I’m working with a recruiter and planning on joining at age 33. Any older enlistees have any advice?

I also joined at 33 and it wasn’t difficult physically (but now that I’m 42 I can tell the Army has been hard on my body and that’s why I just left active duty a few months ago for the reserves). What I didn’t like from my personal experience was getting roasted by all the guys because I was “old”. I did have a hard time socializing because all the guys my age were SFC OR 1SG’s and all the guys my rank had an average age of 22.

Basic training at 33 was an unusual experience because you’re a grown man and being treated like a kid. But overall it was a good experience.

I came in as a E-4 with a college degree because I got the student loan repayment in my contract (and it wasn’t an option if I went officer). So I got my loans paid off.

Being in the Army is something I’ll never regret and I’m actually glad I did it older because it gave me perspective that the guys right out of high school didn’t have. They were spending their mi eu as fast as it came in and I was saving.

The only thing I hated (being single) was living in the barracks. Doesn’t matter what age you are as a E-4 you’ll be in the barracks if you’re single and it was liking living in a frat house and at 33 I did not want that nonsense.

I like older recruits. They seem to appreciate a paycheck and benifits. Make SSG as fast as you can and apply for warrant officer if it suits you.

This question was asked yesterday,
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-advice-would-you-give-someone-who-is-joining-the-national-guard-at-29-years-of-age

My comment on the bottom, links to the PT Standards within Basic/AIT and the Operational Army. The sum of your question is, train in physical fitness to surpass the minimum requirements and the rest is to be open to coaching and training.

Yes at 33 years old, you have a lot of life experience, and yes at 33 it will probably suck being told what to do by someone 10+ years younger than you but you need to get over it. Life experience and military experience are two separate entities. Take your licks and conduct yourself as a professional and you will be a leader in no time.