Should You Join The Army Older? Joining the British Army Over 30

[@Dee47mp]

I joined at 35.i had no issue taking orders from younger corporals..that is the order of the day. I buried all my experiences in life and was prepared to start afresh. As i speak I made it through Phase 1 and passed out successfully. Oh, and I did phase 1 during the coldest months.. Today I feel so proud about myself of my achievement. Making it to the top list of 19 people out of 48 when we passed out was a good feeling.

[@MilitaryFitness]

That is a great effort mate, I bet you will have a great career 👍🏻👍🏻

[@irish7460]

19/48 is an insane ratio mate. Congratz. Must have been some cold ass months.

[@faetpops]

I eventually joined the army at 32 years and 7 months old. I had always planned on doing it but never bothered. As far as I am aware I am the oldest recruit to pass through Bassingbourne who was not a rejoiner. To cover the points in the video from my own experience; The wage was fine during basic training for me with no bills to pay. From memory it was around £800 per month in phase 1 but there was nothing to spend it on. Getting shouted at by a 24 year old full screw was absolutely not a problem for a few reasons. Firstly, the guy shouting earned the right to be there. All of my DS were guys with tours under their belts and secondly, it was easy as an older guy to rationalise what they were doing. It was nothing personal, they were doing a job. Physically I was top half during training but after 3 years at unit and a tour, I was done. It killed my knees, hips, the lot and being older it all came at once. Overall it was, without doubt, the best thing I ever did and I would encourage any older folk to do it.

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@faetpops thats good advice and the phys really does creep up on you the older you get

[@WizardOfCheese]

I'm 32 joining the RAF. Better late than never. I feel like this is the best time to join for me personally (uncertain times). I've had my fun in 'civvy street', messed around most of my life, its time for a 'serious' job now and one I can be proud of. I don't think I'd have been mentally prepared to make the most out of joining the military at a young age. We're all different. The main worry for me is fitness, but the way I see it I just have to put in more effort or train 25% harder to stay on par with the lads. Oh and try to not get injured.

[@MilitaryFitness]

I think you will do a great job in the RAF with that attitude 💪🏻💪🏻

[@DarioHaruni]

Hey buddy, you still got your legs and arms? There's plenty of serious jobs out there. Just so you know.

[@recwon]

How is it going in the RAF- I been thinking about it at the same age group

[@joshuadennehy932]

Great shout Sam. No point living a life of regret, do it, see how it goes etc.

[@MilitaryFitness]

For sure.

[@TheDannylloyd88]

Great video Sam, I'm 34 on Thursday and was meant to start Pirbright yesterday but a positive PCR has set me back 12 weeks. I have to do it now or I know I'll regret it for the rest of my life, was a tough day unpacking my case yesterday

[@MilitaryFitness]

Man, that must have been a bloody nightmare. It may be for the best, you never know. You may meet some amazing lads in the next intake and you will think it was worthwhile then.

[@TheDannylloyd88]

@@MilitaryFitness I've been told I will be on the April/May intake by the careers office so more time to prepare. And the only positive I'm taking from it is the weather will be warmer lol, I'm kind of glad I won't be doing it during the coldest months

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@TheDannylloyd88 that’s a good point, summer training is always easier.

[@stemartin6671]

Exactly what I thought mate.

[@_Raven_]

I've just turned 26 and I'm preparing to start training (since I currently can barely run to catch a bus, let alone the 2km or beep test). I did go to my careers office at 16 and unfortunately missed the intake, so I was advised to go to college or get a job. I was given some good opportunities for civilian jobs and eneded up not joining the army. 10 years later I massively regret that decision. Civilian life to me is extremely boring and I find it difficult to hold down a job for more than a year. The age thing is something that's had me worried and with every year that went by, I've felt like that option is further and further behind me. It's reasurring to know that even if it takes me 4 years to get physically and mentally ready, that I can still join and make a career out of it.

[@MilitaryFitness]

It is never too late to join as long as you are within the age restrictions. 26 years old is certainly a good age to join.

[@Thatguy1705]

I'm 25 and am the exact same as you except a little fitter no offense lol. Only thing holing me back is I think I'll fail the medical.

