The latest on Army basic training - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aMijhKuh27TamJc.html

I actually went to Basic Training with this man. He was amazing to be around and had lots of wisdom to share with us.

I bet the drill instructors were sweating bullets thinking it was an undercover boss scenario and he was a general to inspect the boot camp training.

In addition to his age, another obstacle he faced was dragging those massive balls around bootcamp

we had a guy like this in my platoon... 50 years old. i cant imagine the platoon without him.

My Warrant used to say 'Never mess with an Old Man in a trade where Men die young'

I went to basic training with him, we were on the same platoon. He truly was a total badass... that man taught me many things and I'm going to be using them for the rest of my Army career. The stories that he would tell us about to us other trainees were just the coolest. I have total respect for that man.

When this incredible man is 95 years old he'll be able to pass the Air force's new standard.

When I went to Fort Benning we had a 34 year old in my platoon. He was prior service Navy and went through the training as an E-5 Sergeant. He got to keep his cell phone and had his own private room and he had to be treated and respected as an NCO. As soon as he graduated with us he was automatically promoted to E-6 Staff Sergeant

The Army should have waived the boot camp. I think the Army was trying to deny him retirement. Great video; thank you for sharing.

A true patriot to enter service again at 59 years old. A true chad

Got an age waiver for the Marine Corps, at 30. I go to boot camp in September. Probably going to be the hardest thing I've ever done physically and mentally. This is inspiring

When I went through Army Basic in 2002, we had a guy that was 45 he was a hard charger and did everything like the rest of us 17-19 year olds were. The Drill SGT’s didn’t cut him any slack but they did have a higher level of respect for him.

I can't belive he fit in the uniform with balls that big. You have my respect sir.

I'm 53 a former Marine and there's no way I could do that. This guys on a whole new level of BA.

I went through basic at 21 and nearly lost my mind with the 18 year olds around me. God bless him.

I joined the Navy at age 26 and our oldest recruit was 37, he had the best military bearing in not just our division but the whole command. Older people just have that maturity in them to be a profound example.

He's pretty cool, if he wants to go back in serve till he can't anymore, all the power to him for doing that.

When I was in basic we had a prior service guy, he was older, when it was time for our class A inspection he comes out with a right shoulder 101st patch, a CIB, jump wings, air assault and numerous awards, the DI's sent him to the bowling alley I suppose because he had more than they did.

If he's physically fit enough to pass the PT Test at 59, he could probably skate right through all of the mental stuff in Basic.

My best friend at Ft. Bragg, had been SF for 9 years then got out for 9 years. When he came back he had to go through Basic in the late 80s. This time he was on the conventional side and we ended up going through PLDC together. One of those things he had to do in the newer Army. He told me it was sure interesting to see the look on everyone's face the first time they had a Class A uniform inspection. Considering he an SF patch on his combat sleeve and hit CIB, I can only imagine. He said that once the Drills decided he wasn't going to have an attitude they called him in the office and told him they were going to take a break. They saw that he would be teaching and showing all the kids those little tricks of getting yourself squared away. And he ways to do it quick and with less chaos. Nearing 40 he was a core part of the 82nd reestablishing the LRSD program. During that he went to the Jumpmaster course and then became a Jumpmaster Instructor. Oh, and during his first time in he also earned his Ranger tab. So as he was planning out his two years stabilization as a Jumpmaster Instructor he came down on orders shortly thereafter to Dugway Proving Ground as a Ranger Instructor. To look at the guy he was just a casual, easy going guy. I was a REMF MOS even though I served in two combat arms units during my time. He told my then wife that he really respected me. That just boggled me because to me Someone who served in SF and had a Ranger tab was the soldier's soldier to me. That meant more to me than all my awards. Kudos to SSG Gould. Yeah, he looks like he would be a CSM and cause LTs to get out of his way just by the way he walked. Me? I got out 94 and I could still call cadence on a run today---If I was in a golf cart rolling along beside them. LOL. I can still run an AR, M203, M1911A, M9, and March troops properly. The PT side? Nope. Out of shape and a bad back. Btw, I'll be 64 in a few weeks. I went through Army Basic and AIT at 24 to Reserves. Most everyone else was 17 on split option or 18. I went Active Army at 26.

