For what MOS should I reenlist if I want to serve with people in my own age group?

2021-01-23T10:32:47-05:00

I am currently within my reenlistment window. I need a change from the Military Police. My reasons are:
I am currently a fire LT/paramedic and not a police officer.
No interest in law enforcement.
There is a huge disparity in age between myself and younger soldiers

About me:
52 years old (had a break in service)
Excellent physical condition (APFTs above 290)
Enjoy medical training and teaching

I would like to reclass as a medic, but would also like to serve with soldiers who are closer in age group. My current unit has left a bad taste and I feel that since the command condones their behavior it will continue OTH. Plus it's, far away from HOR. Does anyone have an idea that would fit the bill. Otherwise I would end up throwing 15 years away, which I do not want to do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2021 11:01 AM

2021-01-23T11:01:32-05:00

Truth is there isn’t an MOS that will fit your age group so to speak. 68W seems to be what you’re wanting and “generally” that MOS has an older crowd but upward mobility isn’t really there. Best of luck!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2021 11:42 AM

2021-01-23T11:42:57-05:00

There isn't an MOS that is generally composed of an more mature age. I am a Captain and I am about ten years senior to my peers. You will just have to strive to be successful in whatever the environment is. I honestly don't know anyone your age in the Army. I have seen it a few times in the National Guard.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2021 2:14 PM

2021-01-23T14:14:45-05:00

I would suggest a white collar MOS. I don't think you are going to find an MOS biased toward an older crowd.

You are E6 promotable. Can you get a 1SG slot once you pin E7? Then at the Company level you only have to deal with the young commander.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jan 23 at 2021 3:11 PM

2021-01-23T15:11:04-05:00

I don't think there is an MOS that is comprised of older individuals. I think every MOS is going to have a mixture of younger and older individuals.

Honestly I've served with people younger than me who were more mature than people my age or older than me. It just depends on the people and the unit.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 23 at 2021 4:16 PM

2021-01-23T16:16:12-05:00

The military is mostly young people. The Pyramid gets narrower at the top. The only place I served that was mostly older people was in the G shops for Wing/Division headquarters and there were still plenty of folks under 50. You are close to the top of the age pyramid and that’s just the reality of the modern military. Lots of younger people.

But if you are wanting an MOS change you will need to just sit down and see what is available. What’s in your area and what allows a lateral move as a SSgt. You may be limited in your choices but just make an inquiry and see what’s out there

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2021 7:58 PM

2021-01-23T19:58:03-05:00

You are so correct in thinking that getting out at this point is not an option. Just the retirement medical benefits alone are worth sticking it out for another five years. Many people when they're younger don't realize how important those medical benefits are. Maybe some of your fellow soldiers will have their end of obligated drilling time come up or some supervisor/officer personnel that are now overlooking the problem issues will quit or retire. Or there may be something else that breaks the status quo. Maybe you can volunteer to do regular medical training for the MP's to make them more proficient in emergencies. Maybe you could turn into the unit medical person (without changing your MOS) if there are no medics assigned. What I am trying to say is maybe you can negotiate with your chain of command for something like that. They especially might be willing to go along with it if it would make them look good in their fitness or evaluation reports or whatever the Army calls them.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 23 at 2021 8:55 PM

2021-01-23T20:55:50-05:00

You won't find a 52 year old MOS. The people in your age group will be fellow NCOs.

If you have your national EMT certification, you may transition fairly easily to 68W. There are other options in many fields, but you really didn't share much about what you like to do or are interested in.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 23 at 2021 10:12 PM

2021-01-23T22:12:06-05:00

That ship has sailed...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2021 11:59 PM

2021-01-23T23:59:28-05:00

Unless there is a unit out there that is staffed with ONLY 45+ aged people.....that isn't going to happen.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2021 12:17 PM

2021-01-24T12:17:22-05:00

Try Civil Affairs, it can merge your civilian and military jobs.
You're always going to find younger Soldiers, but CA may be a good spot for what you're looking for.
1SG Private RallyPoint Member can advise I'm sure

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 24 at 2021 12:49 PM

2021-01-24T12:49:16-05:00

How about applying for a Warrant Officer position? You might require an age waiver, but otherwise it looks like a WO job in the medical field might work out for you.

The age of Soldiers in any Reserve Unit or MOS probably averages out about the same across the force. You could look for some statistics from HRC or Reserve Command. They might be able to provide median or average age of Soldiers in a certain MOS, Reserve or Active.

I see you have a bachelors degree. You could apply for a commission. Again the age thing may decrease you chance of success.

Also, I like SSgt Addison R. suggestion of looking at other Reserve Component units. The Air Force Reserve and Guard have firefighter units. They might be glad to have a person with your education, training and experience.

I see you're promotable to SFC. At that rank, I don't know that being "older" is a disadvantage. You'll be a Senior NCO and should move into superintendent type positions.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 12:09 AM

2021-03-24T00:09:31-04:00

sounds like 68w is what you want. BUT army is a young mans game. in the guard, you can work with readiness to find a unit with a vacancy and coordinate a tranfer to fill the slot and reclass