The 59-Year-Old Army Boot Camp Graduate

[@AARP]

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[@StrengthinManlets]

dude is a straight up warrior his whole life. marine, swat, army.

[@gypsydanger2148]

Straight up boss. Fools balls drag on the floor. I wonder how he keeps em in his pants.

[@firefightr_spike3846]

@@gypsydanger2148 he needs a damn flatbed to haul em around.

[@sappert1952]

Hell yeah he is.

[@thaddeussmith8394]

One of the best this country has to offer.

[@SUA37]

Yeah bro... Marine boot camp is no joke for boot camp. It's nothing compared to the fleet but I can't believe this guy had to go through army boot camp after all of that training... Honestly it's crazy imo

[@f-15estrikeeagle35]

Wow imagine being a drill sergeant and there is a 59 year old boot with more TIS and more rank than you

[@markstrain8989]

not to mention knowledge, wisdom, experience, common sense, and maturity. ARMY, go unfuck thyself.

[@CarbideSix]

@@markstrain8989 SSG Gould even said the training and equipment they have today was better than what it was on his original Day One. So it's not that bad he had to go through BCT because the battlespace has very much changed in the last 10 years alone.

[@7chicano]

By definition he is not a boot...the drill sgt would b boot to him

[@grunt2926]

I just went back in this year in army reserve. I'm 31 with multiple combat deployments and schools and trade experience. Graduation day was pretty funny for me.

[@MarcosLopez-yz2wr]

HEREFORTH DRILL!!! KISS THINE BOOTS!!! YAY THEY HAVE WALKED THROUGH VALLEYS WHERE DEATH HAD LAID AWAITING FOR THEE! GIVETH THINE WEAPON AND LOADED RUCK, FORE THOUST THINE BATTLE WEARIED EYES HAD SEEN WHATST THOU HAST ONLY SUNG CADENCE OF......

[@felixniederhauser7799]

He is 19 with additional 40 years of experiance. Well done Sir.

[@keeppressing1760]

Exactly 💯

[@cjjohnson8583]

Now the DI has a new saying: "I've seen a grandpa move faster than you on a course."

[@RE-THiNk.]

you talking about the army or the marines because the army is DS the marines is DI.

[@mrgrady9460]

@@RE-THiNk. when ur thinking so hard about a simple comment

[@jose.ml.reynoso]

@@RE-THiNk. No matter the service, saying still applies, dude...

[@RE-THiNk.]

@@jose.ml.reynoso you go up to a army ds and tell them yes di they will be on your ass till you get that fixed

[@jose.ml.reynoso]

@@RE-THiNk. Ok, it's clear poster got terms mixed up, but my point's still valid: get over it, my friend...

[@glennbrymer4065]

He didn't want to do this at the age of 59, But, he we went and did it! I'm a 69 year old retired Army veteran. I Salute you SSG Gould.

[@dreambuilder5972]

ARMY STRONG 🇺🇸

[@jebbus8387]

Is that Dragon Man in your profile picture?

[@johnbennett7407]

NOONE wants to do boot camp again. He deserves a salute pushing through at that age. Mental toughness at its best.

[@disgruntledconservativevet1798]

I know him. I served with him in the Army. One hell of a good man. I retired as a Navy Chief. (I served in two branches)

[@aaronfield7899]

Thank you for your service

[@keithrickson8522]

I went through Army basic training at age 35 as a prior service NCO with similar rank and experience to all of my drill sergeants. I was literally twice the age of some of the other trainees. The graduation requirements were not hard at all. The hardest part for me was just dealing with the stupidity of the 19 year olds around me. That was very difficult. But I'm glad I did it. I still have a lot of life ahead of me.

[@ramblinralph7609]

Yes, I commented along the same lines. "Young, dumb, full of...." Well, you know the rest of it. We had a guy in my platoon in army BCT in '68 - he had dodged the draft almost past the age limit, but his board finally caught up with him when he was just about to turn 27. He made it through all right, but you could tell it was a lot harder for him, being pulled from a good job and comfortable life. Most of the rest of the platoon were under 20, hadn't experienced much in life. Hell, most of us hadn't even owned a car when we went in. Of course we called the 27 y.o. "the old man." We didn't even know that in the army, "the old man" was what the company commander (who would probably been less than 27 years old.) was called.

[@michaewade6135]

Same here...

[@wilfred8326]

I was super frustrated as a 22 year old.

