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Older Recruits Grapple With Army Life

Unemployment pushes steady stream of 'Pops' and 'Gramps' into the military

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 18, 2009 6:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – A steady stream of over-35s have been joining the Army since the age limit was raised to 42, and both sides have had plenty of adjusting to do, the New York Times reports in a look at the 3,800 older recruits, whose numbers, though small, have surged this year along with the rise in unemployment. Basic training can be tough on their creaky joints, but commanders see them as more committed than their teenage cohorts, and often expect them to be unofficial disciplinarians.

Younger soldiers make it though basic training at a somewhat higher rate, but many older recruits successfully learn to deal with the rigors of training, the absences from their families—and with being called "Gramps." "I've just tried to keep my head down, keep my mouth shut and not wring necks," said one 38-year-old recruit, who has gotten used to doing push-ups and being chewed out by drill sergeants in their early 20s.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Soldiers stand at attention during an induction of new recruits on the field prior to the US Army All-American Bowl football game. Recruiters say up to a tenth of new soldiers they see are over 35. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

A group of soldiers stand for re-enlistment during a ceremony at the Pentagon last week. Sitting in front are new recruits waiting to take the oath of re-enlistment. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Fifteen new recruit prepare to take the oath to join the US Army at the Pentagon July 1, 2008 in Arlington, Virginia. (Getty Images)

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I didn’t want to be 75 and think back, ‘I wish I had joined the Army.’ There’s nothing worse than regret.” - Pvt. Mark O’Brien, 36

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Older Recruits Grapple With Army Life