In June, five months after it raised the enlistment age limit from 35 to just shy of 40, the Army raised it to just under 42.
To accommodate the older soldiers, the Army has lowered the minimum physical requirements needed to pass basic training.
The first group of older recruits is going through basic training here. So far, only five people 40 and older -- and 324 age 35 and older -- have enlisted, Army records show.
I knew they bumped up the age limit, but I didn't know they were going to bump down the physical requirements. How do you feel about them letting the older recruits get through with lowered requirements?
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I will be joining at the age of 41 if the army permits me. Four weeks ago I started running for the first time in more than 12 years. I also started doing situps and pushups. I now do the 2 mile in 16 flat, down from 17:30 when I first started. I think sub 15 will happen for me. I have 6 years prior service but got out 18 years ago. I want to continue my exercise program and increase the intensity over the next couple months to make sure my body will hold up. I want to finish up my last 14 years and don't want any doubts abouts my body holding up. So far so good. At my age I would consider it a real blessing to be allowed to join. I know there are many over 40 men and women that can do it but it must be a shocking idea to those that have never served. To the older folks that are on the fence I ask. Have you ever heard people say they are sorry they joined? I only hear from people that they are happy they served and many say that it was the best decision they ever made. That goes for me too. I know many people over 40, even 50 that work back breaking jobs everyday. Many of you can do many jobs in the army. There may be times that you will do them under extreme circumstances but it is not going to be for an entire enlistment. I aim to prove to the army that they made the right chioce in extending the age limit so the army and others that follow me will benefit.