[@csmith1913]

Great video mate I’m 33 and waiting for my date to go to the assessment centre you answered a lot of things I was worried about thanks pal subbed 👍

[@MilitaryFitness]

I am glad the video helped. Best of luck with the assessment centre

[@howardsz1502]

Let us know how it's going my man, I'm 31 this year and waiting basically on the same thing

[@csmith1913]

@@howardsz1502 ey up mate. I was waiting on my medical but went to civvie doctors for a knee injury now there saying I’m not medically fit an I have to appeal. Bullshit really as my knee is sound now but it’s gonna put me back fuck knows how long. Anyway good luck with your application 👍

[@howardsz1502]

@csmith1913 ahh 💩 the joys of getting old, I hope it all works out for ya buddy, I asked cause I've heard it can take upto a year these days since the MoD handed over recruitment to a civvie company

[@rollthedice54]

Here in Canada you can join the Armed Forces up to the age of 57. There are people who joined at that age and made videos sharing their experience and it has been positive for them and the CAF. personally at 50 I have looked into joining. The money isn't a challenge for me. I want to serve as a tanker and make myself and family proud. For me the biggest challenge is would my body let me down? My will power would say I can do it but my back might say stop.

[@MilitaryFitness]

I have worked with a number of Canadian soldiers and they were all awesome. Best of luck if you decide to go for it 🫡

[@Inconvenient_NPC]

That's incredible, and very good news. In the United States, you can't sign up for the Navy Seals if you are past 28, which I think is a bit silly. 35 is a good cut-off point for the special forces side of things.

[@Robbielee46]

34 didn't get in jn my 20s due to anti depression medication, hoping to be accepted now I'm older in a good place and not had the stuff in years. Good video

[@MilitaryFitness]

I wish you all the best

[@Inconvenient_NPC]

Hooya, sir! I'm 30!! - Chris Kyle, American Sniper

[@MilitaryFitness]

🫡

[@DanielJames-wz3hd]

Just come across this video as im in two mind sabout rejoining the army i joined when i was 28 and got injured and daor'd i felt like such a failure and regretted it so much.. im 32 now and im going through the process of joining back.

[@MilitaryFitness]

Nice work, all the best

[@theyoungwolf9852]

Went for my army assessment last month and I was really pleasantly surprised how many girls around my age were there the average age was about 25 the youngest one there was 19 was great to know there was so many others in the same boat as me. Really enjoyed my assessment as well hopefully will start basic training soon

[@MilitaryFitness]

That’s great news, the army really is becoming far more diverse. Good luck

[@auxiliary4023]

Totally agree about sprogs ordering you about. I was 22 when I joined and there was a L/Cpl 21 on the training team for a while. Every day was a challenge not to deck him, I waited until at a unit for that moment. TBH, I'm amazed how many older guy's want to join nowadays. When I joined the cut off age was 27 I think. My own son a Chartered Q.S joined despite my warnings and dropped out when he finally grasped that kids would be ordering him around and his pay dropped from £60k+ to around £20k LOL.

[@MilitaryFitness]

😂😂😂 I bet it was difficult

[@christophertipton2318]

@@MilitaryFitness When I went in the US Marines in 1971, I was 18. One of my drill instructors was barely 21, but he was also an infantryman and a Vietnam combat vet. That made a big difference, plus he'd been a DI for about a year by then. I'd say he knew his stuff for a young guy. I learned later that our platoon commander (an older staff sergeant) had specifically wanted that young sergeant working for him. Also, these days, cut off entry age for US Marines is 29. It is very tough physically to go in older. Also, recruiters make no secret about the fact that an older recruit may have younger DIs and younger NCOs in the Fleet. The upshot is, "Tough sh*t. Deal with it." I made corporal at 19 in Vietnam.

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@christophertipton2318 that is an incredible story. I bet Vietnam was tough to say the least.

[@christophertipton2318]

@@MilitaryFitness Vietnam had its moments. I was not an infantryman by specialty, I was a motor vehicle operator. However, truck drivers had the fourth highest Marine casualty rate in Vietnam behind riflemen, machine gunners, and recon. I was never hurt, but I was shot at frequently enough to earn my combat pay. Most of the instructors in my truck driver school had Purple Hearts for wounds so I had few illusions when I was sent to Vietnam.

