Topic: Am I too old to join/do well/fit in? (Merged thread)

[gasturbineguy]

Hi all,

I’m considering joining the Reserve Forces after a number of years as a civi. I was actually in the Air Force for 20 years as an AET and later as an AVN tech.
Health is still very good (with the exception of a keg of beer wrapped around my belly) and I still meet the Canadian Forces physical fitness standards for my age group so I think, why not? The Forces was very good to me and I miss the life style and job as a member of the CF.

My question to all you old dogs that rejoined the Regs or joined the reserves after being out for a while is how was the transition? Do you have any suggestions or stories good or bad, that I may find helpful?

Look forward to hearing all your insight.

Thanks

[GUNS]

Don't let age or time out of uniform, work its way into your decision to join. I was accepted back into the Reserves at the ripe age of 52. I was even offer a signing bonus to switch to the Regs.

Other than being called various names related to my age, it was not that bad.

If your body wears civvy cloths but your heart is still in unifirm, go for it. A life of, " what if ", is not living at all.   

[gasturbineguy]

Thanks there Guns for the feedback. Just what I was looking for.
How long were you out prior to rejoining?

Thanks again.

[George Wallace]

I did fairly much the same thing.  The only things I can't get used to is the failures in administration, and some of the 'non-military' attitudes some Reservists have; 'they just don't get it'.  Usually a little bit of TI and a Tour sort out those attitudes.  Other than that, I enjoy working with the group of people I am with in my unit, and have no regrets about joining the Reserves. 

I wish more Ex-Reg Force would join the Reserves to help mentor them, as well as make the CT process a two-way street to stem the flow of freshly qualified Reservists leaving the Reserve units.  At times it is a little disheartening to train a Reservist, and then see him/her join the Regs, leaving your unit with nothing and having to bring in more raw recruits to start the process over again.  If the CT process was a two way street, this would lessen the impact on Reserve units and give them trained pers to keep their capabilities up.  Many Reserve Units have a serious problem with shortages in their leadership ranks at the MCpl through WO levels. 

[mariomike]

The Forces was very good to me and I miss the life style and job as a member of the CF.

I think ( speaking as a civilian ) there is a demand for experienced members like you in the CF. With good attitude. Because, I believe, that attitude is everything.
Other public service agencies are experiencing difficulty in recruiting suitably qualified replacement staff.  The "Baby Boomers" who joined in the early 1970's are reaching the end of their careers and retiring, just as demand for service is increasing.

[M4R71N]

I am 29,is that too old too join.My whole life fell apart on me and i only have a grade 11.I have been thinking of going into the Army for a better career.But could use all the advice i can get.

So is 29 too old?,How many people actually join at my age??Is there signing bonuses,if so how do they work?

and i have been doing research and am interested in either becoming a materials technician,weapons tech or armored  soldier.Who here has accomplished any of these jobs?and can tell me about your experience?

thanks

M4R71N

[Michael O'Leary]

I am 29,is that too old too join.

So is 29 too old?,

No, it isn't.  If you browse the Recruiting forum you'll find plenty of threads about people planning to, and joining, at ages older than 29.

[Petamocto]

Absolutely not too old.  I would think twice about joining the Infantry, but it's closed anyway and there are dozens of other Army jobs you could do.

Not to say that 29+ year olds haven't been successful in the Infantry in the past, it would just be much harder than 18-20 year olds doing the same work.

Many join even older than yourself, so go see the recruiting centre and see that suits you best.

I would advise picking a better reason to tell people there that you joined because your whole world was crashing around you ;-)  Maybe something about loving Canada and wanting to serve because you were inspired by media coverage (I'm an idealist).

[biostudent]

Hey,

I'm currently attending university working towards a  Ba. Sci Major in Biology . Due to issues which were out of my control, I was unable to start university until the age of 23. This brings about some complications and I may be close to , if not, thirty years old when I obtain my degree.

My question is as follows. At thirty would I be too old to qualify for the direct officer entry program? This is an option which I have been considering, the forces have always seemed interesting to me however I would prefer to take a position as an officer rather than an NCM.

