Old and want to enlist.Thoughts please

[anklebiter]

I'd like your input here.I'm considering joining my state's National Guard.it's basically the Army Reserve, with active duty one weekend a month, one month a year, and full combat deployment if needed.
My main sticking point is my age.Though I'm qualified, I'm still an old bastard by Army standards, at 39.
Are any of you members of such a group?Have you served with old farts when you were younger?

I realize a porn forum probably isn't the best place to bring this up, but I think many of you guys are my age.Waddya think?

[tabler]

We have a similar thing here Anky called the Territorial Army, they do a great job and are well respected and played a large part in the Gulf war in terms of medical back up and logistics.
They are made up a lot with people your age that have a bit more maturity and level-headedness.
I would go for it mate and make your country proud.

[DTravel]

I can't advise you about the age aspect but I feel obligated to point out that currently National Guard units are effectively full-time regulars. The Pentagon has deployed most of the ARNG units overseas, so expect to be shipped to Iraq/Afghanistan immediately upon completion of Basic.

I'm not saying don't do it. Just be aware of what you are volunteering for.

(And if you do, my thanks and respect.)

[Greenman]

Seeing this thread I am reminded of Wilfred Owen's poem Dulce Et Decorum Est-the full version can be read here http://www.warpoetry.co.uk/owen1.html and the last line of it which repeats the first line above and adds pro patria mori-basically translating as "it is a sweet and fitting thing, to die for one's country"-having lost 2 great World War 1 soldiers last week (Henry Allingham and Henry 'Harry' Patch) I somehow don't think that anyone let alone the two men mentioned would agree. I don't think Owen agreed either as he does end the poem with "the old lie" so the person that came up with that notion ought to have gone to war to test that theory. I hope you read the poem, its a good one.

[crazybikerme]

My Grandfather fought in The Middlesex Regt in THe Great War enlisting aged 15. He fought at Loos, Ypres & The Somme.

In 1940 (Due to some cock up???) they sent him call up papers. He went to the recruiting office ripped them up and threw them at the clerk and gave him some blunt advice as to how to proceed...........:D

.......................Based on that I'd say don't do it............... :confused:

[imtrying]

I make you look like a youngster (I'm 44). I personally wouldn't do it, but if you do, good luck, God's speed and mad respect.

[mongo630]

Remember that most of the people you will be going through basic training with will be 17-20 years old and will run circles around you. When I went in at age 24 I was old and we had three guys in there who where in their mid thirties and we all thought they were ancient and one of them had serious troubles keeping up.

As others have said you will be spending some time overseas as almost every National Guard unit has been over there at least twice and some times three times and if that appeals to you great, but let me tell you if you have kids or a wife back here it is going to be hell for you.

When people come and ask me about it I say “If you really want to do it, go into the Air Force Guard or Reserve.” When they ask why, I tell them they have better barracks and food.

I personally would not do it, but that is just me.

[otiscleotus]

The Veteran's Administration rules for National Guard individuals are somewhat screwy so if you get yourself busted up along the way depending on the where and what you might find out you are essentially shit out of luck as far as getting any compensation goes. Since you're 39 now there's a good chance you'll damage some body part even in a non-combat situation so you better see everything in writing beforehand versus going on what the recruiter tells you.

Also see www.vawatchdog.org for what comes after.

[Mal Hombre]

You desrve great respect for considering it,but war is a young man's business.

[Lurkio]

(the edits dont mean anything, just focusing on the points I am addressing)

We have a similar thing here Anky called the Territorial Army, they do a great job and are well respected and played a large part in the Gulf war in terms of medical back up and logistics.
They are made up a lot with people your age that have a bit more maturity and level-headedness.

Remember that most of the people you will be going through basic training with will be 17-20 years old and will run circles around you. When I went in at age 24 I was old and we had three guys in there who where in their mid thirties and we all thought they were ancient and one of them had serious troubles keeping up.

The Territorial Army did quite a bit more than just that, and in the Falklands too, but I cant say any more ;)

No reason why you cant be a fit 30+ and maturity can make you a better survivor (in Army speak: 'survive to fight') and seem more reliable to your youngers. They tend to appreciate having someone around who can give them a bit of solidity and confidence.

But being in the military these days has many moral issues you (and your family) that needs to be addressed. Its a good life overall, but there is currently a risk of being a pawn for the politicians - its was so much easier in the old days.

Good luck.

[MaxJoker]

You desrve great respect for considering it,but war is a young man's business.

War is nobody else's business other than the politicians who start them , i say let them fight it out between themselves. As in literally .Dig a quarter mile wide 60 meter deep hole and throw them all into it , toss in a few medieval weapons as a helper and let them get to it . Now we could either film the fun for entertainment purposes or as i`d prefer just pull a tarp over the hole , and get on with the job of living.

[9876543210]

anklebiter,

I'm considering joining my state's National Guard.it's basically the Army Reserve, with active duty one weekend a month, one month a year, and full combat deployment if needed.