[@JohnDough-p6x]

From a USMC SGT: For raising yr right hand & signing over yr life on the 'dotted line' to the USA & The U.S. Constitution Tango Yankee, Soldier 🇺🇸

[@dirtyswar]

I did the same in 2002. I had been out 11 yrs , did Desert Storm, went back for GWOT after 9/11. The maturity difference stood out. Being prior ,helped out with the Drill Sergeants though, they pretty much told me just do the training and didn't give me to hard of a time.

[@LilOutdoorsmangoogleplus]

This guy was in my platoon at basic. Truly a badass. 99% of us were 17-18 years old so he more or less served as a mentor and leader to us younger soldiers. Takes a different type of person to go through BCT again especially at his age. Definitely inspirational

[@alex_crisp]

hi lavoi

[@jdhawks48]

@John Days only one that is still coed is ft benning

[@jdhawks48]

i meant to say the only one that isint coed is ft benning

[@whointhehecko7408]

So he went through as a SSGT? Did he wear his rank.

[@NAthan-hl6wi]

@@whointhehecko7408 yes I had prior service guys in my osut class for infantry and they wore there airborne tabs air assault tabs rank and some not all wore there combat patches. Only thing they weren’t allowed to do was the airborne guys were not allowed to wear there red beret on graduation.

[@konceptkarma]

My basic unit had a guy like this come through. Former marine, joined as an E5. Fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. The drills only ever called him Sergeant, and it made sense seeing as how some of them had never seen combat, but he had. Only got respect for the older generations.

[@joetree6000]

👌👍🇺🇲🏴

[@BVBSEAN]

What happened I thought if you finished marine boot camp, you could then join any other branch without basic training

[@johnnyc0811]

@@BVBSEANu watch the vid? He said the regulations changed.

[@ssad47]

Not anymore lol I remember the marines trying to use that as a recuritment tool to say their tougher but I guess the Army realize that things are always changing. My bud a lucky one. Was out of the corps for 10 years manage to skip. He was one of the last ones. Even Army vets need to redo basic if it been awhile.

[@timramey9776]

Not joining the service when I was younger is one of my regrets in life, I'm 55. Thank you sir for your service!

[@makkdaddy5310]

Don't regret it, the higher ups are either petty and bored or backstabbing wannabe politicians. That's just the enlisted, I heard the officers are even worse to each other.

[@332ndcompany5]

@Emmanuel Goldstein If there's a will, then there's a waiver. Just sort of depends on what condition you have / if you actually want to.

[@332ndcompany5]

@Emmanuel Goldstein true, true, that's an important thing to remember.

[@SugarRayValentine]

You might not be alive if you did, everything happens for a reason don’t regret nothing

[@pandaberserk3390]

i have a nephew and niece in the different cores and i regret not trying it.

[@alonsodeharo3985]

I went to BCT with him. This man was marine infantry sniper, civil affairs, also air borne. The stories he told us other trainees were the craziest. This mans the real deal, glad I got to meet him and get advice for my military career.

[@widowmaker7462]

He's not Airborne, he's in a Airborne unit, but has not gone to Airborne school.

[@rarelibra]

@@widowmaker7462 anyone outside the Army usually can't tell the difference ... same with calling them "Ranger" because they have a short tab, vs someone wearing a scroll without a short tab (a real Ranger).

[@jallen69]

Did he wear E-6 stripes during basic training?

[@clarkd2742]

​@@jallen69 I'm wondering the same thing.

[@FrameRot]

​@@jallen69 yes

[@haloreachmadman555]

Got a 59 year old gentleman in my police academy who was literally a rocket scientist. Such a badass

[@MrArtVein]

What made him switch? COVID?

[@mrpoliceemsfire1]

LAPD?

[@familywarriorproject5145]

Everybody is a rocket scientist at that age

[@op8995]

@@familywarriorproject5145 reread the OP's comment again. The other cadet probably had an aerospace engineering degree.

[@2gameplan]

All Americans should be thankful this man is out there watching over and protecting our freedoms. Thank you, Monte! 🇱🇷

[@theophendyj9816]

This is not the American flag by the way.

[@_The_Specter_]

@@theophendyj9816thats the liberian flag

[@franciscofranco8943]

@@theophendyj9816 Liberia was founded by americans so its an american flag

[@theophendyj9816]

@@franciscofranco8943 1 star is very different than 50 stars.

[@franciscofranco8943]

@@theophendyj9816 still “american”

[@johnnicholson7090]

When you start new game + and have to go through the tutorial again.

[@kimberlyperez1087]

Went through basic with him, he pushed us through the Forge. A genuine person, I’m glad to have been able to sit down and have a conversation with him.

[@Axemantitan]

Was he allowed to wear his SSG rank insignia in basic?

