I'm enlisted at 34yo, Army. How many miles a day do I need to prepare for before I get there?

Question

Will I have a problem with Basic at 34yo? How many other older solgiers in basic? I am a former Squid, LOL. How bad will this be on someone my age?

Answer 1

For fitness, it is a 2-mile run, and you get a break based on your age. You are tested every weekend in Basic, and maybe four times a year in Permanent Party.

I did go through Basic and there was a 34-year old in another platoon. He did fine, and graduated.

I would recommend running about five miles per day to build endurance and then channel that endurance into speed for the fitness tests and score points.

Answer 2

Unless you are a big guy, you should have no problems. I enlisted at 41 and made it through. I also lost 15 lbs.!
Look up the 'APFT, Army Physical Fitness Test' on line and it will tell you what you need to do at your age to pass the test. Remember if you max out the test and score a 300, it helps with advancement in Rank. The test is push ups, sit ups and the run. If you look at the requirements and then exceed the minimums before you even report to basic, you will out do 75% of the people there.

As a former squid, you may be made a squad leader or platoon leader, because of your prior service and age. In my basic training company, I was older than everyone in the Battalion. Only one Command Sergeant Major was older than I was. We also had a couple people in your age group, and in general once the Drill Sergeants realised we weren't idiots, they concentrated on the trouble makers. You will find it boring, frustrating and on occasion will have some fun. The kids are constantly getting everyone into trouble by talking or falling asleep, and since you already know the drill you will be light years ahead of them. As one Sergeant told me in reception before starting basic when I asked for advice he said 'Don't let the kids slow you down'. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Running.....at 34 work up to it. When you can do 8 minute miles, you're close. I got out in 98 at age 46 and I was fine if I did 18 flat for 2 miles.

But hey! They're gonna run you and run you and run you. Just be ready.

You'd be surprised how much better you are than the average 18 yr old.

I went when I was 32. Oh! Get you r head buzzed just before you go. Then you won't have to stand in line waiting.

Answer 4

Run 2-3 miles a day with being able to do a mile under 10 minutes. 100 push ups and 100 sit ups will help.

Answer 5

I am currently active Army. I would say that for basic training, you should try to do about 3 miles every other day. Work on doing about 60-80 push-ups a day. As well as sit-ups. Basic Training is meant for you to build yourself up. Don't kill yourself w/ 5 miles every day. The Drill Sgt's will work you up to it. Trust me. Hope this helps. Have fun and keep your spirits up in basic. Sometimes it seemed hopeless for me. Just push yourself and you will do it.

Answer 6

ROFL. Yeah, you're going to have fun. 5 miles is a good bet. No matter what expect to go until muscle failure. And you're going to be a fine target to your DI's! :o)

Good luck! I enlisted at 30 and it was rough....I'm much older now, and I sure as hell wouldn't have done it today! Stay strong. Couple hundred pushups a day, 5 mile runs, 100 situps....AND DON'T FORGET THE BUTTERFLY KICKS!

Answer 7

work your way up to about two miles a day. 60- 75 push ups and 70-85 sit ups in two mins. you should also look into the blue to green program sence you are prior navy.

Answer 8

i would at least say 2 in under 15 min talk to your recruiter the can tell you the standard air force is 1.5 miles under 15 min army is higher

Answer 9

wow you are cutting it close 35 years old is the cut off for enlisted men and women. good luck because it is both mentally and physically challenging. I am sure you can accomplish anything you set your mind.