I don't know what the recruiter told you, but, given the US's current situations in Afghanistan and Iraq, you might as well figure that if you go in, you'll be going to one of those places, if not both. I know a couple of people in the Guard and they've both gone at least twice.

My main sticking point is my age.Though I'm qualified, I'm still an old bastard by Army standards, at 39.

A few years ago a good friend decided he wanted to do the same thing (although I believe he wanted to enlist in an active force). They also told him he was close to being too old but if he had a nursing degree they'd let him in. Well, he spent the next three or four years getting an R.N. and they still wouldn't let him in. He was in really good shape too. I don't remember how old he was at the time but it was pretty close to your age.

[kananga]

War is nobody else's business other than the politicians who start them , i say let them fight it out between themselves. As in literally .Dig a quarter mile wide 60 meter deep hole and throw them all into it , toss in a few medieval weapons as a helper and let them get to it . Now we could either film the fun for entertainment purposes or as i`d prefer just pull a tarp over the hole , and get on with the job of living.

Why else do we pay them these insane wages with all the perks and incredulous retirement packages?
Being a pacifist, it's certainly not in my nature to put my life on the line in someone elses fight.
At least let the Olympic games decide rather than waste life on supporting these fat b@stards in their fortified mansions.

[brianwp]

I'll give you an A for effort, ankle, but if you've never been in, well, it's not what you think. Go hunting this weekend and kill the shit out of everything you see. Then have a few drinks and wander down to your friendly neighborhood tavern, walk up to the biggest guy you can find sitting at the bar, and tell him he's sitting in your seat. In the morning, everything will be a lot clearer for you. You'll have a whole new outlook on life. Brian ain't lyin'.

[anklebiter]

Nah, I've been in.I was in the Army as a Cav. Scout in the early 90's.Been to Iraq the first time around, so I have a pretty good idea of what to expect as far as combat deployment goes.The only thing is, now,I don't want to be a regular, that's why I'm thinking Guard.Also, my previous service entitles me to a few more years to think it over.My service years get deducted from my age.
I'm starting to rethink it though.I have a kid that I'm close to, and it would tear me up to be away for a long trip to the sand box.4-6 months would be bad, but it sounds like it would be more like 12 months or more.I couldn't do that to my family.
*Sigh* God help me, I do love it so :p

[slut-lover]

Cellphones are not allowed.

[brianwp]

Nah, I've been in.I was in the Army as a Cav. Scout in the early 90's.Been to Iraq the first time around, so I have a pretty good idea of what to expect as far as combat deployment goes.The only thing is, now,I don't want to be a regular, that's why I'm thinking Guard.Also, my previous service entitles me to a few more years to think it over.My service years get deducted from my age.
I'm starting to rethink it though.I have a kid that I'm close to, and it would tear me up to be away for a long trip to the sand box.4-6 months would be bad, but it sounds like it would be more like 12 months or more.I couldn't do that to my family.
*Sigh* God help me, I do love it so :p

Well, damn, the benefits are good, too. God bless, anklebiter, whatever you decide!

[dottp]

After 30 years on active duty in the Marines, I will contribute these thoughts:

War (especially ground combat) is a young man's sport. Its not just about being fit, its also about endurance, agility and recovery time. Its a lot like playing pro football (many pros retire, not beceause they can't play, but because each year it takes longer to recover from each game).

If you are slow, you are not just a danger to yourself but to others.

What the older guys have to offer to is experience and maturity. It helps to have a specialty, especially one that takes years to develop.

Unless you have a unique ability or skill, leave it to the young guys.

At a certain age, you are expected to have the military experience of someone who joined the service at 18 or 19 and served continuously until they reach your age. If you don't, you willl have a hard time living up to expectations.

If you are "dying to go over" (no pun intended) think about going as a contractor. Most are older guys hired for thier skill and experience (engineers, law enforcement, medical, IT, communications, etc.)

So, unless you have a skill or qualification that a 20 year old can't have, I woluld pass this one by and try and find some otrher way to serve your country.

But I commend you for wanting to serve your country.

[DTravel]

Nah, I've been in.I was in the Army as a Cav. Scout in the early 90's.Been to Iraq the first time around,

I'd put a saluting smilie here but I can't seem to find one. :(

edit: This will have to do for now. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-flag-static-002.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

[the real McCoy]

I served in the Army in the 80:ies. The loud part. Because I have some special skills that the Army wants, I did short assignments in the 90:ies.
The Army had changed.
I had changed.
The Army I joined told us when to eat, rest and move. The latter Army encouraged the enlisted to solve problems and 'seek knowledge'.

A friend got back from Afghanistan 6 months ago. Nobody has ever won a war against the Afgans. Sorry.

Stay home. Live well. Take care of your loved ones.

/trm

[johnsmith69]

If it is something that you have always wanted to do, the only person that is stopping you...is you!
If you don't try - you will have regrets
Think carefully about every eventality/possible outcome though (even the bad)
Good luck

[scoundrel]

I myself have never lifted a finger when it comes to military service. I am acutely conscious that I talk a good fight but I allowed others to do the dangerous bit. I will always speak up for the British Army when they are unfairly criticised or shabbily done to by HM Government (it happens rather a lot) because they defend my life, my security and my freedom to mouth off my half-baked opinions.

