You are here:
Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Reserve opportunities
Advertisement
Question
I am 38 years old and self-employed in a production industry and live in Northwest Alabama. I have employees, but have had to cut back with the economy so I have to be there a big part of the time. That being said I am beginning to worry about the future, retirement and such for my family and myself. I also feel guilty that I never went back and pursued my dream of being a Navy pilot. I went to enlist some 19 years ago but because of a fresh football knee injury the recriuter told me I could do anything but be a pilot. Whether that was true or not he was authority and I was raised to respect that. I would love to serve my country. However, with my business, two kids and wife I may be asking a lot. I would also like to be trained in the military as a pilot, fixed wing or rotor before trying in the private sector. Are there extended basic programs or are basics 8 weeks and 8 weeks only? Does where I am located limit my choices? What branch/es will still take me at 38? Is flight even an option? Thank you in advance. Everett Chandler
Everett:
You are only eligible to enlist into the Army National Guard at this point. You are too old for pilot training. If you do not have at least a BA or BS degree, you are also not qualified to fly, as you have to be an officer. Most reserve/guard pilots are former active duty who do their time and transfer.
Talk to a recruiter who will outline all your options, but at this point they are going to be limited at best. Likely something on the ground side. If you already have a pilots license your odds will increase, but be advised you'll have to pass several intense physicals, one of which is a flight physical.
Again, talk to a recruiter, you still have a chance, but based on what you've told me, more towards the enlisted side of the house, in the Army National Guard. You are too old for the Marine Corps for sure.
Best of luck
Jason
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | No Comment | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.