Comments on: Defense Department Seeks to Raise Enlistment Age to 42

By: Russell Newquist

Russell Newquist — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 14:47:47 +0000

Actually, I think the main reason they're looking for this change is so that they can re-enlist soldiers who were in for a while previously and have experience that they want. I don't have any links to point to right now, but I remember a while back reading that the army was having problems because a lot of talented and experienced people actually wanted to rejoin, but couldn't because they were too old. The number isn't huge, and probably isn't enough to offset their recruiting problems (in terms of numbers), but even a small number of troops is extremely valuable if they're already experienced and trained.

By: Danny Carlton

Danny Carlton — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 14:30:11 +0000

Ironically, I was under the impression that they had already raised the age cap, and was actually planning, this week, to inquire about it. I'm 42, but would seriously consider joining if they thought they needed me.

By: Don Surber

Don Surber — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 11:11:14 +0000

When they get to 51, wake me up

By: Rick DeMent

Rick DeMent — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 10:46:40 +0000

Damn, still too old

By: JACK ARMY

JACK ARMY — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 03:12:00 +0000

Uncle Sam wants you even if you're 42 years old

The main advantage, especially for the Army, is that this gives prior service folks 7 more years to get back in and restart their careers.

By: anjin-san

anjin-san — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 23:34:26 +0000

Boomers retiring between the ages of 35-42? LOL, not in this economy. I think you are remembering the Clinton years.

By: Fred Boness

Fred Boness — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 23:11:36 +0000

There's a whole bunch of Boomers with extensive life experience, including prior military service, who will be retiring soon and looking for a second career.

By: John Burgess

John Burgess — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 22:19:45 +0000

I think they're looking to capture a pool of available talent--say, Arab linguists or Intell analysts?--who can do the work just as well, and perhaps with less training, than a 19-y/o. This, of course, leaves more 19-y/os available for combat.

It's not dissimilar from how retirees from government or the private sector are highly recruitable because they bring good work skills and abilities to the job.