Direct Commission/Age Waiver

[LA MBA]

I am 44 years old and hold BA and MBA degrees. I work as a public sector manager. In 2004, I contacted an Army Cyber Recruiter (after hearing media reports about troop shortages) and inquired as to whether or not I could be of assistance. I was encouraged to apply for a direct commission with AMEDD (Army Reserve) as a Health Services Administrator. I completed all of the paperwork and passed a physical exam at MEPS in October of 2004. My packet was submitted to the commissioning board but, the age waiver was denied.

I am again hearing reports of troop shortages with the National Guard in Louisiana which is where I live. Considering that I hold an MBA and have a lot of management experience, are there any National Guard slots that can be filled through direct commission and have an age waiver process?

[usc1995]

I am in a similar positon. I'm 40 and live in Orange County, Ca and have my B.S. Degree from U.S.C. in Business Administration. Each branch of the military can set its own age standard even though Congress has amended our current laws. I don't want to seem like a complainer, but it's like the current situation we are now facing with our boarders and immigration-meaning, no one wants to act on the discrepancies and make them make sense. I need to stay out of politics. Sorry if I've offended anyone. I am just trying to serve my country.

H.R.1815 SEC. 543. INCREASE MAXIMUM AGE FOR ENLISTMENT.
Section 505(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking `thirty-five years of age' and inserting `forty-two years of age'.

[matthew.ritchie]

I am 44 years old and hold BA and MBA degrees. I work as a public sector manager. In 2004, I contacted an Army Cyber Recruiter (after hearing media reports about troop shortages) and inquired as to whether or not I could be of assistance. I was encouraged to apply for a direct commission with AMEDD (Army Reserve) as a Health Services Administrator. I completed all of the paperwork and passed a physical exam at MEPS in October of 2004. My packet was submitted to the commissioning board but, the age waiver was denied.

I am again hearing reports of troop shortages with the National Guard in Louisiana which is where I live. Considering that I hold an MBA and have a lot of management experience, are there any National Guard slots that can be filled through direct commission and have an age waiver process?

Unfortunately, you are too old for appointment as an officer in the Army National Guard. If you have prior service, you may be eligible for enlistment or appointment as a warrant officer.

[rud1]

hey guys,

i know your pain. i've posted here a number of times about the age issue (i'm 42 y/o). the army just doesn't want us old guys with multiple degrees, leadership/management experience, clean records and good health. i've written everybody on the face of the earth that i thought would help and i have come up empty. seems like we have to continue to doing our civ jobs and let the army do theirs. it is really funny, but i know a couple of grandmothers who have been sent over to iraq already. good luck.

[matthew.ritchie]

hey guys,

i know your pain. i've posted here a number of times about the age issue (i'm 42 y/o). the army just doesn't want us old guys with multiple degrees, leadership/management experience, clean records and good health. i've written everybody on the face of the earth that i thought would help and i have come up empty. seems like we have to continue to doing our civ jobs and let the army do theirs. it is really funny, but i know a couple of grandmothers who have been sent over to iraq already. good luck.

It doesn't matter what the Army wants, this age limit is based on federal law. Only your elected representatives have any chance of changing this.

Even though you cannot serve in a formal capacity, you still have an important role to play in national service. You can encourage others in different stages of life to contact a Recruiter to learn more about the Army National Guard.

[jpharris]

I have looked at the brochures provided by an ANG Recruiter in Virginia stating that the maximum age for the State OCS is thirty years (30) old. It says that a waiver is required for over thirty years (30) old. Is this still the case or has the Guard raised the age and to what? If it is the case in having to be thirty years (30) old, at what point is the application for the age waiver completed, before or after you enlist?

Also, the brochure did not give much indication of those “administrative” things that would take place between Oct and March prior to the start of a State OCS. Is there any way to getting a list of these things or seeing an example of a completed OCS packet?

Thank you

[matthew.ritchie]

I have looked at the brochures provided by an ANG Recruiter in Virginia stating that the maximum age for the State OCS is thirty years (30) old. It says that a waiver is required for over thirty years (30) old. Is this still the case or has the Guard raised the age and to what? If it is the case in having to be thirty years (30) old, at what point is the application for the age waiver completed, before or after you enlist?

Also, the brochure did not give much indication of those “administrative” things that would take place between Oct and March prior to the start of a State OCS. Is there any way to getting a list of these things or seeing an example of a completed OCS packet?

Thank you

By reg, the age limit is 30. NGB can waiver up to age 39 at time of commissioning. Effectively that is a rubber stamp now. I personally have never seen an age waiver denied.

[rud1]

Even though you cannot serve in a formal capacity, you still have an important role to play in national service. You can encourage others in different stages of life to contact a Recruiter to learn more about the Army National Guard.

Matthew Ritchie

Will be serving in the New York Guard (State Militia) and pushing for all to join the Guard, if qualified.