Thank you for your time, and a big thank you to all those who are serving at home and abroad.

biostudent

[ModlrMike]

Thirty is not too old to become an officer. Many of my peers would say that thirty is about right.

[mariomike]

"At thirty would I be too old to qualify for the direct officer entry program?"

Just something I found on Google. Speak to a Recruiter to verify:
"there is no maximum age, but an applicant must be able to complete the terms of service offered on enrolment prior to the release age prescribed in QR&O Chapter 15, Release. Terms of service take into account restricted release policy, any obligatory service that may be incurred, and military occupation training."
http://www.admfincs.forces.gc.ca/dao-doa/5000/5002-1-eng.asp

[gcclarke]

And, if you're wondering, the "release age" mentioned that is outlined in QR&Os Chapter 15 is, for all officers who commence their service as an officer of the regular force on or after 1 July 2004, 60 years of age. Sounds to me like plenty of time to get a career in.

[Technoviking]

Having seen a number of "older" candidates on officer training, no, 30 is not too old.  However, do not expect to rise above the rank of Captain.  If you do, you will not be in a position to command a company.  Most company commanders these days are around 30, so, you are behind them in those terms.

Having said that, there are many good positions to fill and your life experiences may assist you in your path, should you choose to do so.

[ajp]

I commissioned at 30+ and am quite happy with my current career path.  There are Tons of Older people joining the Officer Ranks.  I agree with TechnoVic that you may be limited in certain issues, but there are plenty of fulfilling tasks out there to keep you busy. 

[Sprinting Thistle]

Yes, if Inf is a choice, age will also impact whether the member commands a rifle company, attends staff college (Toronto or otherwise), gets promoted beyond major; all effecting future job choices.

[Dombi]

Yes, if Inf is a choice, age will also impact whether the member commands a rifle company, attends staff college (Toronto or otherwise), gets promoted beyond major; all effecting future job choices.

If I join at 35 as ACSO or Signals O, (this is what I hope will happen soon) my chances of getting Major or Lt. Col. are reduced ? Does my MBA can count for something in the promotion system and helps me in getting higher ranks ?

Thanks

[Technoviking]

If I join at 35 as ACSO or Signals O, (this is what I hope will happen soon) my chances of getting Major or Lt. Col. are reduced ? Does my MBA can count for something in the promotion system and helps me in getting higher ranks ?

Thanks

Yes, your promotion hinges entirely on your post-secondary education, because as officers, we aren't commanders or leaders, we are pencil-headed geeks [/sarcasm]

Actually, out of 100% potential score, an MBA may count for 1%, so I'm not saying it's useless, I'm just saying there it is.


As for getting to Major or LCol, age has nothing to do with it.  Age has everything to do with commanding a line unit or sub-unit.  If you join DEO at 35, and suppose that you are complete officer training at 36, you will then "normally" wait 8-12 years to become Major (44-48).  So, it's not really a matter of age, but of mathematics. 

[gcclarke]

If I join at 35 as ACSO or Signals O, (this is what I hope will happen soon) my chances of getting Major or Lt. Col. are reduced ? Does my MBA can count for something in the promotion system and helps me in getting higher ranks ?

Thanks

For ACSO, your educational qualifications can earn you up to 3 points out of 100 on the promotion board as both a Captain and a Major. I can't say for sure if your MBA would be worth the full 3 points, but I'd say you've got a decent chance of getting 2 points for it.

For SIGS, education is rated 4 points out of 100. For this one, at least for the promotion from Captain to Major, I think you have a decent chance of getting the full four points. SIGS is one of the trades that advertised sponsoring a position from their trade for a MBA in the most recent Post-Graduate Training Program message.

For both of these, this information is only valid until after you've been promoted to LCol. After that, things are rated differently.

[Tango2Bravo]

I was a 27 year old Troop Leader and now I am a 38 year old Squadron Commander.

