Why can't older veterans volunteer for war?

Question

Why can't I, a 62 year old Viet Nam Vet and Ft. Hood record holder for M16 expert firing, combat trained and willing to die for my country, volunteer to go to the Middle East so that a young man could come home. I'm 100% disabled vet who can still shoot a tight cluster at 350 meters. I can still drive a truck. I can't run, but I never had a reason to run. I'm getting paid anyway so I'm willing to earn it. I'm sick of seeing young men and women lose life or limb when their whole life is ahead of them. We've got it all wrong. Send the older of us who can serve. I'm not implying that my life is worth less than the younger warriors, just that I've lived most of it and I want to be used, not used up. Some may laugh at this notion, but I promise you that if we met eye to eye, you would not laugh. This country is taking good care of me. No one will hire me in my condition. I'm ready, willing, and able to kill again or die trying. So, anybody my age want to join me?

I,m aware that I could not hump on patrol carrying gear. But many of the casualties that we are experiencing are from IED, roadside bombs. Yes, Idiot, even 100% disabled people can drive trucks. I can still shoot. Snipers can shoot while being out of shape. Park my lame butt on a rooftop or hide me in the sand,and let me play! I can pass for Middle Eastern. Sit me on a bench in town and let me relay visual information. I applaud those of you who help behind the scenes. But for my own self centered satisfaction I really want to be in the action. My own survival is secondary.

I also have door gunner experience. When the man in the chopper is spraying the ground with his 50 the people downstairs don't ask his age.

It seems that the IDIOT I referenced couldn't take the heat of all the thumbs down and has 'retreated' his comment. What a man!

Answer 1

thank you Sir.

Answer 2

I hear you Brother I'm 47 and can't re-join, and I'm physically fit to boot, run 2.5 miles 4 times a week, can shoot as well as I did when I was a young pup and I don't have a family as do most of the younger Troops do. I drive a truck and have a college education.

Vet-USAF

To join the Army a 68 y/o man would have to have over 26 years prior service, and pass the phy.

Answer 3

I was a technician and am actually more qualified today then I was back then. I would have to be brought back up to speed on a couple of things, but I could hit the ground running. But let's look at this way. I was able to get my start in the Military as the 1.2 million active duty are right now and the 1.4 million reserve units are. Don't take away their opportunity to have their new start. What you are volunteering to do is admirable, but the young deserve their chance at breaking your record.

Answer 4

Assumedly it has to do with the effects age has on fitness, health and mind. Increasing the maximum enlistment age wouldn't hurt.

In the Australian Army, the maximum age of enlistment is 56. I recall the oldest soldier in my unit laughing when he heard they raised the retirement age to 60. He'd been in since Vietnam. The only thing is, he can't be a Gunner anymore, but there are still plenty of support jobs an old soldier can do.

Answer 5

Because you cant physically do all of the missions that may be required. Volunteer at the local organizations. VFW, Red Cross, JRROTC's Sea Cadets...all of them need help. Look for local organizations that send stuff to the troops.
Do what you can do.
On 9/11 most of my coworkers who were vets would have joined in a second. And looking at us now..probably not a good idea..so I became an adult leader in the Sea Cadet program.

Answer 6

I applaud your intent, my friend, but I'm 54 and also a V N vet and I don't want to go through that again. I watched enough little kids die to last me a lifetime (Nurse from '70-'73) so I see where you're coming from but I don't want to patch you up either. Let's just hope that we can call an end to these wars for other countries that don't want to help themselves and let our people come home.

Answer 7

God Bless you for your service, and for your continued willingness to serve.

I wish that anyone who wanted to could serve - I was injured in a car accident in high school and have never been qualified to serve due to physical issues. But I wish I could too.

But I do volunteer with Military Order of the Purple Heart and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors - two great organizations that support our veterans and their families.

I wish more people had your courage and commitment, sir. God Bless you, our troops and the USA.

Answer 8

I don't know if it was planned this way but...If things were to go really badly it would leave the veterans most experienced with the left over out dated weapons and the tactics for their use in position for last ditch defense of our homes.

Answer 9

Sir, i heard of veterans who came back and faught beside their sons!! i wish there were more people like you.But i will be thinking more of going to thailand and having young girls rubbing on my pot belly and saying how much they love it right now. So that when death comes, it will be a sweet and blissful memory i have as i say goodbye, with them tubes sticking out of the nostril.

Answer 10

Not laughing at all. Bless you, Sir. And thank you what you have already done and are offering to do now.

EDIT: Davy Crockett was pushing 50 when he went down swinging at the Alamo.

Answer 11

Its your heart talking but body may not support it , however I totally agree with you. You may not be fit for the field services, but for sure you can help in non combatant jobs ,doing variety of other things. Wish there were more of you.