Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 1/22/2010

Question
We are wondering which branch of service might be best for us.  My husband is looking - he has a varied background.  Most importantly, he is 39 and I have heard some branches have the 40 yr old cut-off.  He is incredibly strong like an ox :-)
He is currently a commissioned Deputy Sheriff; he went back to Academy this year and should graduate within the next month with honors and be OPATA certified; he has a passion and talent for construction (20 yrs experience in various positions: superintendent/project management/marketing/sales/grunt work/etc.); he has a passion for coaching (has been a wrestling coach and asst. football coach/trainer for many yrs); his collegiate background is 5 yrs 130+ hrs w/ 2 class short of bachelor of arts in youth ministry - church history and 1 math class); he has been a youth minister; he has an abundance of community service and related organizations (American Red Cross Instructor, Church-related volunteer, performing volunteer oil changes, volunteer youth mentoring/teaching, etc). He loves continuing ed and would probably do much more if funds allowed.
He is amazingly strong as an ox! His commanders say "just shoot and call for backup" if you see him coming... yet he has a calm and reserved demeanor with a (respectfully) commanding presence.  Can he enter as an officer and what benefits or job positions might fit his background?
Thanks!
Confused about Military Branches/Benefits/Jobs

Answer
Dear AFirst --

All service members receive the same pay and benefits at the same rank for similar specialties.  Pilots, doctors, nurses, and lawyers often receive a professional salary augmentation.  Service members in a war zone receive combat or hazardous duty pay.

All services are accepting recruits up to age 42, if they otherwise meet the mental, physical and moral attributes required of enlistment.

To go to officer candidate school (OCS), or otherwise receive a commission, the recruit must have a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in the United States.  "Two classes shy of a degree" means no degree, and no OCS or direct commissioning option.  If he completes those classes and gets an accredited degree, he would be eligible to be an officer.  However, he would need an age waiver in that case, because officers are required to receive their commission prior to turning 35 years of age, if they had no prior enlisted service.

Currently the Army and Marine Corps have the biggest requirement for recruits, but there are openings in the Navy and Air Force for recruits with the right skills or mental attributes.  Your husband should visit a local recruiter to determine if any enlistment options interest him.

Please write back, if you have additional questions or concerns.  Good luck to you and your family.