Masters degrees can give extra points to promotion, but they really only factor into the promotion board.  For your file to reach that board you need to have three years of really good evaluations, and those usually come from having the right jobs. You get those good jobs by doing well at other important jobs in your brach (although non-combat arms folks seem to be a little more free and easy with career paths). All that to say that education and language can help but you absolutely need to do really well at the critical jobs for your branch before those extras kick in. Of course, if you lack education and second language you may well reach the boards based on performance but fall short due to those extra things.

You may not get to Chief of Defence Staff this life around, but I don't think that 30 is too old to join.

[biostudent]

Thank you all for your responses.

[Linny]

I am a 47 year old female taking steps to join CF. would be interested in any feedback from current Military ranks or others who joined at a later stage in life.
I am healthy, well educated, my first career was being a Mom to 3 kids, later acheived business management level; I think that I can make BMQ, although some areas would need improvement I am confident that I can work myself up to the required fitness level, I am in the gym 4-5 per week for the past year.
any advice or feedback for someone going in at my age? this is a strong desire I have to plant my feet in something solid, disciplined and ordered in life, something that serves, something other than just putting money in my pocket;
I have a bit of Military background, my father served in the Canadian Army while I grew  up, he was posted to nearly every base here in Canada, and posted for 3 years in Germany.
any feedback would be appreciated.

[PMedMoe]

Linny, try this thread to start:  http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,91066.0.html

There are several other threads from people who have joined at an "advanced" age.  Also, for fitness tips, pointers, etc, look in the Physical Training & Standards sub-forum.  There are good threads there and really good ones "stickied" at the top.

Happy reading, enjoy the site and good luck!

[j_r_42]

I just finished BMOQ in December and there was a women the same age as you....so it is definitely possible..

best of luck!!

[Tetragrammaton]

Only joking.

As long as you are fully committed to the course, and baring physical injury, you will successfully complete the BMQ. A good level of cardiovascular endurance and being a good runner will serve you better than say superior upper body strength. The better physical shape you are in prior to the course will translate into an easier time during the course. Joining at 47 isn't significantly different than an experienced member of the same age having to pass the physical requirements to remain operational and employable.

A few years back a small group of us would have morning physical training together. Routinely, the highest performances were from our oldest member present, who was 48 at the time. No denying that age is a factor, but it is hardly the most important.

Best of luck with your future endeavors.

[Saja]

Age is just a number.  I myself, am an old"er" female (45 to be exact) who has just accepted my offer for RMS Clerk - Land and head to basic in St. Jean July 10th.  Determination and life experiences that we have as older applicants will serve us well in our newfound careers in the CF.  I am so pumped and excited to be moving on to a new chapter in my life, as is my family.

I am working hard on the physical aspects beforehand so that I am prepared for basic and am confident you can do it....Feel free to pm if you want to chat about the process I went through.  Best of Luck!!!! 

[armychick2009]

My friends mom last year went from a McJob to Combat Engineer. She did the same as you... took a year to get really fit and she's now off to finish her trades training I believe... and she was 47 or 48. So, if that helps reassure you!

[Linny]

thanking everyone for all the feedback and encouragement. I look forward to completing the entry stages and be on my way I hope!
good to hear the success stories of other females who are doing or have done the same.

thanks again!
 

[TFLY]

Linny;  I got a lot of great advice on my original post that PMedmoe posted the link for above.  And I also seem to recall someone telling me they needed pictures....hmmmm    But I would like to add, in all seriousness, I have found the process to be challenging but mostly EXCITING.  I have not even gone to BMQ yet, but I am excited and reassured with the help of my friends on ARMY.CA. 

Comb the threads and soak it up, there is so much information here that I am sure you will receive the encouragement you need to proceed! 

Good luck and have fun!!

TFLY

[Hali26]

I'm 26, i have a degree, and im thinking about becoming a MARS officer? Am I too old? Will I be the oldest person in training?

[Otis]

Ummm, not even close.

Max age for Appl as a DEO MARS officer is 51 I believe.
(If the contract for MARS is 9 years, which I think it is, but I don't have the ppwk right here in front of me)

[PMedMoe]

Please use the search function.  This question has been asked numerous times.

