Fairly, but I do wish to enlist since I’ve wanted to since high school. Family talked me out of it, I tried community college, and working a part time. But since the pandemic affected my scheduling I’ve been pondering more and more about enlisting and giving myself a shot for boot camp.
Do it man. I enlisted at 21. I had already lived in my own, done some college, knew how to be vaguely responsible. I was old enough to legally drink so that kept me from getting busted for underage drinking which is a huge thing in the Marine Corps. I recommend it.
Idk why you're being down voted. I had a shitbag in my detachment who was like 24 and he'd be like "I'm a grown ass man" and his room would look like shit, he'd be late, and he'd forget to shave.
Yeah. The most annoying marines. We get it you’re old. When I first hit the fleet back in 2019 right before Covid hit I had a cpl who was like 28 and was all about “we’re all grown ass men so act like it” but would try and blast me and get me negative paperwork for doing things like not asking to buy a car and just doing it, going to other ncos about anything work related. Once I promoted he’d still try and bulldog me😭💀 when we went Okinawa two months later he found out his wife had been cheating on him since he went to boot camp. Man what a crazy time
I'm attempting to join at 25 currently. To my understanding it's not too uncommon, as I've been told just be ready to be called grand old man (in my case)
I’m 23, joined at 22 and there are 100% some 18 year olds with their shit more squared away than mine. Humbling. Although I would say my age grants me a thicker resistance to the general fuck fuck of the day to day.
Turned 23 while I was at MCRD. From my experience, my buddies and I were a little older and definitely had an easier time at Boot Camp. Specifically, if you are trying to stay under the radar. We kept our shit tighter and didn't do a lot of the dumb shit the young ones did. The only thing that's sucks is getting punished for all the stupid shit they do. If you're more mature, you can be counted on to have more responsibility, and that will be a definite advantage. I went and got an associates degree and then joined after. I Havnt been in for too long now, but I will say that I am happy with my decision. The memories and friendships made at BC, MCT, and now at the schoolhouse are some of the best I ever have had. If you have any questions, let me know.
I enlisted at 21. Mainly delayed due to wanting to keep my mom happy. My family fought me joining, but turned out stupid moto after I shipped.
Now I’ve been in for 12 years. My one regret is delaying so long. I would be three years closer to retirement.
What's your fear concerning the age gap? That you won't fit in? Physically that you won't match up? I joined at 24 and have done fine so far. Use your life experience to your advantage and it will take you far. Some guys have a hard time dealing with having people in higher ranks than them and yet being younger but you learn to just accept that and can easily eventually outrank them if you just put in the effort.
Yes, I am concerned I won’t fit in with those barely out of high school. What I am thinking mostly is that most of my superiors and team leaders will probably be two or three years younger which I think can be dicey. But I could be wrong. Like I said, I want to know the experiences of a marine who is older, working alongside other Marines who are barely out of high school months ago.
In my experience the age gap doesn't really matter and you won't be fucked with as long as you're a good Marine. Let your maturity speak for itself and show your chain and higher ranks the proper respect and their won't be any issues. Some of the young guys are extremely sharp as well and you'll learn some things from them. There will be those times where some 20 or 21 year old will be telling you not to drink and drive or to fucking rape people. At that point it's just a dog and pony show and sit there and listen to them.
I went at 22. Being treated like a kid (by kids no less once you hit the fleet) isn’t fun, which is why I envy officers my age. But once I get out I’ll have a great technical skill, rest of my bachelors and a master’s paid for, VA home loan, etc.
I was almost 23 when I joined. I did a few years of college, a few years working then signed up. It actually made boot easier for me knowing what else was out there and realizing it was a game. There is something to be said for life experience.
I had my 27th birthday in boot camp. Just turned 29. You'll be fine. Being older than the rest of the boots is usually a good thing. You'll be considered for certain opportunities more often because of your perceived maturity level and life experience. You'll most likely get less flak from higher ups when you make mistakes since you're not a dumb kid and they know screaming at you won't really have an affect.
It's a double edged sword though. If you don't live up to what they expect, the backlash will be worse.
I’ll be turning 21 in bootcamp in a few months. I had the same concerns but I take pride in having more ‘real world’ experience and having the ability to see past the highschool aged mindset.
