Commissioning age limits, why?

I find the military to be a bit behind the times. I am in graduate school, I have a wealth of experience in this organization, strong ratings, and enough youth to make a positive and long-lasting impact. However, I am not able to commission because of an age limit despite all of the other desired qualities the military seeks in a commissioned officer. Where is the added value?

To me, I think age discrimination is inhibiting the military from allocating its best talent into optimal positions. Instead, there is an emphasis on ROTC cadets who generally have little experience to be pushed into leadership roles above those who possess the experience to make a stronger impact. The logic is beyond me.

Am I sour about not being able to progress into a capacity I feel best suited? I'd be a liar if I said no. Does that affect my professionalism? Not at all. I just hope more people like me stand up and fight for a chance to have more opportunity to switch and not be relegated to middle management for their entire career.

Currently 32, but it changes with the needs of the Army. What you are referring to is how long you can serve before your MRD. MRD is 28 for LTC and below, 30 years for Colonel, of federal commissioned service. There is a calculator on the HRC link, that will tell you specifically for your circumstances. I was prior service, and I did 30 years before I was 50.... I retired in 13 with 33 years/ 4 were enlisted.

http://www.goarmy.com/ocs.html

https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/reserve/soldierservices/guidance/mrdcalc.asp

It's similar to actuarial tables like insurance companies use. On the officer side, it's up or out under DOPMA. Also there are a number of specialties, mostly staff I believe, that have significant education, licensing, etc. that you have to get through, you don't have much service time left coming out of the pipe. Given the percentages that get dropped O-4 and above, they try to hit a sweet spot in age that any older, the odds start working against them. And... they don't like age diluting the pool. You won't find that written anywhere but I've seen it played out.