[Michael O'Leary]

Google - site:army.ca "too old"  ---> About 431 results

[rbillard]

i am a 40 yr old architect that has thought a lot about this and would be interested in joining the military. is there any chance in hell? i want to go into the fray and not essentially be a paper pusher. i want to serve. let and augment my skills. do something real and worthy. thoughts?

[CDN Aviator]

i want to go into the fray and not essentially be a paper pusher. i want to serve.

Everyone who wears a CF uniform is indeed serving, regardless of what their specific duties are.

[PrettyMaggie63]

Everyone who wears a CF uniform is indeed serving, regardless of what their specific duties are.

Excellent response CDN Aviator, I am almost through the application process and am very hopeful to become one of those "paper pushers" and I couldn't be more proud of the path I have chosen.
As for being 40 and considering applying? Go for it, I soon turn 48 and applied in January.  Remember, with age comes maturity, self-discipline, and wisdom (for most), all traits of which will only benefit you as an applicant and your service to the uniform.  All the best to you and hope it all works out for you.

[milnews.ca]

i am a 40 yr old architect that has thought a lot about this and would be interested in joining the military. is there any chance in hell? i want to go into the fray and not essentially be a paper pusher. i want to serve. let and augment my skills. do something real and worthy. thoughts?

If you think being a paper pusher isn't a contribution, remember the last time your pay didn't get automatically deposited into your account.  Like Cdn Aviator so aptly put it....

Everyone who wears a CF uniform is indeed serving, regardless of what their specific duties are.

[medicineman]

To answer the question - go to Forces.ca, take a look around and fill out an application.  My wife joined in her mid 40's - it's nothing people aren't used to seeing anymore.

Good luck.

MM

[rbillard]

thank you all for your input and encouragement.  i do not mean to sound negative about paper pushing, it is just that i have been doing that for a while and would like to expand my horizons and work as a cohesive team. (not that a clerical group is not a team...).

[GnyHwy]

You should consider the Engineer trades.  If an Engineer is reading, please refine my explanation. 

Structure tech (combination of draftsmen and carpenter) would be a natural fit for you.  Making an assumption that you have a university degree, becoming an officer could put you into a job with a ton of responsibility. 

As far as going into the fray with this job, these soldiers are needed to enter foreign areas in the initial phases of an operation in order to set up infrastructure.  Likely a very demanding and rewarding job.

Another Engineer trade is Geo Tech (mapping).  As far as I know, this is not a direct entry trade but, with the education and skills you already possess this may be something you might want to pursue.  In my opinion, digital mapping and info systems are just starting to emerge and have a very bright future.

If that doesn't work for you, I'll plug my own in here.  Go Arty!  We need guys with strong mapping and math skills.  You've learned how to design and build things.  Now learn how to blow them up.

In closing, age should not keep you from joining.  As long as your reasonably fit,  work on running and basic strength training and you'll be fine.  Maturity and wisdom goes a long way.

[Ice97]

i am a 40 yr old architect that has thought a lot about this and would be interested in joining the military. is there any chance in hell? i want to go into the fray and not essentially be a paper pusher. i want to serve. let and augment my skills. do something real and worthy. thoughts?

Age has nothing to do with it as long as you are fit enough to capibly do the job.  My friend is on his 1st tour and 42 years old.

[toyotatundra]

There is at least one officer at my unit who started his career at your age. He is physically fit, and articulate. I feel secure under his command.

[BernDawg]

I would imagine that an Architect would be a perfect fit here.

http://www.forces.ca/en/job/constructionengineeringofficer-42

I spent 11 yrs in the Construction Engineers and have now moved on to another construction related job. I've met several mature Lieutenants durinf my career and had a tremendous amount of respect for them.

Whatever you choose, good luck and God-speed

[Blacksmith]

Hey everyone.
I'm a few weeks away from being sworn in, and was wondering how much flack I might expect to recieve during BMQ and SQ.
I've been away from the military for over 20 years, which means that some of the recruits I'll be training with will not have been born when I mustered out.
Does anyone here have any experience with this sort of thing? I'm not worried about harrassment (I don't think anyone would deliberately undermine my effort to serve) but I'm sure there will be a certain amount of good natured ribbing.
Though I may be wrong about harrassment and undermining....