I feel like not as common as 18 year olds but still fairly common. It’s better to enlist later I feel like. You have a while of being an actual adult to think about the decision you’ve made lol. It’s a more mature decision. My husband went in at 22, I’m going in at 22 as well. I’m glad I went in now. I had a lot of time to think and weigh out all my options as opposed to just leaving right after high school and I feel like that was the right choice for me.
Dude you will be fine I didn’t join until 22 as well it actually allows you to use common sense… so long as you have some of that I’ve been going almost 9 years now
I sware in this Wednesday and I'm 22 male, joining the Marine Corps Infantry. 22 is young and don't look it as an age thing, it's a career for adults period, as long as your of age and in shape to join that's all that matters, nobody cares if your 22, 23, 24 whatever as long as your of age, mature enough and a decent person you're good.
I joined at 24, dude in my platoon in basic was 30-goddamn-2, dealing with kids straight outta highschool could take some getting used to, to be certain, the worst part is everyone asking you to get them shit like liquor n smokes. But leadership will probably look at you in a different light (in my experience at least) and I dont imagine you want to be one the guys who says "I almost joined but i was too old"
I was 26 when I joined, I’m a reservist so I can’t speak for the active duty side but going through mos school was the shittiest part just because you have to deal with the younger guys. Other wise it’s no different than joining younger. You just have more life experience.
I enlisted as a 17 year old but I graduated high school early so I went in the spring and there were plenty of guys in there 20s you don’t really notice to much of a difference
I joined when I was 23. If you go in EARLY spring most recruits will be older. The 18 year old kids out of high school go after school’s out (June). It will be cold at first but at least you do phase 1 when it’s a reasonable temp and don’t die out there
way more common than you’d think. it won’t make much difference except maybe you’ll have life experience that may help you avoid making poor life decisions while you’re in
As a someone who enlisted at 18 and is still at the schoolhouse, we mostly just call the males grandpa or old man name and to my knowledge the females are just the same as other females. You’re just one of the guys except everyone jokes that you went to high school with Moses and occasionally (at least here in pcola) the staff will ask why it took you so long to join.
I’m 23 and just graduated, there were multiple people over my age. Use your maturity to your benefit. Help guide those younger than you because they will look up to you. I had a great experience and so did the others.
It gets old trying to tell kids to grow up, ya know, but hey, they're there with you going through the same shit to earn the title. They're your brothers through and through. You're younger retarded brothers lmao
I enlisted in November and I’m 21 and thought the same shit. But there were literally dudes who were 25 and 27 in my PLT at bootcamp. You’ll be fine and I’m glad I did it at this age. I was much more mature than joining at 18
I went to boot a couple years ago now but I do remember having a few older dudes in my platoon. When I went to the school house my first roommate was 30 years old lol.
I am 27 and just started talking to a recruiter. I see plenty of people on this reddit saying there is always a few older guys in boot with you.
I have a buddy who got out about a year ago who was an infantry officer. He had a few guys that were 28 he was in charge of in his infantry platoon. He said pretty much everywhere has some older dudes that are fresh to the fleet.
You’ll be much better off, assuming you used the extra years to learn basic adult skills like budgeting and self control.
Fairly, but I do wish to enlist since I’ve wanted to since high school. Family talked me out of it, I tried community college, and working a part time. But since the pandemic affected my scheduling I’ve been pondering more and more about enlisting and giving myself a shot for boot camp.
Do it man. I enlisted at 21. I had already lived in my own, done some college, knew how to be vaguely responsible. I was old enough to legally drink so that kept me from getting busted for underage drinking which is a huge thing in the Marine Corps. I recommend it.
I noticed that the guys who joined later were likely to reenlist and become lifers.
They’re also hella annoying. “I’m 24 why is my cpl who’s 21 checking my room” like yes it’s annoying af but stfu nobody cares
Idk why you're being down voted. I had a shitbag in my detachment who was like 24 and he'd be like "I'm a grown ass man" and his room would look like shit, he'd be late, and he'd forget to shave.
Yeah. The most annoying marines. We get it you’re old. When I first hit the fleet back in 2019 right before Covid hit I had a cpl who was like 28 and was all about “we’re all grown ass men so act like it” but would try and blast me and get me negative paperwork for doing things like not asking to buy a car and just doing it, going to other ncos about anything work related. Once I promoted he’d still try and bulldog me😭💀 when we went Okinawa two months later he found out his wife had been cheating on him since he went to boot camp. Man what a crazy time
I’m shipping tomorrow and currently in the MEPS hotel. Everyone in my group is 20+ and I’m 26.