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@christophertipton2318 that is crazy, I bet you really earned that combat pay big time. What you guys did over there was remarkably brave.

[@BertieWynne]

Great video Sam, I turn 30 this year and found this video very informative. Got my AC date so fingers crossed that goes well then on to phase 1 🤞

[@MilitaryFitness]

I wish you the best of luck mate

[@lukejones6767]

Im in this decision limbo now. I'm 32 and a Reservist and love every minute of it. A big part of me just wants to go full time and another part knows that sticking it out in reserves might be just as good. I want a trade and think Engineers could be the way to go. Hard decisions.

[@MilitaryFitness]

It can be a hard decision but you could always give it a go

[@grahamlopez3742]

Not sure if being 30 would be the issue for me, but the fact that I live in the US might make it hard

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@grahamlopez3742 it could be

[@grahamlopez3742]

@MilitaryFitness it'd be a little hard to get to a recruiter, very far drive for me lol

[@jamesrice1924]

Thank you I needed this going to office tomorrow to see my options

[@MilitaryFitness]

Good luck buddy

[@mr.baphomet-fpv]

I just 40, I would like to join army. But it seems too late for me .

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@mr.baphomet-fpv you can try the reserves

[@138FrOsTy138]

What would you recommend as a fitness routine to get yourself up to scratch to join in your 30s? Always worked manual jobs and have active hobbys just not sure where to start beyond pushups snd running

[@MilitaryFitness]

Try some of the beginner workouts on my channel and work up from there

[@andyg3]

Always wanted to join, absolutely gutted I can never do so as I have colitis, now in my early 30s too

[@MilitaryFitness]

What a nightmare mate.

[@jordanjolley]

This is me rn haha got out in 2015 now I’m 29 going back in different cap badge though. moneys not much of an issue since I’m working atm good video though

[@MilitaryFitness]

I wish you all the best mate

[@theguvnor2695]

Hi Sam , i’am 30 years of age and I’ve been living in Denmark for the past 20 years , I’ve always wanted to join the British army but i’am finding it a bit of a struggle signing up living abroad and all , could you do us a video about how to sign up from a Scandinavian / European country , how dose it work signing up and what is needed , things like a national insurance number and passport , bank account and medical papers , police record etc , I really appreciate your videos and hope you can help me on my way to serve in the British military

[@MilitaryFitness]

I will look into that mate. Thanks for the kind comment also 👍🏻

[@Joshua-bs4hs]

Also interested in this response

[@mellymoo_eats]

Good info, I'm 39 turning 40 soon....I was contemplating on joining the reserves for a couple of months now even tho I still have a full time job. Do you think I'll be too old to join? Thing is I don't look my age which is down to genetic genes. My fitness levels are ok and I try to keep myself healthy, plus my full time job is more manual labour, so I am on my feet for 11/12 hours. I've always wanted to join the army full time but my father didn't want me to join back in my late 20s.

[@MilitaryFitness]

I think you should go for it. Speak to your local reservists centre or recruitment centre and see what they say

[@keifer7813]

My main reason for wanting to join (as cringe as it might sound) is because I think it'll turn me from a boy into a man. Im 25 and pretty much a wuss. Got no confidence, horrible social anxiety, and genuinely dont get respect in any social circle. Im not particularly patriotic at all but i feel that it'll transform me into a new person. So what'd you reckon? Would it be a good idea in that case?

[@MilitaryFitness]

Give it a go, you could be a natural 🫡🫡

[@stemartin6671]

Turned 36 in September. Just missed the regs age cut off by 3 months so went reserves. Got through my selection with a Grade A, got medical deferral due to my medical history so I've got a 3 month fitness plan to complete then they should allow me to be attested and start training!

[@MilitaryFitness]

Well done with your grade mate, great job. Hopefully the three months will fly by🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@stemartin6671]

@@MilitaryFitness Cheers Sam buddy, I'm sure they will and it gives me a goal at least too.

[@darrenbudgen966]

Good luck mate, there's always options to attach to regular units anyways. I know reservists who have attached to my unit for 2+ years

[@DJRAJEE]

U won’t start training for a while once u attest

[@stemartin6671]

@@darrenbudgen966 that's the thought bud, get in reserves first and go from there. Thanks too mate 👍

[@thelostandtheforgotten]

I've sent off my application and I have an interview in May. I'm 34 so I'm concerned about my age and it's close to the cut off but I need to see if I can get in.