Either way, I'm looking forward to it. An adventure at 48! Should be fun.

[PMedMoe]

They'll call you "Dad".   

[GAP]

They'll call you "Dad".   

or "Pops"

[fauntania]

Does this mean at 40, I'll be "Mom"?  *chuckle*  I'm starting BMQ January 23rd!

You're not the only "older type person" joining up!
 

[MJP]

We hate older people, they don't cry for attention and they have work ethic (well some do).  Plus they don't seem to cry when they get in jacked up.  Horrible people all of them...

[Fatalize]

You can reflect on how much easier it is this time and call them lucky   I would not worry about it tho, the age/gender/race differences on my BMQ never seemed to be a problem.

[Stacked]

One of my good friends from BMQ (who's my room mate now in esquimalt) is 40 years old. He fits in just fine.  All depends how young you are at heart! But honestly everybody teases eachother. Don't take it personally.

[Blacksmith]

or "Pops"

Yeah a friend of mine said "don't be surprised if they call you the 'course senior citizen'". I thought that was pretty funny.

[Class-Senior]

I finished BMQ and BMOQ (reservists do them as two courses) at 45
I did half my phase 2 training at Gagetown at 46

On BMQ, there was another guy who was 49 (an ex reg forces guy who came back
as a reservist).

We fit in fine. There was the odd joke but, I usually felt like part of the crowd.

Congrats !

[Thunda]

We hate older people, they don't cry for attention and they have work ethic (well some do).  Plus they don't seem to cry when they get in jacked up.  Horrible people all of them...

lol, this made my day

[Hurricane]

A Gentleman I work with completed his basic at 55. On my basic, we had a female at 53 going through as a trained dental tech. We treated her as a soldier.

[Jackson10]

My BMQ (reserves) had 2 people in their 40s and 2 in their late 30s (including me). I think we had the most fun on the course. Hanging out with 19 and 20 year olds can be quite fun, if you let it be.

[Jim Seggie]

Hey everyone.
I'm a few weeks away from being sworn in, and was wondering how much flack I might expect to recieve during BMQ and SQ.
I've been away from the military for over 20 years, which means that some of the recruits I'll be training with will not have been born when I mustered out.
Does anyone here have any experience with this sort of thing? I'm not worried about harrassment (I don't think anyone would deliberately undermine my effort to serve) but I'm sure there will be a certain amount of good natured ribbing.
Though I may be wrong about harrassment and undermining....

Either way, I'm looking forward to it. An adventure at 48! Should be fun.

Welcome back - I certainly hope they give you a good razzing joking - some will. Most of the younger ones will look to you for leadership. It doesn't matter that you're a recruit like them, all they know is you're older and wiser.....we think......

[GhostofJacK]

Hey everyone.
I'm a few weeks away from being sworn in, and was wondering how much flack I might expect to recieve during BMQ and SQ.
I've been away from the military for over 20 years, which means that some of the recruits I'll be training with will not have been born when I mustered out.
Does anyone here have any experience with this sort of thing? I'm not worried about harrassment (I don't think anyone would deliberately undermine my effort to serve) but I'm sure there will be a certain amount of good natured ribbing.
Though I may be wrong about harrassment and undermining....

Either way, I'm looking forward to it. An adventure at 48! Should be fun.

As Mr Seggie said, you'll most likely be looked to for leadership. That may not even be the 'should we do a frontal or flank attack?' army leadership but rather 'Well, I could go down to the ranks with the guys or stay and do my station jobs first like 'Blacksmith' does'. We are all new at the army game in BMQ. If you don't pull out the caveat 'Well, I'm 48, I can't do the required amount of pushups' card, then they shouldn't bring age in as a way razz you. Yes, you may be jokingly ribbed about your age, just as red-headed recruits are about their hair or nerds are about their accumulation of comic books by the end of course.