[@black-stormbeats9272]

@@Axemantitan u can see it in the vid

[@sky.wri8293]

@@Axemantitan I went through BCT with prior service, we had two SSG’s and one SGT in my PLT. So yes if they earned the rank during their prior military service, the Army will let them enlist as whatever rank they obtained and they are allowed to wear it during BCT

[@xXBuLlDoG60Xx]

@@sky.wri8293 i had a ssg in basic that had to wear spc up until graduation. This was 2015. Also had a sfc that led his own platoon and had his own room lol

[@bulletbuffet59]

Im a PSYOP reservist and recently went on an NTC rotation in September. My detachment met up with our Civil Affairs guys and lo and behold SSG Gould is in that unit. Never knew how storied his past was and how famous he is now in the Army community because of what he's done. Very down to earth and respectful man. Loads of experience and always had something insightful to say to a young private such as myself. Don't think I'll ever forget you SSG Gould 💪

[@The1Marine1]

I did just the opposite, first joined the Army back in 1977. Then later on I decided to go into the Marines. I did not feel that old at boot camp again at 28 years, the D. I.'s call me a old Army dog. Until they saw I could run 3 miles in 19 minutes. After helping out other recruits with knowledge skill issues only then the D. I.'s eased up on me somewhat. Enjoyed it so much I served 24 years before retiring.

[@josephjaworski9344]

Another good man right there!

[@namenotfound8747]

We call all soldiers "army dogs" regardless of age to this day.

[@thepatriotwarrior4823]

I didn’t think you could go into the marines if you went through another service. That’s what I’ve always been told. You could go from the marines into anything else. I guess they were wrong.

[@jonathanjuwainat5535]

@@thepatriotwarrior4823Whichever jackass told you that is wrong. They may be thinking of boot camp. If you are prior service from another branch, you must go through the USMC boot camp before you can join the Marines. However, if you decide to switch branches while originally being in the Marine Corps, all branches will accept you without having to go through their basic training.

[@SB0083]

@@thepatriotwarrior4823 You can, but you have to go through Marine Boot Camp. Meanwhile, if you already went through Marine Boot Camp, you can transfer to other branches without having to repeat Basic Training again. That's probably where the mixup is coming from.

[@chrisduhaime5689]

There should be a old man brigade there's a lot of 40s and 50s that can do a lot.

[@stevenrodriguez763]

The army is sort of doing something like that already. Their offering older infantrymen and other certain combat MOS bonuses upwards to 100k. The reasoning behind it is something like how the romans had a core of older legionaries held behind the regular infantry.

[@wakeupcanuck6763]

Biden will help you out with perpetual wars.

[@MartysDamnRelaxingSounds]

Totally agree. If women can get into SF now theres no reason men at there 40's and 50's can't re enlist or join for the first time.

[@tomboysupremacist]

@@MartysDamnRelaxingSounds totally. I might just have to try out for SF now lmao

[@1anre]

What would be their mission set?

[@jackwise3367]

I graduated from USMC Boot Camp 60 years ago this December. I was only 17 but I was raised in the mountains in Wyoming. All those years of my youth splitting wood, I packed on some muscle. However, Boot Camp was still a tough thing to get through. I can only imagine the effort this 59 year-old man went through. You have my respect, fella, all of it.

[@young.angry.devildawg]

This man spent roughly 20 years total in the military, majority of that time being in Infantry. He had spent 20 years fighting in combat, doing daily physical training, conducting field training exercises, and going through physical fitness tests. And even after all this, he’s able to go through and graduate Army basic training, and is still able to run, and do perfect push-ups and deadlifts at 59 years old. For a lot of guys, after spending that much time in the military, and being half his age, have a hard time standing up out of a chair due to lower back problems. He’s one of those freaks of nature you hear stories about. Much respect to him.

[@alek9411]

I don't think he is infantry. He has a Combat Action Badge, not Combat Infantrymen Badge.

[@travisbranham6170]

@@alek9411 yeah I was confused on that part. He said he was infantry but has a CAB. Nothing against him tho, hes a beast

[@FrameRot]

@@travisbranham6170 if you're prior Service infantry but switch mos do you have to switch your CIB to the CAB? He attended basic training at Jackson so he's no longer infantry, also the reserves does not have 11Bs.

[@MonteGould]

@@FrameRot he was former 11B (11 years) then changed MOSs, no combat action as a Grunt only a CA dude.

