US army raises upper age for recruits to 42 and scraps marijuana restrictions

[rto]

The US army has raised the maximum enlistment age to 42 years old and scrapped a barrier for potential recruits who have a legal conviction for marijuana or drug paraphernalia possession.

People aged up to 42 can now enlist in the army, the army national guard and the army reserves, according to the new US army regulation, lifting the previous ceiling of 35 years old.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/us-army-raises-max-enlistment-133812174.html

[Solid Snake]

They're not going to get very many quality recruits at that age. Anyone over the age of 30 that enlists in the military "just wants a job with benefits". Not exactly the kind of soldier/Marine I'd want watching my back. There is a reason recruiters target 18 year olds. Most of them haven't developed the ability to think for themselves and ask questions. Years ago, a friend of mine in his early 40s (who was extremely fit, gym rat type) asked me "Why wouldn't the military take me? What can an 18 year old do that I can't?" I told him "An 18 year old will follow any crazy order without question." He understood.

[4thIDvet]

They're not going to get very many quality recruits at that age. Anyone over the age of 30 that enlists in the military "just wants a job with benefits". Not exactly the kind of soldier/Marine I'd want watching my back. There is a reason recruiters target 18 year olds. Most of them haven't developed the ability to think for themselves and ask questions. Years ago, a friend of mine in his early 40s (who was extremely fit, gym rat type) asked me "Why wouldn't the military take me? What can an 18 year old do that I can't?" I told him "An 18 year old will follow any crazy order without question." He understood.

You nailed it Snake. An 18 yr old is 'Yes Sir' now the 42 yr. old? 'Say WHAT you want me to do WHAT? You go first I'll follow you their Sarge.'
One advantage I can see is the military is getting to be less and less of a fix bayonets and hit the wire. Technology is taking over and if they can get some older recruits with job skills and experience they may be looking for then it just might work? Plus their opening the door for former troops that missed the deadline to sign back up and that would for sure be a plus..

[Pogo]

And they scrapped restrictions on people who tested positive for marijuna? WTF?

[4thIDvet]

Whatever happened to the troops that refused the clot shot and got booted out? I thought I read they were eventually allowed back in?
The military lost a tremendous lot of good men when they did that. Now their digging deep to try to fill their ranks.

[4thIDvet]

And they scrapped restrictions on people who tested positive for marijuna? WTF?

I think about half the country is smoking pot these days Pogo. The V.A. gives it out to patients with cancer. Please I don't want to start a debate on the smoking of pot but I look at it as the same as drinking. Your own time not on call for anything important hell smoke have a cocktail whatever. Just don't indulge on the job. Same with drinking just don't do it while on the job.

[aviator]

Some people need to die, so what's the difference if they are old and smoked pot.

[4thIDvet]

Some people need to die, so what's the difference if they are old and smoked pot.

Freaking A buddy. Kill em all let God sort em out.

[GARANDNUT]

50 and 60 year olds are holding off the Russian military in Ukraine. Those old guys are full on killers.

One thing older recruits bring to the table is maturity and life experience, something missing in 18 year olds. The drug thing is not an issue. If they are clean while in that is all that matters. Besides being drunk in combat was not rare in past wars. The Rhodesians smoked huge amounts of pot on ops and it did not seem to matter to their effectiveness. Besides, why does someone in logistics need to be 18? Recruit a dock worker or line boss and you are good to go. Culinary, recruit a chef from the Ritz Carlton and eat like the rich. Need a driver, hire a big rig driver, he can get the job done.

The 77th infantry division aka "The Old Bastards" one of the most effective Army units in WWII, was made up of men over age 40 drafted from civilian jobs. Their kill ratio was as high as 36 to 1. Their background added to their effectiveness. Need to run a telephone line, no problem Bob worked as a lineman back home. Need something welded, no problem Chuck was a welder back home. Want to kill some Japs, no problem Frank's back hurts and he is pissed so he will take it out on the enemy with his BAR.

For more go here:

https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/usa/77th-id-ormoc-bay

[Sanders]

It's going to take more than a couple divisions worth of troops, I believe.

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[Johnny]

Older soldiers are usually better soldiers. They may not be able to run 2 miles in under 13 minutes, but they're hardened and experienced. They've seen and done things their 18-year-old counterparts haven't.

The "right"42 year old" private would be a wonderful addition to any unit. The wrong one would be terrible.

Overall, I'm supportive of this new policy.