[Rogo]

We had a 46 mother on our course....We called her mom, she was nursing O so took good care of us when people were injured and the such. Use your experience and skills to your advantage, she loved being the platoon mom and excelled at it.  And as a reward I made a good friendship and on grad day had the pleasure of meeting her daughter 

But really, any detriment age has is overcome by many more positive skills should you approach the course with a good attitude and a willingness to use your personal experience to help others. 

My

[Hunter]

Probably, but so what.  I was the oldest by far on almost every military course I have ever done.  I was oldest by a little on one of them.    I'm usually the oldest person in the room.  On my first tour there was another reservist at the same FOB who was older than me.  His guys called him 'old balls'. 

I think you will find that yes maybe the back and knees might ache a bit but life experience counts for a lot.

From one old guy to another, go for it you old fart. 

Old man tough is just straight-up tough. 

Good luck with it!

[Jim Seggie]

nerds are about their accumulation of comic books by the end of course.

What century are you from? Comic books? Really now.....

In my day we had a collection of stone tablets but then someone invented papyrus.....

[CountDC]

you had tablets before there was fire?

[Jim Seggie]

you had tablets before there was fire?

Yes. We didn't exactly follow the CTP. Mind you, the CTP was - if I remember correctly 20 - 30 tablets or so.

Once Og discover fire was better and dun Basic Caveman qualification. Then name change to Basic Caveman Qual (Land). Og (fire starter) went to Caveman Navy.

[Nerf herder]

Welcome back to the "big green machine".

We don't like it when older folks get in and actually do as they are told, work their asses off and can actually function without a iPhone welded to their thumbs. We certainly don't like it when they get accelerated promoted and put on career courses faster than their younger peers due to the above shortcomings.

Have fun on your courses. You'll find them rather easy compared to 20 years ago.

Regards

[ObedientiaZelum]

My BMQ (reserves) had 2 people in their 40s and 2 in their late 30s (including me). I think we had the most fun on the course. Hanging out with 19 and 20 year olds can be quite fun, if you let it be.

Man. I'd rather be locked in a room with Tom Green, Jim Carry and Fran Drescher than hang out with 19 and 20 year olds.

[Jim Seggie]

Man. I'd rather be locked in a room with Tom Green, Jim Carry and Fran Drescher than hang out with 19 and 20 year olds.

I could handle Fran - just gag her.

[ObedientiaZelum]

Jim I think she would chew through that gag faster than a beaver through a softwood tree 

[Kimchiburger]

First things first, I've been the Reserves before back when I was a teenager and I washed out. I washed out a few days after my 18th birthday. I'm not sure if this will be a big, black mark on my record or not but I basically washed out (I was "honourably discharged") because I was 18 and didn't know my head from a hole in the ground. I didn't do anything bad, I was just a "slack and idle bag of hammers" as my old Master Corporal used to put it.

A little bit of history, I'm 27 years old. I have a BA in Philosophy, have been teaching English in South Korea and Japan for five years and am contemplating coming back and giving the military another go. I'm getting tired of teaching English and all the problems that go along with it.

Since my last stint in the military, I've grown up, got in great physical shape (I was over 230lbs of fat first time around) and I've gained a ton of life experience on the other side of the world. I'm going to be fluent in Korean by the end of this year, I speak passable Japanese (I don't know if either of these things would help). I just have some questions:

1. Does having washed out at 18 affect my chances? How much so?

2. Does me being overseas affect my chances at all? How will they see that?

3. I'm looking at going in as a DEO (Direct Entry Officer--did I get that right?) Is it competitive now? Some of the trades I'm interested in are the ones I've heard need applicants (Armoured, Artillery and so on). Is that correct?

4. Am I too old? If I go through basic at age 29 or 30... will I be the oldest in the group? Does it hurt my ability to be accepted? I'm worried that they'd only be looking for fresh-out-of-university 22-year-olds and I am not that.

That's it. Any answers/help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time!

[BobSlob]

First things first, I've been the Reserves before back when I was a teenager and I washed out. I washed out a few days after my 18th birthday. I'm not sure if this will be a big, black mark on my record or not but I basically washed out (I was "honourably discharged") because I was 18 and didn't know my head from a hole in the ground. I didn't do anything bad, I was just a "slack and idle bag of hammers" as my old Master Corporal used to put it.

