2006-12-24 01:53:32 · 7 answers · asked by just me, right? 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
At the battle of Gettysburg in 1863 there was a 70 year old resident of the town who joined the Union line and was wounded in action. He had been a veteran of the War of 1812.
2006-12-24 02:02:54 · answer #1 · answered by Bullwinkle Moose 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Historically, there have been enlistees (and draftees) of varied ages. The American Revolution and American Civil War produced numerous entries to service in their senior years. Even long before the birth of our nation, many nations utilized "old men" and so forth when needed.
I personally enlisted at age 31, and was the oldest recruit in my series at basic. We had one other guy who was 29. Most recruits are in their late teens to early-mid twenties. There was a surge of older enlistments after 9-11, as is common when that sort of thing goes down, and when the age limits were opened up as well.
However, there is something important to note about older enlistments. Older does not mean worse, especially given the health of most of our modern American youth. I was in better shape than probably half or better of my fellow recruits, and certainly more mature with more worldy experience. Most men are in good shape for combat units until they reach their 40-50s. We had plenty of 30 and 40 somethings fighting in WW2, and things turned out OK.
Worry when we start enlisting 80 year olds. ;)
2006-12-24 15:35:11 · answer #2 · answered by FilmCollector 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The visitor's center on Parris Island is named after a man who joined the Marine Corps in his 50's. His name was Paul Douglas and here is the link:
2006-12-24 10:07:14 · answer #3 · answered by Just call me sunshine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
60 something he was a PFC in nam, got out of the marines went to med school, had a practice 20 years at 63 he joined as a surgeon with the rank Lt Col
2006-12-25 00:23:08 · answer #4 · answered by usamedic420 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Army is now allowing 44 year olds to join the army.
2006-12-24 10:19:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
46. He had been a 12-year sergeant first class in Vietnam and got out. When he wanted to reenlist, he had been out so long the Army said he'd have to be a PFC again and go to basic training. He was fine with that, as he'd get to retire in 8 years.
2006-12-24 09:56:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was in Basic training with and 46 year old guy.
2006-12-24 10:40:55 · answer #7 · answered by myfam81 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