Joined the Army National Guard when I was 38. Just turned 50 and still out PT soldiers more than half my age. Joining was one of the best decisions of my life. My only regret is that I didn't join earlier.

I joined at 39, now I'm 40! Best decision I've ever made. Glad I did it!

I’m 75. Thinking about joining the marines by the end of the year. Wish me luck!

I'm 28 and leave for Navy bootcamp January 4th. This helped a lot. Thank you. 🇺🇸

Joined the Army at 33 with E4 rank ...ranked up to E5 1yr 10months...dealt with everything they discussed. The key is to be open minded, in shape, willing to be a team leader by example, study smart not hard, get dirty, say yes to doing all crazy details, get to know your teenage battle buddies, pray and keep your faith, Never quit... NEVER....QUIT...and Always...ALWAYS BE SQRD AWAY. Be on time, in uniform, be a PT Stud or at least willing to run with ur 18 yr old battle buddies even when ur 30 yr old bones say hell naw....you say HELL YEAH HOOYAH! ---40 Rounds---

I waited until 34 to join. All facts Jocko! So far so good. 🤣💯💪🏾

I’m 32, even though I have a good job, and my own place, I feel lost, and I always wanted to serve, working on my fitness as we speak. I will have to join the Navy.

This is completely true. I joined the Army at 34 years old and it can be frustrating. I joined as an E-3 (because I had 90 college credit hours but wasn't quite done with my Bachelor's Degree) and an Officer Candidate. Everyone at Basic over 30 was highly annoyed with the, 'kids,' and some of the dumb stuff you had to do. However, it was nice to have the maturity and ability to not freak out about things that younger people would get upset about. (Lots and lots of drama in the female barracks) Me and one other guy in Basic were the oldest recruits out of 200 people and now that I'm in the TN National Guard OCS, I am the oldest in my class. Unfortunately PT is more troubling for me than the others, older bones/joints, takes longer to get in shape, etc. but everything else is about the same since this group is more mature, educated, etc. I say go for it if you want to serve! I joined as a Wife and Mom of an 11 year old daughter and while its extremely challenging, its equally rewarding.

I’m 30 and enlisting into the army. It inspires me to read all these comments and to know there are other people in my same position, having a professional career and putting it on hold to join the military. Fuels my fire to continue forward and truly excited to get this going.

I joined the active duty infantry at 34 yo. Now a deployed 11B with the 101st

Joined when I was 18, did 3 years. I got married for 9-10 years, gained 90 pounds. Got divorced, lost 100 pounds and joining again @ 32. I didn't know how good I had it in the military the first time around, but this time it's going to be different.

I joined the Army at age 27 in 2001 and made SGT by 2004. I just hit my 20th year in the army and I’m about to turn 48. I have kept touch with friends from high school who seem way older than me now. The army has kept me young and in shape!

Recruiters be like: “You got this man, you’re fit, you’re sharp. Shoot I’ll bet you don’t even need that cane bro!”

Joined the Army Reserves at 36 and Jocko is right on the money here. I’m a high school teacher so I get along well with these kids who developed into soldiers alongside me. They call me “Teach”, “Pops”, or “Old Man” and have shown nothing but respect for me. Some say I inspire them to do better because they can’t let an old guy beat them at anything and it makes them push harder. Many of the things in BCT and AIT didn’t make sense to us but I would tell the guys to trust the process and be patient and positive. Be better than yesterday. I think it helped them and it helped me knowing that I was helping them.

Started USMC OCS at almost 29. Jocko hit the nail on the head, you do a lot of things that you think are stupid or a waste of time. You have to stay humble and work with the younger guys/girls. I'm 31 and loving it. My body hurts more than theirs, but if you are smart about fitness, you still keep up.

30 and enlisting to the Navy. Ship out March 3rd 2020. I needed this vid, thank you

i feel so good reading the comments on this video. it feels good to know that i was not the only 30 year old who joined Military. I had a well paying job. I did it to serve my country and to face the basic training. I always wanted to do it and i am glad i did it. I would do it all over again if i get a chance. i am 35 now.