A little bit of history, I'm 27 years old. I have a BA in Philosophy, have been teaching English in South Korea and Japan for five years and am contemplating coming back and giving the military another go. I'm getting tired of teaching English and all the problems that go along with it.

Since my last stint in the military, I've grown up, got in great physical shape (I was over 230lbs of fat first time around) and I've gained a ton of life experience on the other side of the world. I'm going to be fluent in Korean by the end of this year, I speak passable Japanese (I don't know if either of these things would help). I just have some questions:

1. Does having washed out at 18 affect my chances? How much so?

2. Does me being overseas affect my chances at all? How will they see that?

3. I'm looking at going in as a DEO (Direct Entry Officer--did I get that right?) Is it competitive now? Some of the trades I'm interested in are the ones I've heard need applicants (Armoured, Artillery and so on). Is that correct?

4. Am I too old? If I go through basic at age 29 or 30... will I be the oldest in the group? Does it hurt my ability to be accepted? I'm worried that they'd only be looking for fresh-out-of-university 22-year-olds and I am not that.

That's it. Any answers/help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time!

Everything would be best sent to a recruiting officer, but;

1. No, not at all. You were honourably discharged.
2. No, not at all. A few extra blocks on the application will need to be filled out but that's about it.
3. Contact the recruiting center, they're the only ones with that kind of reliable information.
4. No, not at all. I can pretty much guarantee you won't be the oldest in your platoon.

[CDN Aviator]

2. No, not at all. A few extra blocks on the application will need to be filled out but that's about it.

It will add much to the length of time the application process takes. Much, much time.

[mariomike]

Am I too old?

These may help,
1) Topic: "Am I too old?":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=95055.0

2) Topic: "Am I too old?":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,17434.0/nowap.html

Topic: "Too old to Join?":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=80535.0

Topic: "Am i too old to join the Army":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=90487.0

Topic: "too old for the reserves?":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=21117.0

Topic: "dear Canadian Forces":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=65909.0
"I visited recruiting office for the first time when I was 37, too old as I thought back then."

Topic: "Too Old?";
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,207.0/nowap.html

Topic: "preparing and chances for reserve at age 39?":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,102026.0.html
2 pages.

Topic: "How old is too old to be an Officer?":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,25862.0/nowap.html

1) Topic: "Too old to become an officer?";
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,90704.0/nowap.html

2) Topic: "Too old to become an officer?":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=90704.0

Topic: "Old"er" woman just starting out...":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=91066.25
6 pages.

Topic: "29 years old, full-time job - want to be a Reserves Officer...":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=101467.0

Topic: "what if you are a 40 yr old architect that wants to see duty?":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=101449.0
" i am a 40 yr old architect that has thought a lot about this and would be interested in joining the military."

Topic: "Looking for feedback from some old dogs that have re-joined the CF":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=87496.0
"I was accepted back into the Reserves at the ripe age of 52."

Topic: "47 year old female joining CF":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=92803.0

Topic: "old officer question":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=41488.0
"My worry would be my age. I am 35."

Topic: "Older is Better":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=52468.0
"The U.S. Army has discovered that since September 11, 2001,  the number of older recruits (over 30 years of age) has increased 92 percent."

Topic: "Older recruit 35+ success rate in BMQ?":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=80557.0

Topic: "For the older guys...":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=91797.0

Topic: "Older fellah thinking of joining reserves": 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=33592.0

Topic: "Older Recruits?":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,18121.0/nowap.html
2 pages.

Topic: "Article about older recruits":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,17132.0/nowap.html

Topic: "older applicant";
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,44344.0/nowap.html

Topic: "Age Limits - Regular Force":
 http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,13210.0/nowap.html
"How old is too old to join the reg. forces?"
15 pages.

Topic: "Military mom set to join Army at age 41":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,48198.0/nowap.html

Topic: "recruitment ages and mandatory retirement":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,23446.0/nowap.html

Topic: "A 36 years youngwoman and going for it":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?topic=98596.0
2 pages.