I was in active duty AF 1966 to 1970, I volunteered for Da Nang and was told I was too young (17) I joined the Tucson PD and when I had 18 years in the PD I got a wild hair and joined the Arizona Air Guard . They gave me my Sgt. stripes back and wanted my experience as an aircraft mechanic. I retired from the PD in 90 and when the Gulf started I went ANG full time. I volunteered for deployment and was told I was too old (42) WHAT? I was retired in 1999 and if they called me back today I would go. They should never discount experience. I had an active duty full bird come to our base to use our F-16 simulator, He landed his F-16 and I parked him and did the post flight. I found the elevators way too lose, I told him about that and he said "I know, we can't get parts for them, I have "A" models and they are too old". I asked him to come to my office and i showed him dozens of stab bearings. I asked him how many he wanted. He asked how did you get these? I told him I traded parts with other bases. He asked if we had "A" models and I told him we had 92. He asked what was the in service rate for them and I told him 94%. He was floored and asked me how we have such a high rate of flyers. I told him that his average age of a mechanic was 26. Ours was 42. This was when the pres was getting rid of us old farts and later had to do operation "stop loss" to keep some experience in the military. Hopefully it was a lesson learned and wont repeat now.

‘If you can pass the physical and do the job, I don’t care how old you are.’ My dad use to pour concrete with a dude who was 70 and still worked full time as a cement mason. The guy had arms like a body builder and just as much energy as a lot of 20-30 year and olds. Absolute beast. I think he cut back his hours around 75, and “retired”, meaning he started working on his hobby farm full time at about 80. Edit: What would I think of having a 59 year old in my platoon? I’d love it! I think they could bring in a level of maturity and life experience that you otherwise wouldn’t have. If they were a seasoned outdoorsman on top of it, I think that could give your team a real advantage.

I went through Basic with a few older guys. One was from Ghana, he was 41. Another one was a short guy from the East coast who owned a Karate school, who was 42. One guy who I got very close with, Douglas, was 38 or 39. There were half a dozen guys in their mid-30's. Ironically, none of the older guys had an issue. The only guys who failed Basic and got recycled were younger guys (18 and 19). Being 59 is a pretty big jump from our oldest, at 42, but I am not surprised he passed.

This video is a really positive message; it's actually inspiring and quite heartwarming to see older people still going at it. I'm not military, but I would be extreamly grateful to have a guy with all that experience in my platoon, I think he would be a valuable asset.

I agree with your statement, "If a person can pass the physical and do the job, then there does not need to be an age limit." More power to them! Hoorah!!!

Imagine being a drill sergeant and your trainee is a higher rank upon graduation, and more decorated than you

I went through USMC boot camp in 1985. I moved to Australia and became a dual citizen. I joined the Australian Army Reserve in 1991 and became an officer through the University Regiment system. I transferred to the Australian Regular Army in 1995 and then had to do another basic course. I’ve been basically trained three times. Now I’m 55. I’m training myself to run 10km. I’m back in the US and I’d love to join the National Guard. I wish they had a unit for old guys 😊

This man is incredible: decorated combat vet, long service record, went back and started in basic at 59! but what impressed me the most is the fact that he has got to be one of the few recruits to leave a Drill Instructor with _visible confusion_ look. considering their default look is either Pissed off...or PISSED OFF

There was a guy I went to basic with that was 35 and he was like a grandfather to us and everyone called him Papa Jones.

The most physically fit person I’ve known was a retired infantry Colonel. 52” chest. Tree trunks for legs. Zero gut. PT and running every day. One tour in Korea. Multiple tours in ‘Nam. Came in as enlisted, and was sent to West Point because that’s how much of a bad ass he was.

This is great inspiration on my side. 28 years old turning 29 in November and I will be in Navy Boot next month. This man let me know that it is more than possible and for that I thank you for sharing his story! It has been an honor to watch your videos and I plan to continue long after I am enlisted.

If you think this is insane, look up the Silver Shields of the Ancient Greeks. They, at their last battle, were in their 70s. They were veterans of hundreds of battles and decades of war, and were pit against an enemy young enough to be their grand children. They won the battle with spear, sword, and shield.

''Beware of the old men in a profession where young men die''

I'm 38 and my knees started crying just thinking about taking basic training at my age. Respect to this old guy!

Imagine being 19 an not able to finish boot camp, while watching this man do it like he was 19.