Rudy

[rmhemingway]

I am 39, prior service and currently working as a government contractor. I am completely cleared and have an extensive resume' of senior positions with the intelligence community. I have been pursuaded to contact you with the intentions of seeking a direct commision in the US Army MI corp. I have been assured the support of two general officers should this option be viable. I am ready to commit to any and all actions to make this happed ASAP. If I am in eligable I am equally open to the warrant officer program as a 350D.

[tom21229]

Check out AR 135-100 (APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONED AND WARRANT OFFICERS OF THE ARMY):
http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r135_100.pdf

This describes the application process for direct commissions in detail, including non-prior service applications.

(This is specifically or the Reserve Components, as series 135 of the Army regulations is for the Army National Guard and Reserve).

I know of someone who recently got a direct commission to the Army Reserves at age 41 with no prior service. He mentioned that the main drawback is that you have to do all the legwork on the application rather than the recruiter. Also, you really need to find a unit to support you to make the application feasible. For example, you will appear before a board and you will likely require an age waiver. Also, as mentioned in AR 135-100, the unit needs to ascertain that there is no one else who could fill the slot (hence the need for a direct commission). However, I am sure this will not be hard to find for an MI speciality.

Nonetheless, I would recommend the warrant officer route, especially if you are more intested in the technical aspects of military intelligence. You would have to attend Basic and then WOCS (about two months for the Guard), but you would likely be able to test out of WOBC with your MI experience. (This would otherwise require a few more months.) See
http://www.1800goguard.com/warrantofficer/woguide.pdf

Best,
Tom

[keithac84]

i dont understand why armed forces are so picky about who they will let in and military is smaller than it has been in 20 years and were at war right now im 22 years old and in very good shape and im in school and nobody will take me because i have police record from when i was 18 what the **** i made a mistake and i been out of trouble for four years i did something wrong but i paid for my mistake theres no other reason that they wont let me in you would think you would want people like me to fight your wars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mrfrench316]

tom to your knowledge have you heard regarding a possible age change of 42 to 44 within the national guard and if so what is the effective date.

[mrfrench316]

Can anyone help me with this question. To anyone knowledge has there been any recent change concerning the age increase from 42 to 44 for the National Gurad? Please help me with this info.

[?ARNG]

Can anyone help me with this question. To anyone knowledge has there been any recent change concerning the age increase from 42 to 44 for the National Gurad? Please help me with this info.

No recent change to 44 & no change anticipated. Unlesss of course, Congress decides to raise the age limit again. Which I seriously doubt will happen since, I believe, all the services have met or have mostly met their recruiting goals.

[mrfrench316]

is it possible to get a two yr wavier from the guard, I am 44yrs old. I have been trying for about the last 8-9 yrs to join the guard or reserves. the recruiters here where I live in WV could not seem to help me every time I went to them. I even ask can I be notify if there was any age changes and they never did. I am a Senior Member of Civil Air Patrol. Cpt.J L Childress

[Mac]

It doesn't matter what the Army wants, this age limit is based on federal law. Only your elected representatives have any chance of changing this.

Even though you cannot serve in a formal capacity, you still have an important role to play in national service. You can encourage others in different stages of life to contact a Recruiter to learn more about the Army National Guard.

So why can a Catholic Chaplain join up to age 50? That makes no sense...

[matthew.ritchie]

So why can a Catholic Chaplain join up to age 50? That makes no sense...

I didn't want to do this, but here's a nice boring lecture on officer personnel classification.

Officers are classified as Basic Branch or Special Branch. Basic Branch officers are those who earn their commissions through participation in a BOLC-I program (e.g., USMA, OCS, or ROTC, or direct appointed under a set of criteria different than described for Special Branch officers below). They are covered by a set of laws and regulations. These officers can command units in battle. Basic branch officers are the vast majority of the force. These are the career fields that you think of when you think about the Army: Infantry, Artillery, Quartermaster, Signal, Military Police, etc.

Special branch officers are direct appointed based on their professional qualifications -- chaplains, JAG lawyers, and AMEDD medical professionals. Since they will never command units in battle (AMEDD can command medical units, but these use weapons in defense of themselves and patients only, so it's of a different sort), they are appointed under a different set of laws and regulations. The law allows a higher age limit on Special Branch appointments, because the nature of their duties is different. Special Branch officers cannot be used outside of their career fields without special dispensation from the two-star chief of that career field. I can put a Signal officer into a Chemical slot, but I can't put a Nurse into anything other than a Nurse slot (or AMEDD immaterial slot).

I hope that's thorough enough for everyone.

[schristmasrn]

I just turned 42 y/o and have been working as a Registered Nurse for over 15 years. I have an ADN in Nursing, BA in Communications and recently completed a MBA in Health Care Administration. It is hard to believe that the military does not need my education, experience, and service. When in fact the civilian sector is using my services in great demand. I completed my enlistment in the Navy Reserve but never received a commission since I did not have a BSN in Nursing. I eventually went IRR. What the heck! I've not gotton a straight answer from any recruiter other than a BSN is required. I've even considered the MSC Program but now my age appears to be a problem. Does anyone have advice on my next step to get a reserve commission?

