Why can't older Americans become part of the military?

Question

Older Americans (50s) have much administrative talents, and many want to join the armed services to help. Why can't they join at a later age and display their administrative talents? Do you consider the age limit for joining discriminatory?

Regarding physical fitness tests:

Do older generals and other higher positions have to take these tests? I see many older and overweight individuals whom I doubt can pass these tests. They are career individuals.

Answer 1

I whole heartily agree..I am 3 yrs above the age requirement....and served back in the 80s....yet when I tried to enlist my age was a hindrance.....odd when they have some over 50in combat now...only because of they stayed in the military or are reserves.

Answer 2

Most do take and pass those tests. I doubt Generals and Admirals have the time.

I went to Iraq at the age of 42 with my Sea Bee reserve unit. I was part of a Tactical Movement Team used for convoy security and Personal Security Detail. Believe me when I say it t ook everything I had to keep up with those 23 year old kids we served with from an active duty battalion.

Everyone in the military takes PT tests... yes, even those folks driving a desk. If need be and called upon, ALL military personnel will pick up a rifle and fight... so if you can't pass the test, you most likely wwon't be a good enough fighting machine.

Answer 3

There are a number of ways you can serve. Tennessee has an organization called "The Tennessee State Guard". It's a group of mostly retired service members that provide services for the National Guard when they deploy. Basically, they man the armory's when the guard deploys, but that covers a lot of territory. They also provide a link between family members and official services, such as the Family Support Group, The American Red Cross, and numerous military support organizations.
As mentioned above, AAFES, The American Red Cross, even Blood Assurance are great organizations to join.
You can also Volunteer to help out. Sounds silly, but if you can fix a broken water heater, busted pipe, broken air-conditioner, or a dead automobile, you can help a service members family thru a tough spot.

Answer 4

Well, I'm 50 and besides the fact I've already served in the Marines, I would like to see some of us show the young whelps how to do things. Don't get me wrong, the military is doing a very good job but there are those of us who have the know how and are willing to step in. Some of us are on our last leg and we'd love to have a chance to go out fighting for America but there are those of us that just can't cut it any more. Personally, I can't even walk to the end of the block and back without being out of breath and I have to walk with a cane but my heart is still in it. If they could prop me up as a sniper without having to run around, I'd love it.

Answer 5

No, because every service member is a combatant. (Chaplains are exempt).
You would have to be treated the same as everybody else. It's not fair to the others if you can't do what they do.

Their are ways you can serve though. There is AAFES ArmyAirForceExchangeService (PX) they deploy to Iraq and around the world and serve with the troops. There are Government Contractor positions and GS jobs that will take you so there are ways for older Americans to serve.

Thank You for wanting to help

Answer 6

In a way, this is happening. Through contracting (not the Blackwater style). A lot of admin jobs that soldiers once filled are being filled by civilian contractors, such as battalion admin clerks, company training clerks, garrison truck drivers and garrison supply clerks.

Most of these new contracted positions are low level GS jobs. That is good in some ways, bad in others.

Answer 7

Because the military doesn't have the market cornered on Geritol.
Seriously, I served in the Marines in Vietnam and called a recruiter during the Gulf war. Was told in a nice way they didn't want us old "jarheads" back. I agree with you. I wasn't expecting to go to the war. I thought I could free up a young man to go.

Answer 8

My theory is that you would enlisting as a junior enlisted person and as such all of your immediate superiors would be people younger than your own children, and I know that there is no way I'm taking orders from someone younger than my son.

Just a thought


EDIT; Thanks for the thumbs down but there is a truth behind my answer. The military prefers younger individuals because they are easier to train, more susceptible to accepting and following orders unquestioned. As an individual becomes older, around 30 or so, they become set in their ways, more stubborn and yes, more likely to question and even disobey orders from someone they perceive as being too young to give them orders....In short, they become a liability to the chain of command.

I get this information from my father, a retired Air Force recruiter.

Answer 9

The basic premise behind this it potentially everyone has to be able to fight.

Those older individuals who already in have to pass a yearly PFT.

Many cannot, and for those applying from the outside cannot.

Answer 10

As civilians they have some latitude. If an older person (say 50 plus) gets in, what rank do you give him? PFC? And some snotty 2nd Lt is going to tell him what to do? Won't work.