[@MilitaryFitness]

Best of luck with it all

[@tomg6889]

Thanks for the video. Very interesting, I turn 40 soon and it's surprising how many roles there are available in the forces. I was very surprised to find out the age limit for a full time regular gunner in the RAF is 47! Or its still possible to become a reservist as an infantry solider in the army at 42 and 6 months. It's definitely rekindled my interest in joining the military in some capacity.

[@MilitaryFitness]

Best of luck if you go for it.

[@loopers822]

Did you go for it?

[@Lucyluu423]

Brilliant video, really informative, my partner is 32 and hoping to join this year, I’m a little worried about not being able to communicate with him. I was wondering if you are able to communicate in any ways during the basic training? Even writing letters would put my mind at ease. I want to support him in any way I can!

[@MilitaryFitness]

He can take his phone. Just won’t be able to chat to you on exercise.

[@ArtistKinsella]

I’m 24 and wanting to join, the only thing I think about and worry is will I have the right qualifications after i leave and not be on piss poor wage in my 30s, as I’m not sure if I wanna do the minimum years or more

[@MilitaryFitness]

That certainly is something to think about. But you will certainly have a full time job and career

[@rodneytrotter6357]

At the tender age of 39 I aways wanted to join army but got a good job after school and brought my house at 29 and just couldn't afford the pay drop ,lucky enough I'm in a postion now to do it ,I've had to join the reserves as I'm too old to go into regs but really hoping I'll get the chance to transfer one day ... Great advice though wish I'd off done it 10 years ago but reserves still takes gives me a good taste of army life ..Wondering what the attitude from regs towards reserves is like if you can shed some light ?? many thanks ...

[@MilitaryFitness]

I have worked with the reserves a lot and most of the time you wouldn’t even notice unless you get told that they are reservists. I hope you so get the chance to transfer someday. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and making a comment.

[@rodneytrotter6357]

@@MilitaryFitness That's great to hear ,not too sure if I'll ever get considered at this age but it is what it is ... No problem watched a few videos now ,great content and I've just subscribed...

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@rodneytrotter6357 thanks so much mate, even if you don’t go regs at least now you have had a taste 👍🏻👍🏻

[@harrypurves4055]

Thanks for touching on this subject! I'm a little younger (27) and currently serving in the Reserves having just completed Phase 2 CIC. I'm fortunate in that I don't have a mortgage, loans, credit card or partner to be responsible for, but understand I will need to face the challenges of starting basic training all over again, living alongside much younger bods and losing certain freedoms I have in civie street. What's you advice on entering at my age, and getting yourself on the right track quickly for opportunities at promotion and JNCO cadres? Can that progression only come after significant time spent with parent unit? Also- do you know much about the time it takes for serving/rejoinder to get through vetting etc?

[@MilitaryFitness]

I don’t see any problem joining at 27 at all and the fact you are a reservist will definitely help. Developed vetting is different for everyone but generally takes around 3-6 months.

[@charlesmcgowan-gj6zb]

Hey Sam, I’m currently in the process of joining the reserves been to a few drill nights and honestly really enjoying it. I’m from Ireland and only recently moved to the uk over a year ago, I’ve always wanted to be a soldier and I’m most certainly considering joining the regs. I do however have some things I’ve to see to first throughout the year before I can commit. I’m 31 currently will be 32 come November I’m hoping to get all my basic training done through the reserves and then transfer to the regs. I really enjoy your content and find it very helpful and informative,I do have one question however what would be like my shelf life joining at 31/32? I mean like how long could I get out it in your humble opinion. Thanks again and keep the great content coming 😁

[@MilitaryFitness]

I know a few a people who have joined at your age. I would imagine you will have a long career 🫡

[@charlesmcgowan-gj6zb]

@@MilitaryFitness thanking you pal much appreciated and wishing you and the family all the best and continued success in the future 😁

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@charlesmcgowan-gj6zb cheers mate, same to you.

