32 yr old and want to join reserve

[Anonymous]

Hi there. I am thirty-two years old and a college grad (but in an unrelated field, so I would be enlisted). I am really wanting to join the Navy Reserve. Any feedback on how it is for women who are older (I mean, I'm pretty young, but by military standards I guess I'd be old)?

jonnie@poboxes.com

[Anonymous]

: Hi there. I am thirty-two years old and a college grad (but in an unrelated
: field, so I would be enlisted). I am really wanting to join the Navy
: Reserve. Any feedback on how it is for women who are older (I mean, I'm
: pretty young, but by military standards I guess I'd be old)?


I joined the Navy at the age of 18. However, I can remember some of the other recruits being in their mid 30's . Heck, Prothro even had gray hair. From what I remember the "older crowd" was usually designated a position of responsibility. If you can handle the giggles ( sometimes it's ok to laugh) and the immaturity of SOME of the girls in their teens and early 20's for a while then it should be alright.

If you have a college degree and are not allowed to become an officer, you should be able to enter the reserves as an E-3. Hopefully, you will receive a promotion in "A" school (I have seen it before).

[Anonymous]

Hi Jonnie, you will be fine. There will most likely be people of many different ages with you. In some ways it's easier because you're not leaving home for the first time like most of the 18 yr olds, and you probably won't be as intimidated by the instructors. As far as being an officer, you should be able to do so by virtue of the fact that you have a degree. For some MOSs, they require a certain degree (i.e. engineering, accounting, etc), but for the most part just having one is enough and they don't even care what it's in. Talk to a recruiter because you never know..... Good luck!

[Anonymous]

: Hi Jonnie, you will be fine. There will most likely be people of many
: different ages with you. In some ways it's easier because you're not
: leaving home for the first time like most of the 18 yr olds, and you
: probably won't be as intimidated by the instructors. As far as being an
: officer, you should be able to do so by virtue of the fact that you have a
: degree. For some MOSs, they require a certain degree (i.e. engineering,
: accounting, etc), but for the most part just having one is enough and they
: don't even care what it's in. Talk to a recruiter because you never
: know..... Good luck!


I had been thinking that I would prefer to go in as enlisted and try for officer later, if necessary. Going in as an officer sort of feels like "cheating" to me (no offence intended for all those who've gone that route, just for me). Besides, I think it's cool to get a chance to learn a new trade. All my (civilian) work experience is desk job stuff (I am a technical writer) and I want to try my hand at more ship-related things.

jonnie@poboxes.com

[Anonymous]

: I had been thinking that I would prefer to go in as enlisted and try for
: officer later, if necessary. I want to try my hand at more ship-related
: things.


This is very admirable. I thought of doing that myself except that the MOS I wanted happened to be officer only, so I went that route. Officers who've been enlisted get a lot of respect because they've "been there, done that". If you decide to apply to OCS later, you can do so at any time. You can't go wrong with the extra cash that comes with rank, as well as the extra room on board, but there are also plenty of advantages to being enlisted. Either way, you will become a sailor and there's no better job in the world!!

[Anonymous]

: Hi there. I am thirty-two years old and a college grad (but in an unrelated
: field, so I would be enlisted). I am really wanting to join the Navy
: Reserve. Any feedback on how it is for women who are older (I mean, I'm
: pretty young, but by military standards I guess I'd be old)?


Well Johnnie - I'm 33 years old and just last Wednesday took my oath into the Navy Reserves! I have no prior military experience. However, I'm a single parent of 2 older children and wanted to join for a career. I'm going in the AIA program and will use the benefits to get my degree in Military Intelligence. I am really excited and have thought long and hard about this. But what a great way to serve your country, and for me get my degree in an area that I can continue to serve! Best of luck to you and GO FOR IT!

emesser@msn.com

[Anonymous]

Johnnie, you will do well in the Reserves. I am currently a drilling reservist and the average age of my SeaBee detachment is 40. Reserves are not like being on active duty. I served 4 years on active duty and then, after a few years break, went into the reserves this January at the age of 31. I had to start over as my initial active duty rating was no more and I went from being a fleet sailor to being a SeaBee and I love it. I also have a college degree and work in a field quite unrelated to my reserve job.

With a college degree, you will undoubtedly qualify for the APG (Advanced Pay Grade) program where you will probably enter as an E-4 or even E-5, depending on your managerial experience. Your first 2 weeks of you "1 weekend a month, 2 weeks a year" obligation will be going through APG School in New Orleans. Consider this school to be "Boot camp light" as you are not required to go to the 8-9 week bootcamp in Great Lakes that active duty personnel get to endure.

If you have any questions about being in the Naval Reserves or just the Navy in general, feel free to e-mail me.

P.S. Do not forget to talk to your Naval Reserve recruiter. He/she has lots of information.

Aquitane13@aol.com