How old were you when you enlisted?

SSG Cory Bacon — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:04:22 -0500

I know most people are probably in the 17-20 range when they enlist, but some people wait until later in life to make the commitment. For most of my adult life, I was out of shape, overweight and was still in the child-bearing phase of my marriage. Now, I'm in the best shape of my life, and lost over 50 pounds just to enlist and make that commitment. I know it's going to be hard leaving my family soon, but at 28, I feel like I'm the most prepared I've ever been.

I guess that's where my question comes in. I feel like in going to be one of the oldest people at training, so I'm just curious how old everyone was when they enlisted, and if you were older, if you found it an advantage or a disadvantage being one of the older ones.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 10:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:13:31 -0500

17. Couldn't wait to leave home.

Response by SPC Ryan D. made Feb 18 at 2015 10:18 AM

SPC Ryan D. — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:18:29 -0500

I was 18 when I arrived at basic. That said, we had soldiers in their late 30's and one as old as 42 at the time. It wasn't uncommon to run into older newly enlisted folks while I was in.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 18 at 2015 10:24 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:24:37 -0500

I technically enlisted at 17 under the Delayed Entry Program and my parents had to sign the papers and still to this day the best decision I ever made.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 10:28 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:28:49 -0500

I was 20.

We had a female in Basic that was maxed out at age 35. She kicked a$$. DS called her "Grandma". The nerve! Lol

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 10:35 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:35:04 -0500

I was 17, we had another kid that was 17 in my boot camp company as well. We had a 26 year old guy in our company. He was like our grandpa. I think we even called him gramps. 26 seemed old to me then. That's funny now because 26 seems like just a kid to me now. Sheesh I'm getting old.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Feb 18 at 2015 10:35 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:35:46 -0500

I was 19 when I enlisted, looking for a new start in life did I find it 25 years and 3 days later. Well worth the Duty Honor Country time served.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 18 at 2015 10:36 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:36:55 -0500

I was 17 when I enlisted in 1962. We had older prior service members in basic training and they did very well. They were more mature and took things seriously and physically had little problems. You will be just fine.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 18 at 2015 10:40 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:40:21 -0500

15 Feb 80, so I was 19.... :) The drill sergeants asked me daily if I had called my mom to tell her I had joined the Army... as she was probably looking for me...

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 18 at 2015 10:43 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:43:39 -0500

I was 17 years old when I stood on those yellow footprints on the cold night of 26 August 1975 --- and I was sure I wouldn't survive the night! :-)

Response by SPC Grace Belen made Feb 18 at 2015 10:43 AM

SPC Grace Belen — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:43:52 -0500

I was 30 when I shipped to basic. One of the advantages (for me anyway) was that I didn't have to adjust as much to having a "disciplined" life compared to those who came in very young and has never had a real job or responsibilities (I don't mean any disrespect). One of the disadvantages is that you'll have drill sergeants who are younger than you, and that might take some getting used to. I had never had to answer to anyone younger than me, and it took some adjusting.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 10:54 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:54:41 -0500

I signed up 10 days after my 18th birthday. 9/11 happened 3 weeks after I signed up.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 18 at 2015 11:03 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 11:03:24 -0500

17 when I signed the line, 18 when I arrived at BMT.

Response by Sgt Mark Ramos made Feb 18 at 2015 11:07 AM

Sgt Mark Ramos — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 11:07:12 -0500

I was 19, but my younger brother joined recently. He went through boot at age 40. He had the maturity and confidence to enjoy it much more than I did. He made honor grad for the entire graduating class. You'll do better and get more out of it than the young guys, with the right attitude.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 18 at 2015 11:58 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 11:58:27 -0500

I was 17 when I signed up. 18 when I shipped. We had a guy in Bootcamp who was 32 though.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 1:21 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 13:21:15 -0500

18 for me

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 2:30 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:30:27 -0500

Which time would you like? 17 the first time. 33 the second time.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 2:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:50:59 -0500

I was 24. I turned 25 in Basic.

Enlisting at 18 would have killed me, and at 24 I was 3 lbs underweight. We soon corrected that problem....

Response by PO1 Joan (Tipka) (Plummer) Fisher made Feb 18 at 2015 3:13 PM

PO1 Joan (Tipka) (Plummer) Fisher — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:13:35 -0500

I was 22 years old and didn't really like the college scene. I was Born and raised an Army BRAT and really missed the military. It was great being a bit older and more mature. Also allowed me to go to establishments without the under 21 crowd while in "A" school

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 4:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 16:10:34 -0500