Unlike me anklebiter, you have already done plenty. You also have obligations outside the US Army: when my father was conscripted to do National Service (in peacetime), he only had to face the threat of IRA terrorism, still quite rare back then. But the hardship for my mother was acute: Army pay for a conscript wasn't enough to feed a dog, and there was a probability that he would be sent overseas. The price of service isn't only measured in physical danger.

It's a hard decision and you have all my best wishes whatever you decide.

[DTravel]

I served in the Army in the 80:ies.

You get a (non-existant) salute smilie too. ;)

edit: This will have to do for now. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-flag-static-002.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

[eelcat]

The only advice I can offer is pretend you're Bill Murray and this is Stripes :)

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w214/eelcat/lightenupuk8.gif

[billybunter]

If you want to do it then go for it. I am personally against the wars in Iraq/Afghanistan. But that is a different topic. I have lived through war in Ireland and it is not nice. I have witnessed soldiers committing all sorts of crimes. But I don't blame them, I blame the governments and bankers who start wars and finance them. I wouldn't do it myself because I've seen and had friends and family murdered in war. And after watching the tributes to Britain's last WW1 vet Harry Patch, I know why. The suffering he and all the peoples who endured that war should be enough to put anyone off. The "Kings" and "Princes" never stood it mud and went over the top, and never will!

R.I.P Harry Patch.

[anklebiter]

Billy, I know where you're coming from.Personally, I believe the people who are most against war, are those who've seen combat.But, at the same time, a soldier is trained to do a job, ignore the politics,lead underlings, and follow superiors.It's simple and beautiful.
Besides those who've enlisted after Pearl Harbor and 9/11, most guys want to serve with honor, and combat is only a "necessary possibility". I've never met a man who wants to go into combat, and while in that situation, the passion is not killing and destroying, rather, doing ones job effectively.

@dottp, I appreciate your input too.The day I met my wife, I was on my way to my Marine recruiter.I'd grown up in a Marine family, and always had a great love and respect for the U.S.M.C. How I ended up in the Army is quite a long story, but I honestly believe if not for a twist of fate, I'd be a Marine lifer, and probably still in today. Semper Fi bro, and thank you for your service.

It's not the love of combat, or the need to be "in the action" that has me thinking of re-upping, It's just the life I miss ; the brotherhood, the structure,the way of life.

[control840]

As an active duty soldier myself, I can tell you this: currently the max age to enlist is 42, but as I am 47, be warned: unless you're in excellent shape, forget it. The human body can only take so much. They were all ready to medically disharge my ass, but I fought it just to stay in and retire next year. I'm using a cane for both my back and knee. And as an added bonus, they are teaching combatives(hand-to-hand) in basic again, so there is yet another opportunity to get damaged. Final advice: dig for as much ACCURATE info as possible before you sign on.

And yes, your odds for deployment are still good.

[tamsmith]

I'd like your input here.I'm considering joining my state's National Guard.it's basically the Army Reserve, with active duty one weekend a month, one month a year, and full combat deployment if needed.
My main sticking point is my age.Though I'm qualified, I'm still an old bastard by Army standards, at 39.
Are any of you members of such a group?Have you served with old farts when you were younger?

I realize a porn forum probably isn't the best place to bring this up, but I think many of you guys are my age.Waddya think?

Go for it Pal. You can help your country at any age.

My son was in Iraq. Cimic House. During the worst fighting with the Mahdi Army in 2004. Ages of the men, and women, ranged from 18 to 49. It was not covered by the media as it was felt as too dangerous and, of course, it was an election year.
Everyone did their bit/duty otherwise they would have been over-run and killed. National Guard / Territorial Army or a regular. All nationalities were out there. You are all treated the same. People on the fighting line are ageless. A bullet does not discriminate.

Think seriously but if that is what you want to do. Go for it.

[brianwp]

My son just quit his job here, and he's getting discouraged. He served in the Army, 101 Airborne (Air Assault!), and he was good at it. Like anklebiter said, he liked the regimen, doing his job well. So now he's 30, and thinking of re-enlisting, at least in the Reserves. He's a big guy, like me, (6'5"), and hard as a rock. But I worry that they'll ship him out to Afghanistan, or something. He repects my opinion and insight. So on one hand, I encourage him, but then again...oh hell, I don't know. That's turning into such a mess over there, and I don't really see any end to it.

[kingfisher552]

I'm 57, and just recently retired from the National Guard. Back in 1970, I was in the Navy, and did 2 tours in Vietnam (PBR's). Was out for 18 years, then went in the Guard. Started out with tanks, but we changed over to combat engineers. Did a tour in Iraq last year. By all means go for it. You never know until you try.

[whiskymick]

I served in the british army during the 70s and 80s my eldest son has just finished his basic training and thankfully will do 5 years trade training before going on active service i suppose every generation in my family has served but i have to say i dont agree with Iraq/Afgahnistan.