2007-08-28 03:03:14 · 9 answers · asked by mane 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
42 is the answer to everything, my friend.
2007-08-28 03:37:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of things are based on scientific information on these things. So they probably looked at the average metabolism of people of certain ages, the number in the population, how many years a person would have until retirement, how long it takes a person of a certain age to get fit again, what is the likely hood of a training injury at what age... all kinds of statistics.
Another example, the Army had research showing that 24 minutes of running was the optimum time for couch potatoes to get fit. I cant remember the exact number, but they had it down to the second. It was based on cardio levels, and injuries sustained. They had all kinds of stats on how the injury rate rose by a large percentage for going to 25 minutes. 24 minutes and a few odd seconds was the best payoff time for increasing fitness vs how many were lost to sports injuries.
So its not surprising that they can pick a number like 42. They keep stats on everything.
2007-08-28 10:16:45 · answer #2 · answered by mnbvcxz52773 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is probably reasoned on demographics as well as cost. The older you are, the more expensive it is to take care of you. And, by expanding the enlistment age to 42, the military probably estimated that this would increase the eligible pool of volunteers by X number and that number was sufficient to help them meet there recruitment goals.
2007-08-28 10:17:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the mandatory retirement age for the US military is 62 years old.
This would allow 42 year old recruits to serve 20 years and retire.
2007-08-28 15:11:57 · answer #4 · answered by jeeper_peeper321 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the government and they are crazy. I mean, why 21 for the drinking age? Why 18 to vote or join the army? Why couldn't they make it 20 for both? Why 16 to drive? Why not 15? They are nutty and just follow no rhyme or reason for these kinds of things. :P
2007-08-28 10:13:09 · answer #5 · answered by akivi73 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deep Thought says 42 is the answer to life, the universe, and everything, so that's probably why.
2007-08-28 10:12:46 · answer #6 · answered by Shrimp 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it corresponds to the upper age limit in the Universal Service and Training Act of 1947 (as amended).
2007-08-28 13:36:09 · answer #7 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think someone was reading too much of the Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy! :-) I mean it is the answer to "the question" of Life, the Universe Everything!
serioulsy though I have no real idea, so go ahead and give me bad ratings for being sarcastic, i just couldn't help myself!
B.
2007-08-28 13:22:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask Arthur Dent.
2007-08-28 13:56:09 · answer #9 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