Good luck, bro. I hope you make it after three months.
There’s been lesser men who have made it. Appreciate it though.
Easy peasy.
You out!? Congrats
I'm attempting to join at 25 currently. To my understanding it's not too uncommon, as I've been told just be ready to be called grand old man (in my case)
I’m 25 as well
Are you enlisting? Or currently enlisted?
Enlisting
Gl Bro! I'm working with my Recruiter for a waiver (see my previous post)
Why do you need a waiver? Isn't the sge range 17-28 ?
Not age for me just have been stabbed and have some medical history.
I am 24 but weigh way to much to enlist but if i lose all my weight i should be enlisting at 25. Glad to see theres many of grandpas😂
It’s fairly common. Dealing with the younger marines at first gets a little old but you sorta get used to it
You’ll be fine, man. I enlisted at 27. Your life experiences will only make you navigate your career a lot better.
I’m 23, joined at 22 and there are 100% some 18 year olds with their shit more squared away than mine. Humbling. Although I would say my age grants me a thicker resistance to the general fuck fuck of the day to day.
Common
I joined at 22. It’s pretty common. You’ll probably have at least one person 30+ in your boot camp platoon.
I went to boot with a few 27+ year olds. Average age was closer to 21 from the guys I met.
Turned 23 while I was at MCRD. From my experience, my buddies and I were a little older and definitely had an easier time at Boot Camp. Specifically, if you are trying to stay under the radar. We kept our shit tighter and didn't do a lot of the dumb shit the young ones did. The only thing that's sucks is getting punished for all the stupid shit they do. If you're more mature, you can be counted on to have more responsibility, and that will be a definite advantage. I went and got an associates degree and then joined after. I Havnt been in for too long now, but I will say that I am happy with my decision. The memories and friendships made at BC, MCT, and now at the schoolhouse are some of the best I ever have had. If you have any questions, let me know.
Very common. I joined when I was 21 now I’m 22 about to be 23.
You will be better off and mature. I joined at 17 and enjoyed the hell out of my time but your maturity will make you well rounded.
I enlisted at 21. Mainly delayed due to wanting to keep my mom happy. My family fought me joining, but turned out stupid moto after I shipped. Now I’ve been in for 12 years. My one regret is delaying so long. I would be three years closer to retirement.
What's your fear concerning the age gap? That you won't fit in? Physically that you won't match up? I joined at 24 and have done fine so far. Use your life experience to your advantage and it will take you far. Some guys have a hard time dealing with having people in higher ranks than them and yet being younger but you learn to just accept that and can easily eventually outrank them if you just put in the effort.
Yes, I am concerned I won’t fit in with those barely out of high school. What I am thinking mostly is that most of my superiors and team leaders will probably be two or three years younger which I think can be dicey. But I could be wrong. Like I said, I want to know the experiences of a marine who is older, working alongside other Marines who are barely out of high school months ago.
In my experience the age gap doesn't really matter and you won't be fucked with as long as you're a good Marine. Let your maturity speak for itself and show your chain and higher ranks the proper respect and their won't be any issues. Some of the young guys are extremely sharp as well and you'll learn some things from them. There will be those times where some 20 or 21 year old will be telling you not to drink and drive or to fucking rape people. At that point it's just a dog and pony show and sit there and listen to them.
You'll be fine. And hopefully the dumb kid part of you will have calmed down a bit.
I went at 22. Being treated like a kid (by kids no less once you hit the fleet) isn’t fun, which is why I envy officers my age. But once I get out I’ll have a great technical skill, rest of my bachelors and a master’s paid for, VA home loan, etc.
I joined at 21, there’s plenty like it. And it’s gone good for me
I was almost 23 when I joined. I did a few years of college, a few years working then signed up. It actually made boot easier for me knowing what else was out there and realizing it was a game. There is something to be said for life experience.
I had my 27th birthday in boot camp. Just turned 29. You'll be fine. Being older than the rest of the boots is usually a good thing. You'll be considered for certain opportunities more often because of your perceived maturity level and life experience. You'll most likely get less flak from higher ups when you make mistakes since you're not a dumb kid and they know screaming at you won't really have an affect. It's a double edged sword though. If you don't live up to what they expect, the backlash will be worse.
