "volunteering" for shit.
Is there something else you're not telling us?

Longhorn98 · Post by **Longhorn98** » July 4th, 2005, 12:49 am

Rangers RTO and Kilted Heathen, thank you for your prompt replies.

Ranger RTO, your words are encouraging and I hope to make you proud someday!

Ranger Kilted Heathen, I was of the same opinion from my reading of AR 40-501. And, honestly, I did tell the SGT-in-charge at MEPS that disagreed with his opinion. Apparently that wasn't a good move on my part, as my recruiter and his 1SG were taken to task by Battalion as MEPS thought I had obtained the "secret recruiter's manual."

My eyesight is currently 20/20 in both eyes (uncorrected); however, I did fail the two color-vision tests administered at MEPS. I visited a civilian optometrist who, after giving me a randomly-generated color test, provided me a letter addressed to MEPS (Houston) saying my R(ed)G(reen)B(lue) vision was normal (which in my honest assessment is completely accurate). MEPS accepted this and provided me an 11x contract but not Airborne. My reading of AR 40-501 proves to me there's no certain disqualification for Airborne/Ranger/SF but that's not what MEPS is telling me.

Long story short, my desire to serve my country, in whatever capacity I may best be used, exceeded my desire to have my dream shot guaranteed in writing. But if Houston MEPS is screwing me, I'd sure like to know before I report!

Thank you Rangers!

RgrHunter · Post by **RgrHunter** » July 4th, 2005, 12:54 am

Hey bud,
You'll get your chance to volunteer. What you do with it will be up to you. Yes there are successful 'older' intial entry Rangers out there but be for-warned, you are going to be told what to do by a bunch of guys a lot younger than you. Remeber that the guy that has been in BN for 5 minutes longer than you, knows more shit than you do so do what anyone says. Leave your ego at the door and pay attention.

Good luck in your upcoming enlistment. Cover down on your sector and the rest will fal into place. Before you ask a question here, run it through the search button first.

Alls well that ends well....

Longhorn98 · Post by **Longhorn98** » July 4th, 2005, 1:18 am

Thanks Ranger RgrHunter. I can assure you age has little relevance to me (in my last two jobs my age hindered my work). I am well aware I'm joining a "young man's Army" and that some of my superiors will be younger than me. I will respect the rank as well as the man or woman who holds it.

Kilted Heathen · Post by **Kilted Heathen** » July 4th, 2005, 1:34 am

There's no women in the Infantry.
This brave men and women shit can get annoying.
You've come to the right place.

Soneone will be along to square you away on this.

In the mean time shut the fuck up and do some push ups.

Gordo173 · Post by **Gordo173** » July 4th, 2005, 1:42 am

Welcome and good luck

Bell · Post by **Bell** » July 4th, 2005, 2:56 am

Welcome to the site. Yer late. Damn...there is always a way. Now that yer here you'll be squared away shortly...

RLTW
Bell

Earthpig · Post by **Earthpig** » July 4th, 2005, 8:08 am

Welcome and thanks for enlisting, Longhorn. If you're squared away, your age can be an asset to you. Be sure you're a PT stud, because you will be singled out a lot as the "old man." There will be NCOs who will try to prove that you're too old by smoking your bag. If you can continually take it and perform to standard (or better) that will all play in your favor, as you will be regarded with respect. Don't get cocky, just 'shine.' I was nearly 31 when I went in. Good luck to you!

RLTW
EP

Towedjmpr · Post by **Towedjmpr** » July 4th, 2005, 10:06 am

Welcome and good luck.

Warriorwife · Post by **Warriorwife** » July 4th, 2005, 10:31 am

Welcome to the site Longhorn, and good luck!

CAL · Post by **CAL** » July 4th, 2005, 10:46 am

UT, eh? Well.....SAW 'EM OFF and GIG 'EM AGGIES, fucker!