I'm a 24 year-old guy, and am thinking of joining the army/military here in the U.S. Yes, a bit old, but I'm really determined. But if and when I do get in, is it possible for my platoon leaders to be younger than me?
Is it possible to have a 20 or 21 year old being my leader, and I have to follow his orders?
I don't know. If I'm 30 or older, following someone slightly younger is not a problem. But at 24, following someone who's 21 is kinda humiliating...
2007-10-13 14:46:20 · 14 answers · asked by euges115 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
You need to lighten up.
Not only might your platoon leader be younger than you. But many of your NCOs will be younger than you.
What you need to remember is that they are much more experienced and better trained than you will be.
You, at 24 years will have about 12 weeks of basic and advanced training.
Your 22 year old platoon leader will have 4 years of ROTC with 4 three month summers of extensive leadership training IN ADDITION to the same training you have.
Your E-5 and E-6 NCOs might be younger than you or about your age, but in todays Army they are likely to have at least one combat tour under their belt IN ADDITION to the same training you have.
I think you will find that it really doesn't matter once you have been through basic and AIT. The one thing you will know is how much you truly don't know -- and you will want their experience around you.
2007-10-13 15:18:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My son is in the exact same position. He just turned 27 and has been in the Army for two years. Many of his platoon leaders are younger than he is. It is only because they joined when they were so much younger than he was. It's no big deal. Someone has to lead, someone has to follow. Just do it.
2007-10-13 21:55:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Didn't you ask this question before?
When you join the military--enlisted, you promise to obey the orders of the officers above you. It doesn't say anything about them having to be older than you.
At 24, it's your job to follow the orders of somebody 21 if they're in charge
If you have a problem with that, I would respectfully suggest that you not join..
2007-10-13 22:24:29 · answer #3 · answered by gugliamo00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
man, i was 30 when i enlisted. The oldest guy in training, the same age as some of the drill sergeants. They took care of me and got me through, than in my first unit, my lt was 23 and my platoon sergeant was 24, how do you think i felt. I realized the truth of my situation, did my job and had no issues dealing with younger leaders. they will treat you in part of how you act. If you act 18, they will treat you as an 18year old, even if your 30. all is good.
2007-10-13 22:39:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you join the service, almost definitely you will be called upon to follow the orders and be under the authority of those younger than you, both enlisted and officer.
Just picture the situation of the 35-year-old E-7 and the 22-year-old 2nd lieutenant...
2007-10-13 21:52:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well Sport
In the military -- age doesn't play a dollar of difference against actual rank !! Whatever YOUR age -- you will be expected to follow orders from whomever is in charge -- even if they are 18 !!! I have seen situations where men of mid 30's with outrageous service records were under the command of officers barely out of college !! Ten foot tall and bulletproof -- in charge and ready to "fill you in about it all" !!
So, that is a part of the Marvelous World of Stripes and Bars !!! Be ready to "suck it up" or don't bother signing the dotted line !!!
2007-10-13 21:58:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Platoon leaders can be younger than the subordinates since there are officers assigned to platoons who are new graduates of the military academies.
2007-10-13 21:54:08 · answer #7 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it's possible. But that's not the point - the point is how well trained they are and how willing you are to follow orders. Age doesn't matter so much as ability, training and military bearing. It's not humiliating for anyone unless you screw up. Sounds to me like you need to mature a bit.
2007-10-14 10:01:43 · answer #8 · answered by ArmyWifey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this bothers you> You shouldn't be in a combat team. Training is the ultimate save lives thing. A 17 teen year old man (when he joined) with 8 years training and prob. experience will cause you to come home without an injury !??? You have to be mature enough to know you don't know? Before you can know.
2007-10-13 22:01:24 · answer #9 · answered by Leroy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you can be 50 following a 20 year old in the military. if your uncomfortable with that I say don't join. But if you think about it that's with any job in life even in college your professor can be younger than you!
2007-10-13 22:12:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