[@travisbranham6170]

@@FrameRot my commander was a cav scout prior when he got his CAB but swapped to 11b and switched out his CAB for a CIB, so im not really sure tbh

[@maryelizabeth3055]

"Words are pretty cheap, you don't sit around and talk about what you can do, you show people what you can do." -SSgt Gould

[@johnrodriguez3870]

Former Marine, a Cop, a Soldier, now a Soldier once and again. What a Badass. You have My Respect.🇺🇸🦅🗽⚔️

[@catholic3dod790]

👍

[@joshuacooper7074]

Former marine? There is only marine

[@SgtRoseUSMC]

Imagine how Many waivers had to be signed

[@19AGJ86]

😂

[@justsomeamerican2301]

RIP recruiters

[@Heyimesor]

That’s exactly what went through my Mind.

[@africansoldja]

No waivers , because he was prior service .

[@SgtRoseUSMC]

@@Heyimesor damn ur so pretty

[@Gozerthegozarian1984]

I went through Basic in 1984 at Ft Benning GA. A guy in my company was a Vietnam vet who had earned his Combat Infantyman Badge. There had been no war for the Drill Sgts to fight in during their careers. Most of the DS had Expert Infantyman Badges. It was funny watching how jealous some of them were of the Vet trainee.

[@widowmaker7462]

@@JG-od3xy 1981 here San Hill

[@edstuff1198]

Well, I used to be proud that I went to Army Basic Training for the second time at age 32 after a 12 year break in service. After 6 years my knees crapped out and I got a medical discharge. I wanted to stay in until retirement, but unfortunately it didn't happen. I had already had both of my knees replaced by the time I was 59. I am now 65 years old. Huge respect SSG Gould, I'll just leave quietly now...

[@ChamberSix.]

My mans is 65 and can speak without sounding like a boomer. Props 👏🏻.

[@crazywisdom2]

respect

[@armybeef68]

I went in at 34 for the first time, because of September 11th, where's my story?

[@oojollyrabbitoo6704]

@@armybeef68 you can't enlist past 29 without prior service you boomer

[@fritzhund1045]

i am 64 but my body is shot--literally. maybe air force i can try.

[@anraegodley-cooper6321]

I joined up at age 31 and don't regret it at all, this brother made it through and so can the rest of us.

[@joetree6000]

🇺🇲🏴👌👍

[@---bj8ty]

Thank you for your service.

[@Manatti06]

How the heck can you get into the Army at 59y/o ?

[@gtarules1]

Acting like 31 is ancient lol

[@gtarules1]

@@Manatti06 His prior years get discounted (I think he said he was 2 years away from retiring from the army, so maybe 20-23 years) and 35 is the oldest you can be to enlist in the army, I think he barely made the cutoff or he got a super waiver lol

[@markanthonyvaldez4517]

The only proffession where they take an oath to defend, fight and die for country and stand by it. Respect to those who keeps us safe.

[@martintully6742]

I am a proud 3rd Generation Army combat veteran and retired Chicago Police Officer. I, too, was in Army Special Operations for many years and fought in Afghanistan back in 2004-2005 in the CJSOTF as an embedded adviser to the Afghan National Army. It was a very challenging Campaign complete with less than perfect circumstances. SSG Gould, you are an inspiration to so many on here, young and old to include me. You and your son are leading the way and representing USSOCOM extremely well! Welcome Home. Stay frosty.

[@drinking_water5759]

I went to basic with this amazing man he was amazing and out did almost every soldier there and I even sat with him at chow I wish the best for him he was part of 134th company

[@tyates4398]

Thats a Marine for ya, Graduates top 10% of his Army boot camp class at 59 years old.

[@themyrtlewoodshomestead9371]

Priceless and underrated comment lol

[@billyjacc]

Hadn't been in the Corps for 40 years. 😁 Most of his TIS was/is Army

[@tyates4398]

@@billyjacc thats not how it works.

[@barryjohnson409]

I've met two Martial Artists in the last few years, 70 years old, lean , quick, very skilled. Age is only a number, now I know.

[@billyjacc]

@@tyates4398 WTH are you talking about? How what works? If you're going to respond to a statement, please stay in the context of what's been spoken.

[@augustvukosovich4683]

You are giving me hope! Im 49. The Airforce Officer training requires you to be less than 47, so I will need an age waiver. Im worried about this. Im a nurse. Everyone who meets me believes I am in my early 30s.and my physical fitness is the same as anyone in their 30s. I can run a mile and a half, I can do the push ups and sit ups required. However, recruiters do not like age waivers. So, I have to hope and pray.

