Active and Retired military only?

Question

I am 41 years old. I applied for active duty with no prior military experience. I was denied for my age and because I have 4 children. Was stated" The military will not pay for that many dependants, its too expensive". You have 2 strikes, your age and kids, wouldnt let go. What is your opinion on this?

For those that do ask the question, I am divorced. My education is extensive, and the grade of enlistement would have been the highest. As for taking orders from a younger officer, we do that every day in regular jobs. I went in order to serve my country, since the younger generation wont. Im not old, and I can still fight for the rights of this country.

Wiliam B, thats funny, war is a young mans game. Dont know your age, but your a woosy, and even at 41, I would bury you. I dont want answers from those that have never served or are not currenty serving. This is a honest question.

I want to add one last detail, my father is retired US Marines. He is in his 70's and was requested back in 2001, and 2003. So in my opinion, age is not an issue.

Answer 1

Who denied you? Was it the recruiters or was a waiver submitted? Usually the reason for disapproval is the amount of kids that you have. You will be unable to make it with the pay that you would receive with the amount of kids that you have.

Email me for more questions.

SSG Schramm
US Army 15 years
OIF 2003
US Army Recruiter 2.5 years current

Answer 2

I would speak to a different recruiter/someone else in charge. There are age waivers out there - not sure exact requirements - as far as dependants that's bunk. There are many AD soldiers with 3-4 kids or more! However if you are the single custodian that can work against you if you have joint custody and can leave them with wife while at training they might work with you. The Army pays a set rate for BAH and BAS (housing and subsistence/food) with or without dependants. Children do not adversly affect your credit score - PUHLEEZE and that really has nothing to do with joining the military.

I would go to the recruiter and talk to them again - ask to see the regulations in writing, offer to take a pt test (go/no go), with a BS you should come in as an E-4 or possibly higher with a Masters. Either that or ask about the OCS option.

Best of luck and even if it doesn't work out thanks for being willing!

Answer 3

I know Army OSUT is longer than Marine Boot camp. So it bothers me when people say Marines have the longest Boot. My Basic was 4.5 months long. It was Basic Combat Training with some classes mixed in here and there. Very rarely were we away from the DI's. And just because someone thinks one branch is better trained doesn't mean assault doesn't happen. Better trained at what? Getting away with it? I know I can't comment on USAF training, never been through it. Yes I have family members currently active in ALL branches, but I also know all Bases, Posts, Camps, Forts are differetn, just as every chain of command is different. We had completely different rule and living life style from Europe to the one Fort I was stationed at in the states.

Answer 4

There more to this than you having 4 kids and being at the age limit. The 4 kids comes into play because that plays on your credit report you may have a sub par rating and you be a single parent or you are divorced and have dual custody either way that is against you. Look man I ret from the navy almost 8yrs ago when I was 40 you had your chance when you were my age and now you missed the boat look try the reservers but other than that thanks for applying and step aside for a younger and no debit person.

Answer 5

The Army has the highest allowable age at 41. I don't know about the "too many dependents, too expensive" deal as your pay does not go up based on additional dependents. The military does not accept for enlistment single custodial parents.

Answer 6

They feel it's a needed policy. I volunteered to come back on active duty from the retired list within days of the attack on America. But, Federal law prohibits it past age 60 unless you are a physician or a flag grade or general grade officer.

Answer 7

The military doesn't pay for dependents per say but they do give you and increased housing and food allowance.

As for the age, I know of atleast two people I work with who have come back to active duty from the Reserves and it is a tough thing for them to deal with. They are about 45 each and have a hard time dealing with people younger and higher ranking than them.

Answer 8

I don't know what they mean about dependants. They pay a single, fixed rate for BAH for with dependants, no matter how many you have.

As for your age, that is a little old to be thinking about initial entry. You realise you would be in basic training with guys who could be your son? And those are the drill instructors!

Answer 9

perfectly logical. junior enlisted salaries SUCK.

with no prior service the absolute HIGHEST you can be offered(with college credits, is E3. An E3 with less than 2 years in makes $1500 a month. with a family of six, can you HONESTLY say you can afford to maintain a home for them on less than $1500/month? BAH in at least half the cases is NOT sufficient to secure adequate housing. at bare minimum, you'd need a 3 BR home. Waiting lists for military family housing are longest for 3 and 4 BR units and can be in excess of 2 years long.

It's for your protection, they don;t want to see you in a financial bind because of military service.

ETA: since you are divorced, you are considered a SINGLE PARENT. that makes you ineligible for enlistment period, regardless of age or number of dependents. if you have any sort of custody whatsoever, you are considered a single parent.

BTW you don;lt say which Branch.. but at 41 your only option is Army. you are too old for everyone else's age cut off. Try the National Guard, you may have a shot there.

Answer 10

Your age is one, and there is a regulation about how many children you have which dates back to WW II, its not cost, your a father of four that's the reason.