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I've wanted to join for a few years now and really regret not doing it when I was younger, but the burning desire is still there and I'm trying to tie-up some loose ends so that I can go for it.

It seems to me that (unsurprisingly) the majority of lads joining RM do it when they're in their late teens, which makes me wonder if I'm being realistic thinking I could make a career out of it at 25. I know you can join as late as 32, but how many actually do and end up being successful?

In a troop full of lads in their late teens, I'd have thought it's going to be mcuh more difficult to make good friends and blend in if you're 6 or 7 years older.

Too old? Only you can answer that question mate.

I should have worded it better- physically I'm in my prime, and I certainly don't feel past it mentally. I'm interested in finding out if it makes it more difficult to integrate into the corps if you join at my age and if there are any people on here who joined late.

So I hear it's common to be leaving the corps at my age, not joining.

I'd of thought 25 was probably an ideal age to join mate. I'm almost 33 and thinking like you.
One thing to bare in mind though, is that a lot of the younger recruits will probably want to lean on you during training, wich will probably add to the pressure.
Anyway, I'd just go for it if I was you, because you'll only regret it if you leave it any longer.
(I know I do)

Here's a relevant thread for you:

http://www.mfat.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15910

I'd give it a go mate, better to try than to regret not trying. I think your maturity will be a great benefit and if you're switched on your promotions will be given a kickstart because you're older.

Cheers lads, some very encouraging stuff on there for us oldies

The Southerner wrote:I should have worded it better- physically I'm in my prime, and I certainly don't feel past it mentally

So there's no problem. My nephew joined at 27 (when that was the max age) and did really well - but not quite the KB.

Biggest problem he had was having to put up with having the nickname of 'Grandad' by the other nods.

Can anone tell me if the upper age for officers has changed as well, if so, to what?

I joined at 24 never did me any harm. If anything you will be stronger mentally, i wont pretend is was easy living in the pockets of 16/17 year olds though, that was a big challenge, some of them had to be gripped. That said most RM recruits are a lot more mature than your avarage teenager. I to whish i had joined earlier however at that age i was distracted by women and beer and such thoughts as joining the corps a child hood dream had completly left my head. The main problem i have now is that i find it frustrating to take orders from people that are seniour in rank but not in age, but you will get used to that just bite your lip and get on with it (sometimes).

Shrek, in your case mate, you can always console yourself with the knowlege that you are far better looking

...

Hello,

Having been a recruit in the TA at 23 and again now at 29 you get a big mix of ages, and I wonder about the 18 y o's - I reckon they should be out drinking and chasing girls! As people have said you get mature 18 y o's and immature 30 y o's, but dont let it bother you. Obviously you will be living with one another day in and day out, but its not something to worry about.
And you'll all have the same haircut!!

Have you done the PRMC? There is no point delaying your application while you tie up loose ends. It can take a forking long time after an initial application in the military world before you get to the point of physically joining. Good luck.

harry hackedoff wrote:Shrek, in your case mate, you can always console yourself with the knowlege that you are far better looking

Thats what i tell myself every morning, when i look in the mirror! John Merrick stand fast.

[quote It can take a forking long time after an initial application in the military world before you get to the point of physically joining. Good luck.[/quote]

'kin el !
Your tellin me!. My app to become a clearance diver took over 18 MONTHS!. The date was'nt suitable due to my kids death, and when I was ready to carry on with app, they told me i was now too old before the next course.

Ah well; "such is life"