[@mikebaldwin3891]

Check in with your congressman’s office they may be able to help

[@gregoryturk19]

I served with his son at Fort Hood and the example that he sets for his family was awesome

[@ifGarage]

In the police academy we had a wide range of ages from 21 to 58. Me being the youngest at 21 was surprised to see a 58 year old man out performing most of us youngsters. Me and grandpa (the nickname we gave him) despite our huge age gap we actually became good friends. I was jealous at how easy his physical fitness standards were but even though they were easy he didn’t stop at his standard, as a matter a fact he almost met my age group standards. I finished my 1.5 mile run in 11:28 I needed to be under 11:58. Grandpa did his somewhere around 12 and a half minutes. He’s retired now, he worked as a police officer for 2 years. I also worked as a police officer for 2 years. Policing is a very serious and dangerous profession, my respect to all officers out there doing this for the good of mankind. And if you currently are a police officer and are thinking about leaving because the job is intense and it’s getting to your head, LEAVE. It was the best thing I did. No shame in admitting to something you can’t do, if you force yourself to stay you’ll become a liability to the department. One of my instructors once said “I have nothing but respect for the ones that quit because they realized this isn’t the path for them. The main thing is they gave it a shot.”

[@ivystorm]

We need a movie that tells this mans awesome story, his determination should be immortalized for everyone to see.

[@AstroVanTribe]

I'm about to turn 54, I'm a Marine vet and would do this in a heartbeat...

[@ScottHz]

Ditto! I tried to (re)enlist after 9/11, but was too old with not enough time in service. Went throught Army bootcamp in ‘82 and Navy OCS in ‘88, would love to go through again!

[@Joseywales414]

47 years old is the cut off for active duty. The Army guards there is much more leniency

[@thewordman6013]

I'm your age too. Let's do it! I've been missing my time in. I am a Marine as well.

[@AstroVanTribe]

@@thewordman6013 if only it was just up to us...

[@dennisplatte7506]

You weren't in My Marines. We were all 17-21, We had a 26 year old that switched over from the Army----and we felt so sorry for him. He barely made it. 26 is too old----or was in my day. Went in during 1969.

[@markothwriter]

I taught a 54-year-old 2nd Lieutenant at the intelligence school at Fort Huachuca. Yes, he was prior-service and I think he was already eligible to retire. But, he was ot prior-service intelligence. He did really well and finished in top half of his class. Age is really just a number.

[@lilbitoferrthang]

It's not though, biologically you are in a state of higher decay at those ages.

[@_DMNO_]

I don't know if I'd go around calling age just a number haha There's two sides to every coin. In this case, some might think you're saying it in the not so positive way.

[@edwardfoster5153]

If I could serve again I sure would. I don’t have the time in service to reduce from my age they told me. Thanks for the video. Very inspirational. Semper Fi

[@tinylyl2375]

I went to basic with him. He was pretty cool and we treated him just like the drill sergeants.

[@commanderfistfight6300]

What’s your rank now and what’s your MOS and platoon

[@philyfly358]

@@commanderfistfight6300 you love asking for peoples MOS and unit🤣 not everyone wants to share that on the internet and only really matters if you see them in real life

[@commanderfistfight6300]

@@philyfly358 I know just everyone says they went to BCT with this guy so it gets hard to believe

[@philyfly358]

@@commanderfistfight6300 yea your right I have seen a lot of comments like that. But honestly if people wanna fake on the internet there’s nothing you or I can do.

[@michaelbachand7660]

@@commanderfistfight6300 OPSEC

[@mcgowananderson7405]

Thank you for this motivation, retired air force 24 years, retired investigator with my local sheriff's dept 1o years. This made me smile when you said, "Do your best". Assignment understood will continue to keep moving in this next chapter of my life.

[@niceview2112]

Gould is in the IMTT (International Mobile Training Team) and has been training and receiving training from various countries. Has more knowledge and experience than probably anyone in there. 2:13 Thats Finnish PSO award right there with the Finnish lion on it.

[@williamjones4716]

Was wondering about all those badges, including the French marine beret badge and their National Defense medal, but did you notice he doesn't have a Marine Good Conduct Medal on his rack?

[@disgruntledconservativevet1798]

If you only knew him. I served with him in the Army. Good man!

[@searcherror4463]

There was a 52 year old that went through our basic training back in 2014 at Ft Leonardwood, came from the navy and had to go through basic all over again, dude was a beast.

[@squiddlye3924]

There are more to come

[@TheGearhead222]

Totally amazing and impressive. At 60 years old, I feel very motivated by this man! John in Texas (desert Storm/Shield-USN)

[@MySecretVault]

Enormous respect to this man.

