Over 40 and commissioned, it can happen

[MaineLawyer]

I'm 44 and was sworn in today as a 1LT in the JAG Corps. I have no prior commissioned service. It was not easy to get the waiver for age, but it is possible and did happen. I did serve 13.5 years enlisted, leaving the Army as an E-7 to attend law school. I have been out for 11 years.

So, it may be rare and it may be limited to special branches, but it can be done. I'm glad to be back.

[matthew.ritchie]

I hope this doesn't give people false hope that they can become basic branch platoon leaders past age 39. JAG, Chaplain, and Medical are covered under separate provisions of law and regulation.

[MaineLawyer]

Sir: I do not intend to give anyone false hope. However, I was told on here that it was impossible for JAG Corps applicants to be commissioned after 39. The law did not support that and I am now commissioned. It did require intervention from "on high" as the waiver was initially rejected. When I say "on high", I mean people with stars and more than one star.

My point in sharing the event is two fold: 1) This is a significant event in my military career and this is the forum to share it; and 2) folks who may be similarly situated to me should not give up hope prematurely.

There are different rules for the specialty branches. I am certain that if I were applying for infantry, artillary or signal, I would have been rejected.

I would encourage others to speak with their OSM on their individual situation. That is where it begins and could end if you do not qualify.

[Javier Lopez]

Recently, NGB published a new memorandum dated 11 feb 2008, (NGB-ARH-memo #08-007) regarding the new change for maximum age for initial appointment of Officers.

1. References:
a. (NGR) 600-100
b. DAPE-MPO Memorandum

2. Officer being appointed through State or Federal OCS or Direct Appointment may now be appointed up to age 41 years 364 days. Newly appointed basic branch officers must be sworn in and take oath of office before their 42d birthday.

3. NO AGE WAIVERS after that though.

4. Policy in efect until AR 350-1 nad NGR 600-100 are revised to reflect this requirement.

For as long as you can finish your 20 years before age 62 you are good to go.

[LT_77]

I recently met a 42 yr old and 45 yr old 2LT. One is a reservist, the other AD. Both had some prior service though. Not sure if any Guard LT's out there can top that.

[SteveLord]

Some rust on them butter bars? =)

[LT_77]

They were both new LT's...

The 42 yr old runs marathons and is as strong as an ox. Puts the young bucks to shame:eek:

[WO1 Quinones]

Interesting posts and its good to see that older, mature individuals can have the fortunate experience in coming in as a commissioned officer. Its rare and in special cases but nonetheless refreshing.

[cleerje]

I'm 46 with a B.A. in History and Political Science and an M.A in History.
I spent four years in the Marine Corps, so that makes my sign-up age 42.
Any chance I could still go to AOCS and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant?

[LT Rigoni]

I'm 46 with a B.A. in History and Political Science and an M.A in History.
I spent four years in the Marine Corps, so that makes my sign-up age 42.
Any chance I could still go to AOCS and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant?

Cleerje,

Unless you are looking for a specialty branch - Medical, Chaplain or JAG and you already have a suitable degree for one of those programs, you need to be commissioned by the age of 42.

Given your prior service, I would recommend you speak with your state Officer Strength Manager (OSM) but I'm tending to believe that the answer will still be 'no'. The way I undstand it - for OCS (basic branch) the commissioning age isn't a 'sign up age' it is a hard limit for age and it is not waiverable beyond 42.

If I am mistaken on this please, someone please correct me.

[LT_77]

Cleerje,

Unless you are looking for a specialty branch - Medical, Chaplain or JAG and you already have a suitable degree for one of those programs, you need to be commissioned by the age of 42.

Given your prior service, I would recommend you speak with your state Officer Strength Manager (OSM) but I'm tending to believe that the answer will still be 'no'. The way I undstand it - for OCS (basic branch) the commissioning age isn't a 'sign up age' it is a hard limit for age and it is not waiverable beyond 42.

If I am mistaken on this please, someone please correct me.

could be waiverable based on the 4 years active duty...that's just my thought