You are here:
Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/am i too old?
Advertisement
Question
Hi,
I just turned 50 and am experiencing a bit of a mid-life crisis since the last kid went off to college. Am I too old to join the National Guard again? I served 6 years in the National Guard after college. Is there any way to get around the age restriction if I'm already too old, like going to law school or something like that? I'm in great shape physically, if that matters at all. Thanks for taking the time to reply to my question.
Sarah
There is no way that you can serve in the National Guard again. If you are looking to scratch an itch, there are volunteer organizations that are unarmed militias that basically back up the Guard and work with them. In Virginia, they are the Virginia Defense force, I do not know if every state has their own version.
Related Articles
- Calorie Restriction - CR
- 20somethings and Quarter Life Crisis - The Quarter Life Crisis and Young Adults
- The Non-Existent Midlife Crisis and Other Myths That Affect Grandparents - Grandparents and the Mid-Life Crisis
- Midlife Crisis Is Less Common than Many Believe
- Book Review - Parents Guide to College Life
Answers by Expert:
John L
Expertise
I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.
Experience
13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.
Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting
Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.