Should healthy, older americans over 42 be allowed to join the military?

Question

First I wasn't askin for a bashin cuz I ask that question, Second, being older dosen't make ya useless and some of you ought to be ashamed of yourself. All I am saying is I chose motherhood when I was young, and now the kids are grown and I've always said it's never too late to my children...so with that said...I'm as good if not better when I was 20....and would like to help, but upon contact with a recruiter was told....basically sit and knit....it's my country too...why can't older americans help??? I don't think it's right that our nation would consider discrimminating when it comes to the defense of our country....PS I never get sick...just cuz i'm older dosen't mean i'm dead!!!

Answer 1

most defdinantly -as long as they realize '''''
its not just a job...its a career [where your primary mo is rifleman and your basic 'job' is to get shot at.
So if you can endure all that that itails-hypertension-racing heart-anxiety-fear-trembling-GO FOR IT!

Answer 2

Yes, I think so, if they want to. This would depend on the individual. Family status etc. If this person was loaded with responsibility, they should not be allowed. Each case should be reviewed with important aspects considered. There are individuals with serious technical skills that may want to serve, if they can afford it and hack the lifestyle, go for it. Combat roles would probably be the exception, reaction times and just keeping up with the youngsters would be a detriment to the younger folks and perhaps a danger to them, kids trying to take care of dad or mom.

Answer 3

The answer is NO. Yes, it is admirable they want to serve. But the simple fact is that the military is looking for longevity. If a 42+ joins then you can be certain he/she will not be as effective as a 18 year old when its 15 years or so down the line. The military will invest into that person, so naturally the military will want a return.

Answer 4

I'm 42 and would serve if they would LET me. I tried right after college but was turned down because I have mild asthma. The medicines they had back then were not all that great. Today's asthma medicines are so much better that I bet I could do it... I'm in the best shape of my life right now.

And besides, not every soldier has to have a combat role. There are lots of needs for supply clerks, mechanics, administrators, etc.

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Answer 5

Y E S!!! As long as they had prior military service. It's kind of hard for anyone over 42 to go through basic training, no matter how healthy they are.

Answer 6

I heard somewhere (I think it was a military drama like JAG...and they're pretty accurate when it comes to military protocols) that the older folks who have already served and were honourably discharged can be re-enlisted to do administrative things, freeing up the younger enlisted members to fight.

Answer 7

No, I think they would get booted for heath problems to easy causing more medical discharges, they already practically hunt for a reason to med discharge people now days anyways, I just don't think they can hold up for the twenty, The maturity and people skills they prob have would be nice but no.

Answer 8

Yes but not direct combat, there is a lot of non combat positions for them like maintain the Bases here in America

Answer 9

It's iffy. You'd be 62 at retirement, and it's harder to fight at 62. I think cutting it off at some point is a good idea.

Answer 10

Yes. The all-volunteer force could use lots of other talents, including maturity.

Answer 11

Only if they can pass the PT test and are not over weight.