I’m taking the oath next month, 30 years old, federal law enforcement for 4 years, BS/MS- I plan on embracing the suck and going in open and willing to learn! Thanks for the advice!

41 yrs and I am joining the active duties, have had to go through a bunch screening and everything came out fine , the only thing left now is my age waiver getting approved and I ain’t giving up on this.

I'm so glad I found this.. I'm 28 with a wife and son. I have a professional career but I hate it and I've always wanted to be in the service but got held up. I really want to do this more now than I did yesterday.

I'm 26 shipping out in February starting off at E1, feeling too old but congrats to those older that made a life change. Thank you for your service

This was my question from Twitter! Blew me away when I heard it read on the podcast!

I was 30 on the dot. Fantastic choice. All dreams have a shelf life. I'd do it again in a heart beat.

I WISH there was a bigger push for more mature folks in recruiting. Going back AD I think soon almost 29.

35 years old. Shipping out to Army basic at Ft benning in 3 and half weeks!! July 18th! Osut 11B. I'll be E-4 rank due to my college degree. Got duty station of choice as well which was really nice along with a few bonuses and quick ship bonus (For the ones that don't know) Wish me luck guys! 🙏 so nervous...

There was a 36 year old guy in my platoon in basic, and latter this gentlemen was also in my AIT, but this dude was in shape! The whole cycle, he was a completely average soldier, but squared away. Drill Sergeants probably didn't even notice him. Did average on PT tests, marksmanship, soldiering and everything else. End of cycle, out of nowhere this guy maxes the PT test, shoots expert on marksmanship quals and won 'soldier of the cycle.' Obviously this guy was sandbagging the whole time, didn't want to stand out, but thoroughly planned for his time at Basic. I never even had a thought to plan ahead like that as a 19 year old.

God bless you Sir & Thank you for your services.

You have no idea how much I needed this

I'm 49... joining Space Force...when it's created.

I'm 31 and leave for Air Force BMT on Dec. 6th. I'm married with two kids under 5 years old. Looking forward to this new adventure and for the benefits for myself and my family. Never too old to make change.

Im glad Jocko talked about this. Im turning 30 this year and plan on joining. Im at yhe research stage qnd its comforting to know other people have gone through what i want to go through

I'm 32 and still thinking about making a late run. Cut off age is 35 for the Army and 39 for the Air Force. It's something I've always wanted to do. I wished I could go back to age 18 and do it then but I can't do that. I think I'm just going to join now and make the best of what I got left. Good input Jocko. I needed to hear this.

The low pay and having a child back at home is the toughest part for me. I joined at 27 and now 30.

I love these comment these inspired me to keep pushing towards it at 29 yr old thank you guys

This is the most informative video I have ever watched

I asked my cousin who joined at 28 if he wished he would have joined right out of high school. His answer: Fuck no! I wouldn’t of had a hope in hell of making it back then. When I was 18 I had absolutely zero self esteem or confidence. A drill sergeant screaming in my face would have completely broken me mentally.... and I smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day and drank vodka like water.

Thank gentlemen for the motivation I’m currently 28 and working on joining the military and I have been feeling the same way and I think it’s a society thing where every thing in done by young people and the adults have to sit in time out like we’ve done something wrong and what really made this worth here no offense to echo,is the fact that I got an navy seals prospective on this situation.

I believe that Jocko’s videos should be a requirement to watch during Basic Training or maybe even before.

I lost 210lbs and joined the army at 31. Most of my battle buddies called me pop and poked fun at me during the mornings but by the end of the day they were lining up at my bunk to ask for advice. I wasn't as strong or as fast at the top guys but was able to bring my own to training. The point is that we worked as a team and got through together

Great video I'm 29 leaving for Navy soon.