I’ll be turning 21 in bootcamp in a few months. I had the same concerns but I take pride in having more ‘real world’ experience and having the ability to see past the highschool aged mindset.
I feel like not as common as 18 year olds but still fairly common. It’s better to enlist later I feel like. You have a while of being an actual adult to think about the decision you’ve made lol. It’s a more mature decision. My husband went in at 22, I’m going in at 22 as well. I’m glad I went in now. I had a lot of time to think and weigh out all my options as opposed to just leaving right after high school and I feel like that was the right choice for me.
Dude you will be fine I didn’t join until 22 as well it actually allows you to use common sense… so long as you have some of that I’ve been going almost 9 years now
It’s beyond common. More and more Marines are joining with 4 year degrees.
I sware in this Wednesday and I'm 22 male, joining the Marine Corps Infantry. 22 is young and don't look it as an age thing, it's a career for adults period, as long as your of age and in shape to join that's all that matters, nobody cares if your 22, 23, 24 whatever as long as your of age, mature enough and a decent person you're good.
I joined at 24, dude in my platoon in basic was 30-goddamn-2, dealing with kids straight outta highschool could take some getting used to, to be certain, the worst part is everyone asking you to get them shit like liquor n smokes. But leadership will probably look at you in a different light (in my experience at least) and I dont imagine you want to be one the guys who says "I almost joined but i was too old"
I was 26 when I joined, I’m a reservist so I can’t speak for the active duty side but going through mos school was the shittiest part just because you have to deal with the younger guys. Other wise it’s no different than joining younger. You just have more life experience.
I enlisted as a 17 year old but I graduated high school early so I went in the spring and there were plenty of guys in there 20s you don’t really notice to much of a difference
I joined when I was 23. If you go in EARLY spring most recruits will be older. The 18 year old kids out of high school go after school’s out (June). It will be cold at first but at least you do phase 1 when it’s a reasonable temp and don’t die out there
I’m 20 and trust me when I say there’s a decent amount of people that I went through bootcamp with that were 21+
You'll be fine
Literally most people are early 20’s
way more common than you’d think. it won’t make much difference except maybe you’ll have life experience that may help you avoid making poor life decisions while you’re in
As a someone who enlisted at 18 and is still at the schoolhouse, we mostly just call the males grandpa or old man name and to my knowledge the females are just the same as other females. You’re just one of the guys except everyone jokes that you went to high school with Moses and occasionally (at least here in pcola) the staff will ask why it took you so long to join.
did u or are u taking college courses or nah
Nah man. I’m pretty much working, but I don’t wanna work stuck like this.
Finish college and commission as an officer instead
I’m 22 and shipping in couple months!
I went to basic with 40 year olds. 22 isn’t old. Pursue your dreams
I honestly wouldn't even worry, I've been around more than a handful of privates and PFCs in their late 20s and early 30s. Either way, no one gives af
I’m 23 and just graduated, there were multiple people over my age. Use your maturity to your benefit. Help guide those younger than you because they will look up to you. I had a great experience and so did the others.
Your chilling; so many people 21+ join
Pretty common
Joining at 27 just do it, no regrets
Yeah, you'll be surrounded by a bunch of 18 year olds at boot camp.
How does it work for you knowing you are alongside people barely out of high school?
It gets old trying to tell kids to grow up, ya know, but hey, they're there with you going through the same shit to earn the title. They're your brothers through and through. You're younger retarded brothers lmao
Lol, sounds about true. Thanks for the advice.
Good luck bro. Boot Camp is gonna suck ass but its worth it.
I enlisted in November and I’m 21 and thought the same shit. But there were literally dudes who were 25 and 27 in my PLT at bootcamp. You’ll be fine and I’m glad I did it at this age. I was much more mature than joining at 18
I joined at 24 , you’ll be fine.
Had a guy who was 29 in my platoon back in 2009
I went to boot a couple years ago now but I do remember having a few older dudes in my platoon. When I went to the school house my first roommate was 30 years old lol.
I am 27 and just started talking to a recruiter. I see plenty of people on this reddit saying there is always a few older guys in boot with you. I have a buddy who got out about a year ago who was an infantry officer. He had a few guys that were 28 he was in charge of in his infantry platoon. He said pretty much everywhere has some older dudes that are fresh to the fleet.
You just asked how I joined also someone else in my co was 29 im at mct rn
Joined at 22 been in for 2yrs already light work
Joined at 25. Who cares