[@universalfactstv3502]

Good morning sir. Pls I’m 37 years of age and I’m from a commonwealth country. Pls can I joint the British army this 2014

[@MilitaryFitness]

You will have to apply online

[@leandrodelmistro2238]

I'm 26 and want to enlist but I'm not sure if I'm too old although I'm my opinion at 26 I would say I'm in my peak xD.

[@MilitaryFitness]

26 is just fine. Some join at 34

[@col4574]

I hope I am not too late.I am 73,but I do not think I could get over that obstacle course.Too old for training,so could I be Field Marshall on entry?

[@MilitaryFitness]

I have had a look and unfortunately you have missed out by 1 year. If you were 72 you could have joined as a Field Marshall and missed out on all the physical training.

[@col4574]

At least I have joined the British Legion

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@col4574 that’s the main thing. I love the legion.

[@nomsaying]

I'm 29 planning to join the army.

[@MilitaryFitness]

Good on you. Best of luck🫡

[@bobbydonnelly6571]

Be 27 at the end of this month just put through a fresh application should have done it when i applied at 16 but family life swayed me away

[@MilitaryFitness]

27 is a good age, best of luck

[@bobbydonnelly6571]

@@MilitaryFitness thank you so much really looking foward to it massive change in my life and will be for the better

[@saschia7323]

Hi Sam, great informative video! Can I ask - what’s your take on joining mid 20’s? I’m 22 and currently full time bus driver but wanting to apply for regular RLC, however, my fitness level is poor and struggling to get physically confident enough to apply to feel confident I’ll pass bleep test/run at AC but more so worrying how I’ll physically cope during training in terms of getting fit enough, if that makes sense 😂 my local gym isn’t 24hr so I can only use gym before/during(on break)/after my shifts, shifts depending, and where I live doesn’t really allow me anywhere safe in terms of crimes to go for a run leaving enough time to get ready for work so im finding it’s taking a while to get to a decent fitness level to actually apply 🥴

[@MilitaryFitness]

I joined when I was 21 and I think that joining the army later on is the best way to do it. Getting fit can be tough when you don’t have the opportunity so the best thing to do is try and do lots of hone workouts just using your own body weight. I have lots of workouts on my channel that will get you ready for the army without having to go outside too much at all.

[@chankelvin1212]

Hi Sam I’m 36 ..British National oversea citizen, to be honest I still struggle in english..do I have to be fluent speaking in english before I try to join….?

[@MilitaryFitness]

I don’t think you have to be fluent but you may have to be a certain level.

[@jonathansiyambango4361]

Been waiting for an AC date. Wanna get into infrantry later on the year hopefully. Any indications of cw AC invitations this year?

[@MilitaryFitness]

Unfortunately I have no idea mate. Hopefully around June time though

[@marlisschmitz]

He Sam. Gott Schütze dich. Und deiner Familie und Freunde do wie dein Taem. 🙏🙏💪🇩🇪🇬🇧

[@MilitaryFitness]

Thanks buddy, same to you

[@GodsAssassin]

Hey there mate, love the videos and the content. I am joining the signals at the age of 29, what's your advice to someone who has high aspirations in specialising and applying myself to the best way possible as a soldier in the British army? Also do you have any info on the electronic warfare specialist role?

[@MilitaryFitness]

The key to begin with is just towing the line and doing what you are told. EW is my trade, you will enjoy it once you have passed all the courses.

[@GodsAssassin]

@Military Fitness Cheers mate. Also in EW do you get to deploy with infantry units and be attached as part of a team?

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@GodsAssassin yeah you can do

[@GodsAssassin]

@Military Fitness thankyou so much mate. Have a blessed day and weekend.

[@austinshannon4197]

I have a question sam? British major, John Andre was 30 and had already been head of British secret service in America by 30. Is the U.S. Army still wanted for hanging John Andre as a spy or or has the British government just let it go and let the U.S. army just got away with it?

[@MilitaryFitness]

🫡

[@mustafakemal9547]

Ex 2 Para, im 53, im guessing thats too old for reserve SAS ?

[@MilitaryFitness]

I think so, but you could always ask the recruiters online

[@jcfone8663]

Sam am 36 is that to old. I should of joined when I left school, my mate did and I didn’t.