[@dylandedolph2982]

I spent my time with SSG Gould through bct and it was an honor to hear the stories, advice, and much more from him. An absolute warrior through his whole life and his testimony was very inspiring!

[@Americanpatriot-zo2tk]

Thanks for your service!

[@Johnny_Benson]

Monte Gould is an amazing man. I grew up in his shadows. As an instructor at Gunsite, I was always there in his shadows learning, and listening. A very strong character and an amazing friend. One of my greatest days, was when I beat him in a challenge coin shoot off. My 5 minute claim to fame.

[@bryonhayes1797]

Way to go sir and thank you for your service to our country.

[@FloydMaxwell]

Speechless. Says so much good about Monte Gould. His wife. His son. The Army. His original Marines training. And this incredible country.

[@Boardyeti]

I needed this video, I'm a 36 year old man and my age was making me hesitant to serve, life changed and it's all I think about now, but thank you for the inspiration, and thank you for doing what you do, people need to see this to understand what's possible with drive and passion.

[@ramblinralph7609]

Back in the day, cut off age for enlistment was 35 (most branches). What is it now?

[@KevinMoore5q]

Congratulations Sgt, I'm proud of what you accomplished. I retired from the Air Force in 2009 after 24 years of Active and National Guard service. Retired not Expired. I tell people all the time, I was proud to serve and would do it again. Thanks for this story.

[@godsownfool7]

Thanks also for YOUR service Mr Moore! My oldest brother did 22 yrs in the Air Force. Pop did 6 yrs in the Army. Other brother did 6 in the Navy. I did 3 yrs in the Marine Corps.

[@disgruntledconservativevet1798]

Dam straight I retired from the USNR as a Chief (E-7) I’m enjoying all the responses because I served with Monty in the Army. Just an outstanding guy. And thank you for your service

[@jamesfair4315]

I remember we had 2 30 year olds in basic. Both graduated but one got hurt in his AIT and got out on a medical discharge. I turned 24 in basic and was considered old then. Today's army is much easier. It's always been your own attitude and endurance and mind. I loved the military.

[@jayluis189]

24 is considered old for basic?? Lol Half my company back in 2015 was at least 22 or older... (I was 19)

[@dreambuilder5972]

ARMY STRONG 🇺🇸 VETERAN

[@josephjaworski9344]

This man is seriously my hero, I'm not even related to this guy and I couldn't be more proud of him, he is an inspiration to all. I hope I can be half the man he is one day!

[@michaewade6135]

I was 38 when I joined in 2008. I had never served and never even ran a mile in my life. I was sent to Fort Benning in August with a bunch of split opps... I actually had a great time and learned alot about who I was as a person and how I can push through almost anything.

[@lulu07Lulu]

This is very motivating to read. Were you treated differently?

[@4therush]

Yes. At first, both trainees and drill gave me a hard time. But in time, I earned their respect. On graduation day, as we were in formation, we were waiting for our turn to march by the leaders and our families. Some NCOs came and sat on the stairs in front of us. They immediately started in on me. They said I didn't belong in their Army, and I was too damn old. Well, SGM had walked up behind them and ripped into them like nobodys business and told them not only did I belong. I had earned my right to be there and to be called a soldier. At that moment, I was proud of what I had done. The thing is. I grew up poor in southern California with no father. I really believed I was worthless my whole life. Was told I would never be anything. I will always remember that day. Changed me internally.

[@DanielWShrigley]

I’m 47 and would have to serve 6 years more to get my pension. However at my age money alone can’t be the motivating factor. I miss the Army. I think it’s wonderful that that man made a choice and did what he set himself out to do. He has wisdom and experience to bring to the table that will serve well the younger blood in his unit. He may even pick up a promotion down the road and retire a E-7 SFC. I see he was a police officer. Being a police officer in today’s political climate is harsh due to the Defund The Police movement, so naturally I can see why leaving law enforcement for the military can make sense for some. Since he is reserves/national guard he can actually remain being a police on SWAT and continue to drill with his unit. Best of both you might say. Well if his unit ever gets deployed he can go with his son and they will have family with them both.

[@rudylopez5060]

He deserved to be in the guiness world record book for the oldest trainee ever

[@kenleblanc4224]

I am right there with you brother. Enlisted at 40. I'm in my 16th year of service. Deployed 5 times. You are my spirit combat brother.

[@Ggwp15mins]

DS: ”half right face!” Ssg Gould: “son I was your rank when you were still a sperm.”

[@bouncerslabrealnature9143]

Boot camp was the most fun I ever had in my life....after boot camp it was all down hill and the enjoyment was over. I was so happy that my time was up in the 80s because it was just a job....not a adventure.(In my eyes)

[@Sandmanssk]

I just realized that AARP posted this inspirational video! God speed Staff Sergeant!

