Old Guys

[jwbodine]

Old Guys

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I am 45 yrs young and strongly considering joining the Guard. I have 6 years active duty and 3 years in the reserve. I have been to meps, re-taken the asvab, and gotten my high speed over 40 physical. I am torn between reclass to 25s or 33w and trying to get an agr supply or other job. Would like to hear if there are any other old s.o.b.'s out there who have recently done the same thing. I think I can whip myself back into decent shape in relatively short order, just more worried about the rigors of a 39 or 40 week active duty ait, as things have changed a bit since I was an 18 or 20 year old. While in the reserve I went through and graduated drill sergeant academy in Michigan, but still feel pretty rusty as I try to recall d&c, etc... Anyone?

Thaks in advance, JW

[matthew.ritchie]

While I personally have not faced your situation, I've spoken with others who have. You've mentioned some of the challenges that older Soldiers face, but perhaps you haven't considered the advantages that you have. You have greater maturity and experience (civilian experience can still serve you well in the military). While you may not have the same energy as a 20 year old, you probably can accomplish more, because you won't waste as much effort as an inexperienced person would. I'm sure you also have a greater emotional maturity, so if drill sergeant yells at you, you won't have a breakdown -- you realize it's just all part of the process, and take it in stride.

Traditionally, older Soldiers such as yourself don't get the same level of "attention" as the younger Soldiers, because the cadre realize that you're not likely to do anything stupid or careless. They'll have a greater level of trust in you. Your younger Soldiers will probably keep their distance at first, but will soon warm up to you when they see that you're squared away, and know solutions to common problems.

Best wishes!

[jwbodine]

Thank you Sir, your reply is encouraging.

[mayo]

jwbodine I'm 47 yrs young and have joined the NYANG. I have 16 yrs prior AF/ANG service and was out for 13 yrs. I enlisted in jan 07 as an Automated Logistical Specialist. I've been to drills with my unit but I am not yet MOSQ. I am scheduled for the warrior transition course in August. Luckily for me I'm in construction and I stayed in half way decent shape so when I started to train for wtc it hasn't been as bad as I expected. I'm in a quartermaster unit and was initially told that I would be in training for 11 weeks but now I am hearing it will not be that long. I can go on drill weekends or 2 weeks at Ft Dix and 2 weeks at Ft Lee, Va Good Luck to you!!!

[ESEMARE]

Greetings everyone, I'll be 40 in a few months & I'm in good shape for a guy my age, I lift weights, mma, swim etc. but it's not the shape that was in @ 20 or even 28 for that matter.:D

Last week I went for a two mile run & did it in 19 minutes but huff & puffed alot along the way but I did it.....I never been a big fan of long distance running since football in HS. but I know that it's something that I'll need to do.

Lest to say the next day the instep of my feet were aching along with my shins, is this normal when you first start back... I mean does your body just need to adjust?

I want to join a infantry unity here as a matter of fact they have a few infantry units and one has cav scouts & the other is airborne, I'm hoping for an airborne slot.

Whaddaya's think?

I'll duck.:D

[mayo]

airborne esemare at 40. you're a better man than me. but if you can get in shape go for it. as for the pain after your run that will go away as your body gets used to the workout.