14 years in Australian military, wanted to rejoin 5 years after discharge, could retain rank and seniority for promotion but was told I had to go through basic again.. I was like wtf, luckily that I found out recruiting is now contracted to civilians who have a quota for how many attend recruit school, also lucky that I found a higher paid job and that crazy idea subsided..

So glad to have seen this video from you today. This is my current situation. I was Army Infantry when I was 17-20, left service due to a family hardship, then was out for 17 years. I recently re-entered into the Air Force for EOD, at 38. I'm currently 40 and I can directly relate to everything this soldier is saying. It has been incredibly challenging to say the least. I'm still in the process of becoming an EOD tech and the path ahead is long for me. But men like this are an enormous source of inspiration. It would be awesome to be able to chat with him. Thank you for all you do. God bless both of you.

I'm 59 myself, ex-infantry guy (11B), still in decent shape, no gut, can easily do 40 push-ups, etc., but I would never even consider going through basic training again. Hats off to that guy; he's way tougher than I even want to be...

I had an ex-marine in my boot PLT at Ft Jackson, he was in his mid 30’s and a SGT during boot (Cadre quarters and all). I respect him highly and always looked up to him, strong as all hell and a good man. Sometimes age don’t mean nothin, he put in more than the work he had to

The hardest part of basic for me when I was 18 was mental, being away from home for the 1st time. Missing family and friends. That was really tough for me. It is physically demanding, but not impossible. I'm 49 and I'm in better shape now than I was at 18. Other than being harrassed by the others for my age, I think that basic would prob be easier for me at this point in my life. I'm def not as soft mentally, as I was when I was 18. Plus when you're 49, that 2-3 months goes by quick. It would be done before you had a chance to think about it.

I am 57 and wish I could do it over again but not as fit and well kept as this man. What an amazing individual.

I got out of the Navy last year and tried to go into the Army. They wanted me to go to basic training, and although I was hesitant, I accepted. However, and thankfully, the Navy called me a few weeks before I was about to swear in and offered me a job I wanted, so I just went back into the Navy. I didn't even need a new uniform. Thank God!

As a former US Marine, I salute this Army brother. He's 59-years- Young!!! Age is just a number!

Had a two year break in service. I went to Parris Island in 2009. When I joined the Army last year, I had to go to Benning for training. Its because they made me a tanker. Tankers have to go through OSUT which is basic training and MOS training combined. Luckily, I only had to do black and gold phase, which is when they start to learn about the tanks. But I still had drill sergeants.

I'm just gonna say it. "Beware of an old man in a job where most men die young" insane respect for this man.

I know this gentleman, when he left for boot. Was was a brick. Tough and strong as hell

Upon further research: The U.S. Army has raised the mandatory retirement age for active duty soldiers to age 62, from age 55. The Army also raised the maximum enlistment age to 39, from 34.

I’m sure compared to marine boot camp in 78 this was a walk in the park

I went back in the Air Force after 21 years out at 43. I didn’t have to go back to basic, I probably could have but I’m not sure I would have put myself though it. It was bad enough being a 43 year old E4 with a masters degree. I did have to go back to tech school which was interesting. I’m going to retire in March as an E8 at 59. Glad I did it.

I went through basic 3 times. I fractured my Tibia and went through both the 14 and 22 week basic training program. I also went through a rehabilitation program that took place at 30th AG. Imagine doing more than a few weeks at 30th AG.... I have been in Tradoc for more than 15 months, but I never gave up. I'm now at 101st Airborne and couldn't be more proud. GL to all.

Thanks for the share, sir. It's deeply appreciated. I'm a Marine veteran, 29, and am trying to get back in but have to go through bootcamp again. This gives me inspiration to put my ego to the side and go back through.

Sees 59yo at bootcamp: Dad is that you? Gosh, your such a helicopter parent!

I went to basic with this dude!! He was in my platoon even. Super cool dude. He would talk to all the other dudes in my platoon often and even sometimes visit out bay because he lived in nco barracks and gave advice. Cool asf.