Topic: "Will an old guy get razzed?":
http://forums.milnet.ca/forums/index.php/topic,104081.0.html

[Pusser]

1. No, not at all. You were honourably discharged.

Not true by a long shot.  Unless one is discharged for disciplinary reasons (Items 1 and 2 of the Table to QR&O 15.01), all releases are honourable, but they do not necessarily allow re-enrolement.  QR&O 6.04 states:

(2) Subject to paragraph (5), the following persons shall not be enrolled in the Canadian Forces:

(b) unless special authority is obtained from the Chief of the Defence Staff, a person who has been released from the Canadian Forces, from any other of Her Majesty’s forces, from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or from any foreign force

(i) as medically unfit for further service,

(ii) for inefficiency, or

(iii) with a conduct assessment below “good” or the equivalent, other than a conduct assessment below “good” or the equivalent that was based upon conviction for which a pardon has been granted under the Criminal Records Act.

Washing out could certainly fall under "inefficiency" or a conduct assessment of less than "good."  The OP needs to check his release paperwork.  If released under Item 5d or 5f of the table to QR&O 15.01, re-enrolement is not impossible, but he will have some explaining to do to prove that the reasons for his release have been resolved.

[Kimchiburger]

Not true by a long shot.  Unless one is discharged for disciplinary reasons (Items 1 and 2 of the Table to QR&O 15.01), all releases are honourable, but they do not necessarily allow re-enrolement.  QR&O 6.04 states:

(2) Subject to paragraph (5), the following persons shall not be enrolled in the Canadian Forces:

(b) unless special authority is obtained from the Chief of the Defence Staff, a person who has been released from the Canadian Forces, from any other of Her Majesty’s forces, from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or from any foreign force

(i) as medically unfit for further service,

(ii) for inefficiency, or

(iii) with a conduct assessment below “good” or the equivalent, other than a conduct assessment below “good” or the equivalent that was based upon conviction for which a pardon has been granted under the Criminal Records Act.

Washing out could certainly fall under "inefficiency" or a conduct assessment of less than "good."  The OP needs to check his release paperwork.  If released under Item 5d or 5f of the table to QR&O 15.01, re-enrolement is not impossible, but he will have some explaining to do to prove that the reasons for his release have been resolved.

I'll reply to the rest later but I do remember being told that they wanted me to return to the service the next year when I was discharged. They said that I wasn't ready but they were confident that I would have done fine had I been a bit older.

I'm ten years older as it is, so hopefully they still don't hold that against me.

[SentryMAn]

Man. I'd rather be locked in a room with Tom Green, Jim Carry and Fran Drescher than hang out with 19 and 20 year olds.

That wouldn't be so bad...
Now if it were Nickelback we'd have a problem

[milnews.ca]

I sense several threads with similar theme - merged to put all the "older than the mean" info in one thread.

Milnet.ca Staff

[estoguy]

Reading everyone's responses with interest.

I'm 34 and looking at the DEO route.  Its not April yet, and have been told that most things open up around then.  I resubmitted by application last week and faxed by supporting docs to Sudbury yesterday.

From reading other threads around the forum, 30s definitely aren't too old, and you'll have a lot of things to your advantage too, life experience being a big one.  I work as a supply teacher right now, and I'm a father.  So if the younger recruits look to me for advice and/or leadership, I'd be happy to provide it.

Noticed on the Forces website that pilot applications are being accepted... will my age play a factor in that?  I'm in good health (including vision, no glasses) and hearing).  *IF* I could get into that, it would be a boyhood dream come true.  I think the only that could hold be back is size... I'm a big guy around 6'2'-6'3".  Anyone have any thoughts on that?

Hoping that infantry opens again as well.  Applied last year, but some processing delays prevented me from making the cut.

Another question, because I can't seem to find a definitive answer... NCS Eng, which sounds interesting and is demand... on the Forces website they don't list what kind of education you need going in.  I did watch a video on it that said you need a BSc, but I can't find anything that confirms that.

[AGD]

I think the only that could hold be back is size... I'm a big guy around 6'2'-6'3".  Anyone have any thoughts on that?

http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,39739.0.html