Doubts about age...

USN2UNC · Dec 2, 2009

I just wanted to see if there is anyone in my position. I am thinking about joining the Airforce but I feel I may be too old. I know the age cut off is 42 or somthing around that, but I don't want to be considered "the old one" in my class. I will be 29 when I finish nursing school and hopefully start my additional training (COT, NTP). Is this crazy to think? I know it may seem shallow, but I come from a family where everyone joined the military at 18 or 19 so in my mind I feel like I am too old to join. Any comments would be helpful.

I joined the military when I was 18 and there were 30 year old's in boot right along with me. Did I care? No, a lot of them had a more mature mind-set which helped them to be more effective leaders over the 'young bucks'. Twenty-nine is NOT old, hell most Nurses that were able to join straight out of BSN are probably around 23. I am 28 and will finish at 30-31. There will be plenty of people that are my 'age' when I go back in. This is a non issue, seriously, don't worry about it.

:twocents:

allnurses Guide · Dec 2, 2009

I just wanted to see if there is anyone in my position. I am thinking about joining the Airforce but I feel I may be too old. I know the age cut off is 42 or somthing around that, but I don't want to be considered "the old one" in my class. I will be 29 when I finish nursing school and hopefully start my additional training (COT, NTP). Is this crazy to think? I know it may seem shallow, but I come from a family where everyone joined the military at 18 or 19 so in my mind I feel like I am too old to join. Any comments would be helpful.

You will still be one of the younger ones in your COT class depending on what time of year you go. I was 29 when I came in.

DrCOVID, DNP · Dec 2, 2009

And here I was thinking I would be too young lol...

nursemel09 · Dec 2, 2009

I turned 30 this year and closer to 31 when I finish COT. Age will give you insight that someone younger may not have yet. It's a good thing!

jennifer7010 · Dec 2, 2009

Thank you all for the replies, they really helped! I feel much more confident now.

rghbsn, BSN, RN · Dec 2, 2009

Yeah...I'll be 35 when I head to COT. I'll be 36 when I graduate COT if I don't get a Jan spot, lol.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2009

Age? I just completed COT at 36!

BabyRN05 · Dec 3, 2009

I completed COT in August at 29 years of age... which I would say is about the median age for RN's at COT... well, it probably just depends on the class.

athena55, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2009

Hi

I was 50 when I went through OBC! Age ain't nuthin' but a number. In my head I am still 24 years old, ha ha, but oftentimes my body reminds me I am 54 especially when doing AWT (Advanced Warrior Training)

athena

larry v · Dec 4, 2009

33 here applying for reserve Flight Nurse spot, hope to join rghbsn in the next few years. So you are soooo not old!

midinphx, BSN · Dec 4, 2009

I'm 41 and I've applied (I'll be 42 in Feb). I had doubts about my age too!

I went into the Army as enlisted soldier at age 18. Did my 3 years. Got out, married, family, education. I didn't apply earlier because I thought the cut off age was 36 and I was past that when I was ready. I found out at a conference that I'm still in age limit and actually get 3 more years to go in based on prior service.

I don't think age is the main worry. I'm in great shape and mentally prepared for anything.

Right now, I've passed physical and turned in my full paperwork. I'm ANXIOUSLY awaiting that reply. Waiting is truly difficult. I want to start my new adventure and serve our country again.