[@MilitaryFitness]

You would have to act pretty fast as the cut off is 37. If you are fit and healthy go for it.

[@coachobispersonalworkoutti2223]

I just moved to the UK. Turned 36 in August What am I options I am interested

[@MilitaryFitness]

Try the army website and they will help for sure

[@DJRAJEE]

Very good video

[@MilitaryFitness]

Cheers buddy 👍🏻👍🏻

[@regandenman4825]

Hello. I have assessment centre in 4 weeks time, I can currently only obtain level 6.0 on the bleep test, is it possible to put .6 on in that little time, if so how. Thank you

[@MilitaryFitness]

Yes definitely. I have a number of videos on my channel on how to increase your levels on the bleep test over a short period of time.

[@regandenman4825]

@@MilitaryFitness thanks I’ll check those out, just a quick question, I asked on Reddit too how to do the bleep test better and pretty much all of them say I need to be running 5ks at 27:00 pace which I absolutely cannot do, is this correct or would you disagree

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@regandenman4825 the 5km run is a different kettle of fish entirely than the bleep test so no, I don’t agree. It would be good for you overall fitness to be able to do it in 27 mins but to get to level 6.6 on the bleep test you need to be doing hiit workouts. If you can get to level 6 now just aim for 6.1 next rather than pressuring yourself to get to 6.6 straight away.

[@regandenman4825]

@@MilitaryFitness I appreciate the reassurance

[@vyanguy2997]

Hey there! I'm from commonwealth countries want to join British Army and Can I come in Student visa n then apply to British army ?

[@MilitaryFitness]

I could not honestly say sorry.

[@alanobrien6352]

I'm 38 soon can I still join

[@khemrajsingh541]

How would the pay be bad ?? What’s the reason for getting bad pay when you join in your 30s ??

[@MilitaryFitness]

You start off on the the same as a 17 year old no matter what age you join

[@khemrajsingh541]

@@MilitaryFitness oh… well in that case I still think it’s great. As long as you don’t have too much going on you should be ok.

[@Airtrooper719]

@@khemrajsingh541 You will spend half your wage going out with your army friends. Even if you don't live like that now, chances are your social life will increase in the army. Something not a lot of people factor in.

[@irish7460]

Joining infantry at 34.

[@MilitaryFitness]

Good on you, best of luck

[@irish7460]

@@MilitaryFitness Thanks, I'll need it haha

[@coachobispersonalworkoutti2223]

What is the minimum salary for a reservist

[@MilitaryFitness]

I am not sure to be honest

[@rumwilliam2767]

If rejoining the infantry would I have to go back to itc ???

[@MilitaryFitness]

That may depend on how long ago you got out.

[@rumwilliam2767]

@@MilitaryFitness 11 years

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@rumwilliam2767 yeah you probably will then, but I can’t be completely certain.

[@rumwilliam2767]

@@MilitaryFitness I think ile leave it then 😂😂

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@rumwilliam2767 😂😂

[@changiarchibald4323]

What is the oldest you have to be to join?

[@MilitaryFitness]

I think 34 is the oldest

[@changiarchibald4323]

@@MilitaryFitness ok... was hoping I can at 35 birthday soon will be 35...

[@chikumbutsoandradeh5507]

Help me to join army

[@clhfitness8998]

Army’s not taking rejoiners yet when will this open

[@MilitaryFitness]

That’s strange, I spoke to a recruiter and they said they were crying out for rejoiners

[@clhfitness8998]

@@MilitaryFitness I’ve been trying for months and just keep getting told April the re joiner policy will get reviewed as they put a holt on it. If you know more info on how to get back in that’d be great

[@MilitaryFitness]

@@clhfitness8998 I will look into it mate

[@2001kemalcemal]

I cant take reprimand from kids for money to my mortgage

[@MilitaryFitness]

😂😂

[@rebuild100]

Forgot to say that's hot earlier

[@MilitaryFitness]

😂😂 thankyou

[@DJRAJEE]

Ok

[@rebuild100]

@@DJRAJEE 💋

[@markrunnalls7215]

Yes am 50 and fucked... If offered and a chance to rejoin ID SAY BOLLOX .. WOULDNT DO IT NOW EVER ... TOTAL SHITE ...

[@MilitaryFitness]

😂😂