I joined the army when I was 30 in 2003 (MOS 11B1P). Basic training, AIT, and Airborne school (too easy). I loved the physical aspect of BT and AIT (PT, ruck marches, MOUT, shooting guns, being outdors, etc.), but what I hated, was being on lock down and standing around in formation, waiting for the drill sergeants (hurry up and wait). I started in a LEG infantry unit; after that, I went to a RSTA unit; and, I ended my time with the army, in a LRS unit. I did a few deployments in Iraq and went to a few schools. I decided to get out in 2012; because, I wanted to do the civilian thing again, due to the stupid shit and bad leadership. All said and done, though, I would do it all over again. And, I would highly recommend it for most people, despite the bad that goes along with it, regardless of your age. You get paid training with whatever MOS/career you choose (most of the military members aren't bullet magnets), career experience, leadership experience, travel opportunities, a brotherhood like no other, etc. Good times!

Just turned 28 a couple days ago and decided that I'm tired of what civilian life has to offer so planning on enlisting as 11X in the Army by the end of the year

This makes me feel better about wanting to join the Navy I’m 28 and I thought it would be risky throwing out my career but this makes me motivated to go in with a good attitude and work my ass off

There was a 29 year old in my Company In basic. He was an E4 already and he was known as and called “Old man”.

I joined the Air Force at 19, got out at 23, got an EE degree, been working for a couple years now, now I'm 29. I'm thinking about going back in to be an officer and retiring at 46.

I am 31 years old, joining the Army, active duty. I am prior service Navy got out in 2012. I’m doing this for myself, my country and my wife and three children. I’m ready to go back to basic and embrace the suck. I’m no better than anyone else there.

I’m a few months outta AIT I joined when I was 30. He is 100% right it is definitely a maturity level

I joined at 30 with college education and professional experience. I became a jet mechanic and did my 6 years and now transition to Security Forces and hopefully to Pararescue. All the kids looked up to me like a big brother and they still do. I have been able to be a mentor to these young men for real life stuff outside of military.

As someone who joined at 27, you’re spot on.

I'm joining at 28 I feel old lol but I made the decision to stop talking myself out of things out of fear of failure

Thank You Much boss 👊

As always, Jocko dropping wisdom. Joined the Army at 20 and separated my first year. Now at 32 I'm considering joining the Air Force, mostly to make a career change and to do something bigger with my life than be a Master Automotive Technician. Thank you, Jocko. Roll hard.

I’m joining the military in part because of jacko. Incredible person probably due in part to his mindset.

I had my 42nd birthday in basic 2008. I however was a PT miss 300 lol. One of the best moments was running up on an 18 year old and saying" don't let grandma catch you" hahahaha One of the best times of my life. Hooah

Just finished the asvab and my physical. This help alot not gonna lie was kinda nervous but this helps alot

Great video alot of truth

Very very helpful man I'm 29 and and joining Army and going to 4 Ranger. I have a good job but not my dream job. I have always wanted to serve and I wish I hadn't waited so long but I am very mature now and I know without a doubt what this journey will entail. I know what to expect. And beside all the teenager shit I know I will sit right in with that Ranger mentality.

i love this video. when i join at 25. this lady we had in the navy she join at 40 and she ranked up quick as shit. just like Jocko said if you squared away you can rank off fast especially when your 40 you want to get up there quick. she came in as E-3 made E-4 first try then she got cap to E-5 people were like WTF lmao.

I'm a poor 26 year old. Mind has been shifting towards the military more and more now. Thinking about the airforce. Still not sure though. Learning how to program right now, and while the pay off with that is potentially huge, there were plenty of times in the past where I went out to get a job. I put in 300 applications in the first year before I gave up and found a basic retail job, after I had gotten my bachelors in History. So now I'm going back to school hoping to change all that. Getting an associates/certificate in programming, but may need a bachelors for a specialized degree... and the only way I can pay for that and not be entrenched in debt is by joining an ROTC program.

I just enlisted at 35. The worst part is social isolation because these kids consider you the "old guy".

