How old is too old?

[110percentnoob]

Hey guys,

Been doing my research about joining the Army with an Option 40 contract. It's something I'm very interested in doing, I've got a solid background, nothing serious with the law (speeding tickets and a public intoxication/open container when I was in college), and I've been a boxer since I was 19 so I'm in good shape.

The only thing I'm nervous about is my age. I'm 26, going to be 27 in 2 months. Am I way too old to be joining up? Some people have told me anything over 21 is a disadvantage and works against you. A friend of mine is an O-3 in the Army, and he straight up said I shouldn't join solely based on my age.

I was looking around the web for answers and figured this is a solid place to ask for some real straight talk. Thanks ahead of time for any insight you guys can give me.

[Jim]

Your initial post should have been an introduction.

[Doc_Dino]

I believe your age and experience will only act as an advantage in the Army. As an E-5 my best soldiers are aways the guys that are a little older and more mature. Sice the recession many older and more educated people have joined the enlisted ranks so being 26 you wont be out of place at all as long as your in good shape which you say you are so that shouldnt be a problem. I think the bigest difficulty you will find is dealing with the stupidity and immatureity of the younger soldiers at times. I hope this helps im not a recruiter but if you are looking for more information feel free to pm me any questions and will help as best I can.

[Bronco]

Welcome 110percentnoob.

PM inbound.

[Jim]

I turned 28 riding on a truck to Mountain Camp in 1971.

[RangerX]

I went through OSUT with a guy who was 35. I had a guy in my platoon in C Co who was in his mid/late 30s as an E-5. He went on to be a CSM in Regiment. Many of the recruits following the Option 40 path today are well in to their 20s, even 30s. To me it is more of an advantage than disadvantage.

Think of it this way. If you went in now and did a full 20, you would have your first pension at 46. Enough time left in life to take up an entirely different career, like beach bum.

[rudy55]

I graduated Ranger School two months shy of my 30th birthday. Age is a non factor if your heart is in it.

[Jim]

CSM Morrell was in his 40's; and my SGM Pete Schetrompf was 38 when he graduated Ranger School.

[rangertough]

CSM Morrell was in his 40's; and my SGM Pete Schetrompf was 38 when he graduated Ranger School.

Chaplain Rao (2/75 appr. '94-'96) was in his early 40's when he graduated from hooah school.

[heyitsreid]

I'm 32 and just starting now. It's never too late!