After my brother dropped out of basic training, I stepped up, reluctantly, but I kept the family tradition going and signed up, British army, I was 22 and they called me'grandad'

I honestly wouldn’t bat an eye. My mother has been the best example I’ve ever had of this. She retired at 62 as a fullbird colonel from active duty in the Army. You know what she did right after? She went back to university with a bunch of kids to get her masters, then after she finished that decided to get another masters in management, and is now at 67 considering a PhD. So this gentleman deciding to do this and excelling does not at all surprise me. I hope to be just like him and my mom at that age.

This guy is an inspiration to old and young - hopefully his success has the Army staff re-thinking age cutoffs.

He's stronger and more capable than a 120lbs 17 year old girl. I would rather have this guy on my side who could pick my ass up and carry me if I were wounded.

Sir, I can see the admiration you have for this gentleman. An amazing example of human tenacity

I was a 52 y/o Corpsman for 3/23 weapons Co. Baton Rouge. I am not surprised at that man's endurance at all. My approach to my assignment was; "The Navy sent me here and I am going to do my job". Sometimes it was hard, those Marines tried to kill me but didn't tried hard enough...LOL...Best job I ever had; but mostly surprised at how they accepted me, and I felt very blessed by that experience. You do what you have to do.

I'd actually be thankful and appreciative that he ended up In my platoon. The amount of wisdom, life lessons, and everyday Advice that this guy would bring to the table would be amazing. His Platoon is fortunate to have em God Bless !

In a battle if the shit went bad then you’d want him on your side. After all he’s lived through a few wars and the swat etc. he’s proven to come through on top.

This should be shown to all teenage lads ,shows them a real man in the real world.

The dude was chasing that retirement. Smart man!

If I saw a 59-year-old in my platoon I’d still think he’s some higher up after months and keep trying to impress him for a promotion

"nobody goes through basic training and says 'I wanna repeat that'"....That's not true. That's probably the only part of the Marines I'd want to repeat. My recurring nightmare is that I signed back up and am going around telling people I joined the Marines again (39 years old) and that I'm getting ready to head out. LMFAO! Scariest nightmare ever.

If he's coming in as a staff sergeant I can understand them sending him back to staff sergeant School but not basic training all over again.

I went through Parris Island in 78', OCS in 80' and 81'. OCS had cutoff of 28. My friend was 30, nam vet and rock solid fit beyond belief. I introduced him to a senior officer and presto, he was admitted and breezed through OCS.

I served both in the Marines and the Army. Going into the Army after the Marines was quite the culture shock to say the least. If I had to go to boot camp again, I think the mental games would be much easier but the physically would be much tougher

I left a comment yesterday - forgot to mention - how much I respect this guy going through basic at 59.5 - Wow! Salute!

2:53 I think we all know that this is the REAL reason that he went back, lol. And, I don't blame the guy! Only two years to retirement and a full pension for the rest of your life? Hell, sign me up, too!

Had a 35 year old, wanna say his name was Coralez, or something, when I was in basic back in 2013. He was a transfer from Brazil and he was tougher than the rest of us.

I got back in after 13 years of being out / reentered at 46 years of age and did tours as a combat medic in Iraq and Afghanistan. Totally enjoyed myself.

Was he wearing his rank throughout basic? Cause that would be hilarious.

I just turned 46 and I’m still in. I can see myself doing it for another 10+ years. My PT, marksmanship and skill sets are on point. I can see basic being easier than when I went in 22 years ago.

I’m a 19 year old PFC on active duty. My friend from basic said that after 5 years of being out of the Army, you have to go back to BCT. 😂

I love that you showed this. I just read that a 53 year old man did this here in Canada which made realize so can I at 41 almost 42. I wish I joined up when I got out of high school. Unfortunately I was dealing with a completely torn ACL in both of my knees from a football injury. Living in Canada and the way our health care system works I had to wait till my knees stoped growing before I could get the surgery. For men that dose t happen till between the ages of 24 and 27. Mine didn’t stop till 27. By time I got the surgeries and recovered I was 29 and at that point I was in a serious relationship and about to get married and gotten my Journeymen welding ticket. But 3 kids and a divorce later I find myself with a huge regret in my life for not serving. At first I was looking into ways I could best serve in some way I figured I was to old to enlist but maybe I could be a paramedic and get my advance care certification and work emergency rescue helicopters. (In Alberta Canada we have an outfit called Stars air ambulance) but since I started looking into what I need for that I stumbled upon the 53 year old man that enlisted and passed BMQ for the Canadian Armed Forces. So now I am getting myself into shape so I can do everything I need to in BMQ before I get there.( don’t want to be the out of shape guy never mind the out of shape old guy. Lol) plan to enlist this January 2023. Plan to get an education out of it and become an officer but I want to do some time working up in the armoured Corp. I love off roading and can drive anything really good so I really want to drive those 8 wheeled LUV Coyote ( similar to your strykers) and the new TAPV’s. plus driving a tank would be fun too. Getting to run the weapon systems they have. Get on a recon team or something. But want to spend the rest of my working years serving my country the best way I can and work my way up. Maybe even convince the Canadian government to allow us to serve past 60 lol I feel a compulsory retirement at 60 is a waste of knowledge. The life experience and knowledge they can lead with and teach to up and coming service men and woman is invaluable. But anyways I digress lol. Thanks for this video. This proves to me with out a doubt I can do it.

