Anybody here have experience, either prior service or otherwise, applying to and attending OCS for any service when you're at the top of the age limit?

I'm 29 and giving serious thought to applying to active duty Navy OCS or Navy Reserve OCS at a minimum. Wonder if anybody could share their experience being "old" and just starting a career.

I was enlisted active duty Air Force for 3 years, full time Air Guard for 2 years, and part time Air Guard for 2 years.

I separated in 2012 and pretty much hate being a civilian.

Oldest dude I went to WOCS with was 41. Army let's you start a tad older though.

If you want it, go for it. Don't let age be a deterrent. Said 41 year old was in there with 18 year olds and kept up.

Makes sure you are physically in great shape when you arrive. Cardio and upper body are important.

If you make it in, the instructors are going to have a different level of expectation of you due to your prior service and age. You may be given an opportunity for leadership position. Just be ready mentally to take it on.

Thread derail, but my DI had that mindset, that the oldest prior enlisted should be class leader. Makes no sense to me since he has had leadership experience already. Would make much more sense to take some of the younger guys without experience and give them a chance to lead before they are in the fleet.

My only guess was that it made things easier for the DI.

Husband is taking a direct commission in the Army Reserve this fall and he's 38. Try the direct path if you can before OCS.

Guy in my Army OCS at Benning was 36 and did fine. Could tell some of the physical stuff was a little more difficult at times but he hung in there. You'll be fine at 29 if you are in decent shape.

I am also interested in this thread. I am 25 and wanted to apply for Navy OCS out of college 2.5 years ago but was told with my GPA at the time it was probably a no go. My question is now that I've been out of school and working for 2.5 years would anything be different if I went back and tried today? It's something my wife and I are discussing a lot as I just can't kick the feeling I'm missing something.

I can't see your GPA being a big deal unless it's for a certain MOS maybe? Having the degree is the big deal.

What community you looking at?

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What community you looking at?

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At the time I was inquiring about pilot school but with my eyesore not being 20/20 I think that pretty much rules me out.

But after doing quite a bit of research tonight the last few hours has led me to find that neither my vision nor my less than stellar GPA would keep me from being selected for a OCS or a pilot spot. Unless I'm reading a few of the sites wrong.

If it is something you want to do, don't let the internet keep you from even trying. Go ahead and call an officer recruiter. At least let the Navy get some input.

Pilot spots of tough. But the Navy also views the whole package, including your ASTB/OAR.

Time is also a factor. If you want too much longer, your age will be a factor against you.

Plus, there is also a lot of other things you can do in the Navy, even if your eyesight is bad. Pilots have to be no worse than 20/40, but others just have to be corrected. I think pilots can qualify with PRK surgery.

I say give the recruiter a call.

Thanks. It's just something the wife and I now have to sit and really discuss in detail.

Hey Sandy in your opinion what do I need to do to overcome a low gpa of 2.5 or is that over comable? I just don't want the recruiter spewing me the same stuff that I was told a few years ago which was go enlisted and go from there -_-

Find a new recruiter. Do well on asvab or whatever other qualification test you need.

My GPA wasn't much higher than yours and I got picked up by the Guard to fly helos. It's going to be more competitive now, but I wouldn't let that stop you.

Thanks everyone this will be a massive career change for me if it happens I really appreciate the help