When I joined the Marines I was 20 turned 21 in Bootcamp. I was making 25 and hour in 04 in union as steelworker. Reading the Philly Metro paper at lunch seeing insurgency picking up. I thought war was over. Then was like this is the new world forever, I signed up hot 119 GT score on ASVAP and wanted combat ASAP so Marines are 1st to fight so thats what I went with. I did not know all the SOCOM stuff. Turned 21 in bootcamp. Had a carear and my experiences in Frankford HS where our famous students are Drug Kingpins who firebombed houses.. Kaboni Savage. The stuff I was into was another reason to go. I had so much more street smarts. I hunted upstate and stayed in ocean in summer. I was all city swimmer which saved me a few times surfing as a kid. So I had alot of experience from every social background good and bad. I was NJPed in SOI for Tiajauna so lost Recon Indoc. Tiajauna was just a fun place. So in fleet I was good, well liked and Trusted. I hated toxic leadership. I was training for MARSOC but my NJP barred me. I did not want normal infantry anymore. We had majors writing thier own bronze stars with Vs without being in the TIC. So I left for Philly Fire Dept. I do wish I joined Army SF reserves though. I am 36 now and feel unfafilled with my military career. Toxic leaders pushed me out, the Corps has modernized better and allowing to get to higher level. I think USMC infantry should all be SOC capable Tier 3 unit. I am fighting alot of fire with alot of Vets in Busiest station in Philly with 1st in work, maybe the country also. Good money alot of time to train, travel and shoot. I have had my problems with getting back into civilian life. The world stops for nobody, losing alot of friends to PTSD and so on. I am blessed and continue to push. Crush life everyday.

Talked to recruiters at 17 and they didn't stop hitting me up flr years. Finding myself lost at 27 and reconsidering it all

This came up in my feed today. I had my 32nd birthday during initial officer training. I'd graduated university nearly a decade earlier, done post-grad, qualified as a professional, had a career then joined up. It was an interesting experience doing this with the kids who could be as young as 18. Physically some things were easier for me (typically endurance) and others harder (more impact stuff as I had another decade's worth of sports injuries and aging). Given my background the mental exercises were not a problem for me. However, exactly as you said, at that age you have to go in with the right attitude. I talked to friends who were already in service and went through that training with the view of this is a game that has to be played, some things will look dumb, but they are part of the game, play the game, get through and out the other side where the real service and the grownups are. Worked out pretty well and I made O5 in 10 years.

32 and in the process of joining the marines. I say fuck it, i always wanted to do it. Im going for it. You only have 1 life to live. Im leaving no stone unturned.

I joined the army when I was 35 and I’m a kid at heart and fit right in with them except the late night drinking shit yea all good

I’m 33 & reconsidering this as an option.. This was encouraging to hear that it does happen more often than I thought.

good video jocko and good discussion im currently in my early 30s currently studying for the asvab

I always felt nervous about joining the military because I'm older. I'm 29 now and really haven't done anything major in my life.

this was way more uplifting than I expected.. I'm in my 30's and just now getting my GED and then trying to enlist. I've got no issue doing what my CO/ DI tells me to. I can keep my opinions to myself and do what's expected of me. maybe I do got a shot.. 🤔 maybe..

34 living abroad. Getting ready for whatever, getting private security (and leadership) training, bjj, escrima, krav, lifting, cardio, what have you. Also building my own business. When I go back to my home country in about 2 years I plan on joining the reserves, where hopefully I'll get opportunities to eventually attain a leadership position. Next to having a loving family, that's what it's all about for me; love, brotherhood and the purpose of serving my fellow man with the skills that I have.

“Hey, there’s a much more efficient way to do this!” I’ve been plagued by this since I was 13 years old and I’m still that way at age 56 🤣

Thank you for this. It’s crazy how this has been on my mind the last few days and then this pops up on my phone. I’m not 30 yet, but I’ll be 26 in December. And you can help but think, is it too late for me? Thanks so much.

