Too old to fight? (age waiver question)

Factual Questions
1

Does anyone have any knowledge about the availability of age waivers for the (US) military?

I have a working knowledge of several languages (notably, Arabic and Chinese) and would like to offer my services in light of “recent events” – most likely in the reserves.

Unfortunately, I’m in my mid-40’s. I’ve been told in the past by the Navy Reserve recruiting officers I’ve contacted that anyone over 35 is generally ineligible and that I’d be wasting my time, but understand that age waivers are sometimes available (particularly if the applicant is able to get “political” support from a Congressperson or Senator and has “useful” skills).

Anybody out there have any suggestions or, better yet, personal experience?

2

I know that at least until 1997 (the last time I talked to a recruiter), the USAF cut off age was 28 – meaning at your 28th b-day, you become ineligible. I’ve seen Navy recruitment ads saying if you have useful skills (computers, etc) they will take you until 32.

Recently I’ve been told that you can enlist up to 35. So I guess my real answer is basically a muddled “I don’t know”.

I am considering talking to a recruiter again though. If there’s fighting to be done, I want a piece of it. Fortunately I’m only 30, so I can at LEAST get into the Navy.

3

You can serve without wearing a uniform. What’s the shame in being a civilian advisor to the military?

4

It’s never too late to be a mercenary.

5

I would be willing to bet that you could a job somewhere doing something to help the “cause” with your knowledge. Start by calling the local recruiters for all 4 branches although I’d be willing to bet they probably wont be able to help you. When/if that fails, call your local FBI center. If they cant help you they would probably be more able to point you in the right direction. I am currently a civilian working for the military. In a way its the best of both worlds, I KNOW what I do has allready directly affected the current situation(very minor but still). At the same time, unless someone manages to take the underground “bunker” here at STRATCOM (I dont know why they kept calling this place a bunker, Its much more of an office building built under ground)out, I’m not gonna die. And I dont have to put up with 90% of the bullshit that comes along with being in the military.
dead0man

6

Totally agree with dead0man. As a fellow civilian, I take great pride helping out to fulfill the mission, and the lack of military protocol is great too. :slight_smile:

Also giving dead0man a “yo wassap”, I work up the street at AFWA. :slight_smile:

Vis