What advice do you have for a 38yo CNA who has a desire to enlist and serve her new country?

2018-11-17T15:36:52-05:00

About enlistment

I have a young female friend , who is my care provider thru the VA program they sponsor thru AVCC . she is a CNA and is looking forward to advancing her medical education and experience . Having been previously married to a service member , now divorced but wants to serve . SHE is 38 yrs. and has a daughter 10 yrs. Granted being originally from Brazil ,so her spoken and written English is passable Something I will be helping her with . I am not familiar with current military Enlistment parameters and requirements . Now she is a US citizen now with no criminal back ground Clean record only a recent traffic ticket . I personally find he of "good moral character" . Her desire to serve her new country , I applaud. any advice ?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 17 at 2018 4:01 PM

2018-11-17T16:01:14-05:00

SPC Ray Hicks: I am very interested in what you are saying. What does AVCC stand for? I need support/care/companionship in my home Ray, Specialist Hicks, can you help me with this?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2018 4:02 PM

2018-11-17T16:02:44-05:00

SPC Ray Hicks Here is information on age limits for each branch:

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/us-military-enlistment-standards-3354001

How Old Can You Be When Enlisting?

Each branch of the military has slightly different maximum age limits for those without prior enlistment, based on each service's individual needs.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Nov 17 at 2018 4:21 PM

2018-11-17T16:21:56-05:00

If she got her BSN, she can come in at 42. The AMEDD finds waivers for those they need.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 17 at 2018 4:38 PM

2018-11-17T16:38:38-05:00

I'm assuming that's a 2 year degree and if so she may need an age waiver. Have her contact a recruiter and see what she needs

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 17 at 2018 6:39 PM

2018-11-17T18:39:29-05:00

She needs to take a hard look at her life goals. Aiming for 20years especially with the new PT test we are looking at does not have alternate events will be challenging. Maybe serving one term, investing heavily into the blended retirement, getting out, and using her GI Bill might be a better idea. She will need a care plan for her daughter, someone to provide care for her if deployed, and considering she close to being a teenager, not certain I would want to be away if a single parent as my child reaches their teen years. National Guard might be an option or the reserves. She can also serve her country in the public health services, especially if she gets a medical or nursing education. Benefits are the same as regular military and generally you only deploy if you want. In fact, you have to job search for PHS and generally stay in that location as long as you want. I honestly would recommend against her enlisting active duty at that age with a child close to teen years. Her daughter needs her more than the US military does.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 17 at 2018 11:52 PM

2018-11-17T23:52:22-05:00

SPC Ray Hicks with accessions targets all over the place, I recommend your friend see a recruiter from the Guard, Reserve, and Active Components. https://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/becoming-a-soldier/working-with-a-recruiter.html

Working With an Army Recruiter

You can either work with a recruiter at an Army recruiting center or through email to answer your questions. The recruiting process can seem intimidating but working with a recruiter face to face is the best way to find Army jobs and service options that fit best for you.