I love hearing this I’m 26 been sucking at civilian life I served when I was 16-19 🇨🇦 but after a whole decade of giving a normal life a chance it’s like it’s cool but I can do so much better in the military again ❤

When I joined the US Army at 31 the an easy transition became was more mature than majority of people who are 25 years of age or younger. Most of the time younger people came to me for life advice. But got a great job as a combat medic I. Which now going to be a RN(registered nurse) and have a lovely wife who is also a combat medic as well that I meet while in the army

thank you

I joined at 29, 11b, as long as you are in good shape and dont take ANYTHING personal, it'll be the easiest job you ever had

we had a guy at bootcamp in 2008 who was 34 joining the military for the first time. guy did good, quiet, kept his nose to the grindstone. pt looked a little hard for him but then again we were all sweatin

I'm 35. Just lost my business through covid. But I've really been into fitness for the last 7 years and I'm really considering joining the services in the UK. I was wondering if I was too old, this has inspired me. Although I have colitis and take immune suppressants. Whether that will effect me I don't know

Jocko , so true!

27. Considering the Air force. Glad to know theres still plenty of time.

I'm 31 and will be joining soon. I'm muscular but I suck at running. I've been training since Jan working on my running. It's about to be June and my running has gotten so much better

Im 31 and have an appointment with a National Guard recruiter tomorrow. This video gave me the push and help I needed.

I am 32. Excellent physical condition. Just got 75 AFQT eligible for all Army jobs interested in either 18D special forces combat medic or AirForce PJ (pararescue)

Its funy i ran across this because im listening to the audiobooks extreme ownership and the dichotomy of leadership and had no idea about the podcast.

great insight

Awesome watching this interaction between these two dudes. Can tell they’re both great and humble men.

33, married, mortgage, car note, student loans and credit card debt. Haven't been in the Army since '08. After working office jobs with quasi IT work, it became too mundane for me. I can't go back in due to double hernia surgery, so I went and got a TWIC card two years ago. Now, just started to work as a civilian sailor a month ago and I have a sense of purpose again.

I did it at 18 and again at 34 in the army and your right. About everything

A lot of older guys joining were going in the guard/reserves. It's a pretty good side gig and honestly, a deployment makes for a great distraction from the normal life.

Just had this conversation with my woman so I googled if requirements are different etc and this video popped up. I'm 29, wanted to go straight outta high-school but plans changed. I'm talking to a recruiter in a few months to see what I have to offer and hopefully I can still serve my fucking country. Thanks.

I graduated NAVY Dive School at 38. I agree with Jocko on the stupidity aspect. Going through BMT, the level of immaturity of those around you can be a challenge. I really feel they should take people based on ability, rather than generalizations, since there are so few younger people mentally or physically capable these days. Especially under Biden's military. Good luck filling those quotas.

I'm 30 this year in october, and I'm honestly considering trying to join the navy...always wanted to when I was younger but i don't think l was mature enough, and I also have worked a lot of jobs I've really hated and haven't found a good passion and good training.

He's right in this videos

Soo true.. on point

Did Basic when I was 20, released honorably before making battalion. Biggest mistake of my life. Am 32 now and heavily contemplating rejoining Infantry....

Going through that now in my 30's.

I'm planning to join army when I'm 25 I'm currently 22 years old going on 23 (I need to practice driving for 3 years before I go) anyways the maturity thing is true if I were to join at 25 I'm grateful for the opportunities the military has I've been a janitor since 19 worked at a toilet paper factory at 18 for one year and I'm telling you it's tough out there for just a hs graduate the only careers you can go for if you don't go to college is trades and trust me their hard on the body I like janitorial and I prefer it but honestly going straight to work after high school besides college is smarter rather then being young and stupid and saying omg I wanna do finance do 4 years and youve waited 4 years to realize you didn't like the job plus you're in debt I probably will be going to Parsons in my late 20's to pursue my passion I always say as long as your still in your 20's it's ok to join at a later age 30's is debatable because to me that's a little too late.but it's ok to have some life experience before you figure out what you wanna do with the rest of your life.

28 right now and I've bee pondering joining for while

I'm going to try this year. I need some letters of rec tho because of my supposedly already PTSD diagnosis, I can get them tho. still just working on getting stronger and running faster. I'm 35

I’m 33, I’m a pharmacist so I would direct commission as an O-3. Only thing is, I tore my ACL at age 17, got it repaired but the arthritic damage is bad, like you hear the knees creaking when I bend them.