I was 30 when I enlisted. For me it was a great experience and to be honest I would do it again today at age 38. Being older had advantages and disadvantages. A "HUGE" disadvantage was when I was selected as platoon sergeant. I have no problem being a leader or in charge because I ran my own crew of about 50 employees at my civilian job. TOTALLY different situation in basic training. Yes I was respected just for being older but eventually my platoon realized that I couldn't really do anything when they didn't follow instructions. I never asked or told them to do anything that our drill sergeant didn't order or insist us to do. We were all pretty much the same rank so I had no authority other than going to the drill sergeant and telling on them. I hated and refused to go that route. It took some time but eventually I learned how to manage and motivate them to accomplish and succeed in whatever the drill sergeant wanted. I learned so many valuable lessons that I use still to this day. The best and most IMPORTANT lesson for me was to ask for and actually listening to suggestions my fellow soldiers had about whatever we were we ordered to do. If at all possible I would apply their ideas to the tasks and for the most part our platoon became one of the best and most disciplined group our drill sergeants ever trained. What I'm saying is that its crucial to make sure you are always willing to listen to and put forth real effort in allowing your fellow soldiers to make decisions and be able to help the group be successful. NEVER think that just because you are in charge, that they are are below you and their opinions dont matter. That is the fastest way to failing and not ever gaining the respect it takes to be successful. Its human nature and pretty much always a given fact for the majority of people to think that they can do a better job, lead, and make better decisions than the person or persons who are in leadership positions over them. That may be true in some of the cases but if they aren't willing to realize, accept, and incorporate the ideas and opinions of those who work for them then they will never be a stand out leader who people respect and want to work for. Most people say they want leadership opportunities but when given the chance and dont allow their workers to give feedback or be willing to try their ideas and forcing them to do something just the leadership way or its wrong, find out that its much harder and more stressful to be a successful leader. Now an advantage of me being older was that I got to be able to help and teach younger soldiers things I knew and had learned through real life experience of the same or similar situations I had already done or lived through. It feels great to know how and be able give advice and it benefits them in a good way. I will end on this note- ANYONE CAN BE PLACED IN CHARGE. ONLY THOSE PEOPLE WHO ALLOW AND ENCOURAGE THEIR SUBORDINATES TO THINK AND APPLY THEMSELVES INDEPENDENTLY FOR THE BETTER OF THEIR GROUP WILL BE A RESPECTED AND HONORABLE LEADER THAT FUTURE LEADERS LOOK UP TO AND WANT TO BE LIKE.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Feb 18 at 2015 4:21 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 16:21:08 -0500

My original enlistment was at the young age of 17 and lasted until the age of 25. However, after becoming disillusioned with the military in general and the Army specifically I left the military service. I re-enlisted at the age of 35 back in 1999 after and after an 11 hiatus served an additional 3 years. The only reason I am not still serving is because I was diagnosed with degenerating discs in my lower back and was unable to successfully maintain weight standards. Given the opportunity I would still be serving my country proudly. Best wishes for your military career.

C. Brown

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 4:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 16:25:46 -0500

28 yrs old when I joined

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 4:44 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 16:44:58 -0500

I enlisted while I was 17 into the DEP on Sept 14, 1984. I finished high school, turned 18, and was standing on yellow footprints 19 days later, Sept 3, 1985.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 18 at 2015 9:35 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 21:35:22 -0500

I was not given the chance to make the dicision on my own, last year of the draft got me.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 10:12 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 22:12:17 -0500

SSG Cory Bacon, I was thirty and had my fair share of doubters as I enlisted. I had finally made it a point to set a deadline for this dream, and not only did I see it through but I succeeded beyond expectations. Being older was an asset, as was being a military spouse and knowing how to cope despite the distance from family. My best advice is to accept the fact that you're likely to be in a position of leadership and truly own it. It has served me well. Don't be one of those people who tries to hide. Congrats and good luck to you!

Response by SFC Rodrick Carter made Feb 18 at 2015 10:19 PM

SFC Rodrick Carter — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 22:19:00 -0500

I was 17 when I enlisted. It was my senior year of high school, only days away from graduation. My parents had to sign for me and I was in the delayed entry program over the summer. I actually turned 18 three days into basic training. I have spent most of my adult life in the military and I'm glad that I left when I did. I retired at 20 years 4 days and I was home at 38 working on a second retirement while still young enough to do so.

As far as the age difference, we all come from different backgrounds and walks of life. I have seen both sides of the coin having enlisted at a young age and having had Soldiers that were in there mid thirties. Being older has its advantages when it comes to supporting your family and being disciplined because you have a deeper sense of responsibility. It can be a disadvantage if you are stuck in your ways and not willing to conform to the military lifestyle. The military is not a job, its a lifestyle.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 12:07 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:07:53 -0500

18, I know in that 17-20 range but I'm very proud to start my military life bright and early

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 12:12 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:12:14 -0500

I was 18 when I enlisted. I turned 19 in Basic Training and served 4 years and then I separated in 1994. Ten years later I commissioned (turned 33 in OTS) and, God willing, will retire after I hit 20 years. My husband, who I met when I was enlisted, retired after 22 years.

Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Feb 19 at 2015 2:00 AM

SSG Sean Garcia — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 02:00:24 -0500

17 and even though I couldn't grow facial hair at the time, I was still required to shave. Haha. Good times