[@FlyingEagle41]

If this old guy can get through training, any young healthy guy can. All you gotta do is put your mind to it and never give up, it's all about attitude.

[@brandonberst]

Hey tell the navy that. They won’t take me rn cuz like “carpal tunnel”

[@Usmc0341]

He's not just some old guy, he's a Marine, we're just a different breed. There's nothing we can't do.

[@rickkirby2753]

A lot of young people won't though...too spoiled and lazy.

[@sophiasocal68]

I went thru Basic and AIT US Army active duty in 1988 Ft McClellan AL. We had a 38 year old who we called grandpa. He graduated right along side everyone.

[@NickHoldinski-tw7fr]

No way, so did I. What unit were you in? I went in August 1988 and graduated I believe around January after Christmas break.

[@knerduno5942]

You don't have an strange illnesses do you? The area was home of the US Army Chemical Corps, and Monsanto also contaminated the local water supply. Lot of people who were there are now sick from varying illnesses, including my brother.

[@JayOrlando32828]

I find it Disrespectful to make him go thru all of this again.... Thank you for your service Staff Sargent Gould

[@wilsonle61]

I just really think the Army did not want to pay him his retired pay. (I am not saying he was the reason for the regulation change, just that his situation was the reason they changed the regulations) Good on you SSG not letting them stop you from getting the job done! But given your history, I would have been shocked if you let a little thing like boot camp stand in your way.

[@hansnoor9637]

Dear god, this guy is one insane day away from being Colonel Kurtz

[@robertnesbitt3366]

Thank you for your service to our country. 🙏❤️💯

[@davidgolinsky]

I'd love to be able to do what this guy is doing. At 62 there's not a day that goes by that I wish I was still in. After medically retiring in 05', and three bouts with cancer and two wrecked knees from playing hockey not sure I'd be up to it. The fact that this cat wanted to be near his kid is good enough for me to re-up.

[@zach8969]

Gurantee you his Drills nicknamed him Grandpa or Old man 😂

[@1337penguinman]

I would have gone the other route. Nicknamed him "Junior."

[@andrewyoung8550]

When your an NCO going through basic you get more respect I had an E-6 in my BCT from the air force he got his own room and to have electronics but may be different at Jackson compared to Benning

[@celestevargas8572]

Most of us would call him sgt

[@jco5254]

He was 100% called grandpa they call anyone over 40 that it’s a thing that forces respect of elders in the military I saw it during basic and so did many friends and instructors I know cheers

[@AndrewSmith-tu8he]

That's Sgt. Grandpa you

[@carlosgarza8936]

Just came across this video. Reminded me of my infantry training at Ft Ord summer of 1968. In our company we had a 35? Yr old Korean War combat vet. The young Lts wondered about his CIB metal badge he wore on his fatigues. He was humble about it. Another company elsewhere had either an air corp or Air Force vet also getting in through basic training for that elusive retirement pension. Bravo 3-2.

[@DesmoProfundis]

53 and I'd seriously go back in in a split second if they would let me. How in the World did he make this happen?? I'm writing my Congressman Today!!

[@dannyrodriguez6960]

I see a young man combat ready to fight first country we thank you sir for your service you are an example that everyone should aspire to be thank you

[@V1RT8]

“Look at things that you can do to make yourself a better person” You are the man. 👍

[@rstokes7576]

Thanks for this. This was needed. I am older and am going through much of the same regarding medical records. It is my goal/mission to serve, I will get in! BE BETTER!

[@K33p1TS1mpL]

He took initiative, adapted and overcame the challenges that were set before him. Thank you for your service and inspiration!

[@adiossoulboy]

Hats off to you sir ✌️🇺🇸thank you for your service !

[@scruffygaming627]

What an absolute legend :) I personally will never support war as a solution ever. But I 100% support the tenacity/courage it takes for the men and women to do the job.

[@badbob6689]

To all of you young and a little older "Thank you for your service!"

[@rusiatevulakoro3169]

No guts...No Glory..Thank you Sir

[@brandtbecker1810]

My congratulations to this gentleman - I had a hard enough time in BT when I was 19!!! The oldest guy we had in my company was 37 - a 1st Cavalry vet from Vietnam with a Silver Star and a couple of Purple Hearts. He outdid most of us young bucks LOL.

[@MackieLevyn]

i was waiting to see the 59 year old guy the whole time

[@damenheckwine2152]

I went to bct with him, although he was in another platoon.