[MaineLawyer]

It doesn't matter what the Army wants, this age limit is based on federal law. Only your elected representatives have any chance of changing this.

Even though you cannot serve in a formal capacity, you still have an important role to play in national service. You can encourage others in different stages of life to contact a Recruiter to learn more about the Army National Guard.

Sir: As I stated in my private email to you, my state has submitted my packet to NGB and I'm 44. I don't doubt you, however, I cannot find the statute. Federal law on the active component is found in Title 10.

10 U.S.C. ss 532 states:

(a) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, an original appointment as a commissioned officer (other than as a commissioned warrant officer) in the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps may be given only to a person who--


(1) is a citizen of the United States;

(2) is able to complete 20 years of active commissioned service before his sixty-second birthday;

(3) is of good moral character;

(4) is physically qualified for active service; and

(5) has such other special qualifications as the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe by regulation.

Twenty years of commissioned service before 62, would mean 41.

The federal law on National Guard is found in Title 32. 32 USC ss 313, states in relevant part, "(b) To be eligible for appointment as an officer of the National Guard, a person must--


(1) be a citizen of the United States; and

(2) be at least 18 years of age and under 64.

Can you point me to the relevant law that states something contrary to the above or is this an interperative matter.

Obviously, I hope you are wrong. Our state folks have put a lot of time on my packet.

For everyone else, I had 13.5 years enlisted, leaving as an E-7 to go to law school.

Once again, thank you Major.

[never falter]

I am 44 years old and hold BA and MBA degrees. I work as a public sector manager. In 2004, I contacted an Army Cyber Recruiter (after hearing media reports about troop shortages) and inquired as to whether or not I could be of assistance. I was encouraged to apply for a direct commission with AMEDD (Army Reserve) as a Health Services Administrator. I completed all of the paperwork and passed a physical exam at MEPS in October of 2004. My packet was submitted to the commissioning board but, the age waiver was denied.

I am again hearing reports of troop shortages with the National Guard in Louisiana which is where I live. Considering that I hold an MBA and have a lot of management experience, are there any National Guard slots that can be filled through direct commission and have an age waiver process?

ANother possibility would be the national guard recruiting assistance program. You can find more info at
www.guardrecruitingassistant.com

[DACMAN]

I also hold two degrees, engineering, masters in business, and attempted to enlist after 9/11, but was told I was past the age limit. At the time I was 39. After reading the age had changed, I again attempted to apply, but again was turned down since I was now 44. I have for the last 12 years run my own business. I very gratefull for all the opportunity this country has given me. I am even more apreciative of our military for their efforts and sacrifices. I wish there was a larger voice than mine that could change a very bias mandate into one which would allow me to serve my country in the best way possible.

[b747dogg]

Quick questions.

1. What is the age and waiver age for OCS?
2. Also, I read that OCS can be broken up over weekends for a year and a half? This didn't seem right, but I thought I would ask.
3. What is the time frame from enlisting until reporting to your unit, for aviation (pilot) and infantry.

Thank you.

[matthew.ritchie]

Quick questions.

1. What is the age and waiver age for OCS?
2. Also, I read that OCS can be broken up over weekends for a year and a half? This didn't seem right, but I thought I would ask.
3. What is the time frame from enlisting until reporting to your unit, for aviation (pilot) and infantry.

Thank you.

1. Age at commissioning 39 or younger, with an NGB-level waiver.
2. Yes, the Traditional OCS program is one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer for 18 months. This starts AFTER completion of Basic Training, for those who haven't had it already.
3. My guess is that you mean how much time between OCS completion and start of BOLC. That varies greatly, but expect to start BOLC within 2-6 months after commissioning.

[b747dogg]

Quick questions.

1. What is the age and waiver age for OCS?
2. Also, I read that OCS can be broken up over weekends for a year and a half? This didn't seem right, but I thought I would ask.
3. What is the time frame from enlisting until reporting to your unit, for aviation (pilot) and infantry.

Thank you.

Ok, I found the answers to my questions above. Now my new question is how long is the Officer Basic Course for a 11b after finishing State OCS?

Thanks

[rarelibra]

1. Age at commissioning 39 or younger, with an NGB-level waiver.
2. Yes, the Traditional OCS program is one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer for 18 months. This starts AFTER completion of Basic Training, for those who haven't had it already.
3. My guess is that you mean how much time between OCS completion and start of BOLC. That varies greatly, but expect to start BOLC within 2-6 months after commissioning.

I'm afraid I've seen the age waiver for soldiers that were 40 and 41 years old. So the 39-year-old limit does not apply.

Also, keep in mind that only "traditional" OCS runs the 18-month length. They do have shorter programs that are 'condensed'.

And as far as BOLC (or the OBC component in general), you typically have one year past commissioning, waiverable up to two years.

Hope this helps.