Imagine all the boots and instructors faces when they see his stack in basic.

Surely a cake walk for him cause he went through the 70’s boot camp. Heard they were more “hands on” back then

Please, this guy was a Marine, was in the guard, was a cop was SWAT. It's Army boot camp. It was probably a walk in the park for him.

I’m a marine and I’m 41 now. I would definitely go back to Boot Camp it would be so much easier. The physical part would be the only hard part.

Willing to bet not many of the young ones washed out, with him as a motivator, I'm sure many looked up to him, as a father figure, and he may have become a counselor of sorts. What a great story. Oldest guy when I went through was 32. Cheers brothers and sisters!!

I joined up at age 30. I was an athlete when I was younger and believe me there is a sharp decline after mid-20’s unless you have special training. But I got in shape fast, had a ton of fun and made few mistakes. I was disciplined and much more dangerous than when I was 18.

Back in 82 I went through basic at Jackson with a 30 year old guy who was doing basic a 2nd time, I remember he was the most fit person in the company, still remember his name... Ziegler.

I'm grateful for the older soldiers in my Basic and Platoon. We had a guy that was 43 years old going through basic with us. His maturity and wisdom were something I think we younger kids needed. Got deployed with a man that was 47 years old, that went on deployment with us. He had experienced combat in previous tours so he knew what to expect and how to guide us greenhorns that had never experienced combat. I honestly think every platoon should have an older guy. When you're a 19-year-old kid, the older men tend to keep your head screwed on, can teach you things, and have that experience in life to direct you. In combat, that 47 year old seemed to be the one that had the calmest nerves out of all of us in our platoon. It seemed to calm the rest of the platoon down when they saw him not panicking. Never make fun of the older men in your company or platoon, they have a lot to show you and teach you. The funny thing is that both these older guys I was around were more fit (which we younger ones didn't expect. We expected to blow them out in physical fitness. Not true) and just mentally tougher than us (must've been the maturity).

He's one hell off a man.

I would ask him how CID training was 😂

Completed Army basic training 21 years ago, going back into HM Forces in 2 weeks, will have to do the branch basic again Expecting it to be much softer :)

Instead of "Ok boomer 😂" it would be "Okay BOOMER! 🤯" On a side note my Grandnieces husband enlisted in the Marines at 27 and graduated top of his class, outpacing everyone. His company made him the focus on their facebook page.

I would definitely look up to him for guidance if I was a brand new boot. It's only logical.

I am 54 years old been out 8 years rejoins RAF regerment hope I can do as well as him I have great respect for him

Goose Bumps .. Watching this Man do what he Wanted to do at my age HE'S A STRAIGHT HERO

And here I was thinking going through Ranger School at 30 was hard.

I think having someone of his maturity and drive would help other recruits be there best. Plus age is just a number, I hope I'm at least half as fit as he is at 59 😂

Okay, I could not do it again! I don't really ever would want to ...my poor knees hurt just watching this guy!

What a Patriot, I wish he had come back into the Corps. I can’t imagine doing what he did at 59. I went through boot camp at 18 and OCS at Quantico at 29 and it darn near killed me.

The "old man" in my basic training unit was 28. He seemed pretty old to the rest of us who were mostly 18.

"Don't bring a bunch of static" I like that

I’m 24 about to enlist at 25, and I was worried about being “ the old guy”

Here I am a 37 year old fat body pulling a muscle at drive thru's 😂