[@mothurman]

Wasn't it easy cuz of corona? No shark attack?

[@josetheweirdo]

@@mothurman this was before the change

[@3rdlegbrigade258]

Now that’s dedication…..I was in and out of the army as an active duty soldier and a guardsman serving in the infantry…..but to see what he did outweighed what I did…..he continued to serve at his age while my days stopped when I was 42….Served my country in Kuwait and my deployment in Iraq….

[@Bourbon101LRSD]

3rd Ranger Battalion has a 51yr old E7 at this very moment. SFC.BRIAN MARX BADASS DUDE. Enlisted at 40, RASP at 41. Now this guy!!! Beware of old men in a profession where men die young!!

[@lucky88shp]

Very inspiring! Thank you for your service!

[@rjs1jd]

Yes for at LEAST 5 separate but same loud thank you for your service!!!!! Heroes looks like this

[@pivottech8881]

Don't you mean thank you for your services and I'm not even trolling this guys done it all 🙏

[@MrSpasticdancer]

reading the comments here it looks like he is widely respected by everyone that met him. all that experience he must be a great soldier

[@nicholaschacon6503]

Bless you man ! You are the man ! I have the very same story military/police and I am 55 and I did some marathons. But most of my peers (my same age friends) think I m a freak .But I see you and the recent mike tyson/ Roy Jones fight and I think being older doesn't mean the end ! Thank you much ! Hooray !!!

[@leonceboudreauxwolf]

Sir, you have my utmost respect, and yes, you're very much an inspiration. If you remember the old battery commercial with the Energizer Bunny, he takes a licking but keeps on a ticking, something like that. You are a true Warrior.

[@leslietaylor4458]

I love how he didn't make a big deal about how mean the Drill Sergeants were... he was like 'oh, you guys again'.. lol

[@Bbendfender]

I thought about going back in at age 40, This would have been a Reserve Army Unit. I had 4 years in the USAF. This was just before Desert Storm but I finally decided not to do it. I loved the military. It was good for me and to me. This guy, in this video, is a real warrior for sure.

[@kennethkelly6043]

Thank you for your committment to excellence and life of service!

[@smilingbadger6209]

I was a retread from the navy when I enlisted in the United States Marine corp at age 29 with a waver for prior service. I had to go through boot camp again on the other side of the Navy boot camp ten years later. I was teased in basic training such as "You must have served mess duty at the last supper." "Were you a road guard for Moses?" I made and it and became a United States Marine. Second generation.

[@crazywisdom2]

respect

[@SlowRider72]

HELL YES!!! Thank you for your service!

[@shiloh1994]

I found a guy that can pass the ACFT and he's 59.

[@seffy333]

Next week: oldest guy to graduate officer candidate school Hint: it’s the same guy

[@jonsingle1614]

Lol....nice try.....I was denied OCS because I was 4 months to old

[@Themrine2013]

@@jonsingle1614 things may be changing. war is coming they will need everyone they can get soon

[@jonsingle1614]

@@Themrine2013 with my current disabilities....i am 4F....i can only shoot my own gun

[@pianofry1138]

@@jonsingle1614 are you certain? Given that they made this exception for him they might just allow that. It wouldn't make sense because he is getting out but I think he might get through if he tried.

[@jonsingle1614]

@@pianofry1138 No doubt he would pass it physically....but still be denied for his age

[@MayumiC-chan9377]

my husband served from 2005 to 2015 in the South African Defense Force and when he came home he and several other veterans formed a private security services company and to this day he keeps up with his regimen. I know my husband enjoys working with his friends who served too and i’m happy my husband is protecting our family and others.

[@user-xi3fp7je8s]

I'm here before this goes viral. Serious dedication! Awesome!

[@brianfollendorf168]

This man has my total respect!

[@roychui6694]

One word: Respect.

[@james883oneal]

Got nothing but respect for this man.

[@djaztec97]

He may be in the Army but deep down his heart yells "once a Marine always a Marine!"

[@squiddlye3924]

That is never going to change,SEMPER FI

[@sarge6870]

I knew there was gonna be at LEAST one jarhead posting to a story about a guy re-upping in the ARMY!

[@jday1965]

I went to Ft. Jackson A/7/2 3rd platoon 3rd squad 16 June 1983 I went through the state fire academy at 47 in 2012. You can achieve many things if you have the desire. Way to go SSG. Gould!

[@thomask2210]

A/4/1 (Tank Hill)

[@goldenratio5117]

Thank you for your service! Much respect to ALL who serve

[@disgruntledconservativevet1798]

🫡