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old guy looking to join
Posted: Wed 27 Jul, 2005 4:08 pm
by southerncomfort
Hi everyone,
Firstly I would like to say this is a great site and I have got quite a good insight in to the finer details of being in the marines from here. Also I have searched the site for answers to my questions but some posts seem quite old so i'm just checking if the info has changed....
My situation is as follows, I'm 27 and in reasonable shape i have wanted to join the marines since i was out of school but went for the money and "supposed" security of a job in IT as my paernts wanted, then got used to the comfortable life and settled down with a missus and kids. But this feeling of doing something more with my life has finally got too much for me and i quite the rat race and a the moment working in a bar...
Now I want to take the leap but fear that i left it too late so questions are
1) At 27 am I too old to enlist?
2) Would we get family accomodation or would i be allowed to live off base?
3)Does anyone know of a good chat room for marine wives? (my wife is dubious at becoming one)
4)I wear contact lenses my prescription is the same -1.25 in each eye from what i can gather i should be fine on the medical, is that the case?
I apologise for going over previously asked questions but i did use the search function, and thankyou for any help you can give.
Posted: Wed 27 Jul, 2005 4:23 pm
by markthestab
go down to the AFCO mate
you need to start the process now!
you may already be too old for regular RM, i think the age limit is 26 years 11 months for marines and might have to settle for RMR
or it might be 27 years 11 months im not sure but i hope its the latter
Posted: Wed 27 Jul, 2005 5:30 pm
by flynn101
You could be a Commando Medical Assistant in the Royal Marines if your to old for infantry max age for MA is 37 so your sorted
The Commando Medical Assistant (MA(CDO))
The Royal Navy provides medical support for the Royal Marine Commandos. Medical Assistants serve with Royal Marine units as Commando MAs. You must pass the Potential Royal Marines Course and Commando training at the Commando Training Centre Lympstone, Devon where successful completion of the Commando course will entitle you to wear the coveted Green Beret. Additional training will be given in combat casualty resuscitation and care. After training you will serve with Royal Marine Commando units, ashore and afloat, anywhere in the world. You will be part of an elite team: Commando Medical Assistants have an outstanding reputation. They have been decorated for service in almost every operational theatre since the Second World War, most recently in Northern Ireland, the Falklands and Operation Safe Haven, Iraq.
Posted: Wed 27 Jul, 2005 5:57 pm
by Mr Mojo Risin
99.99% sure theyve upped it to 28 now.
Posted: Wed 27 Jul, 2005 9:41 pm
by Daveb
It's definetely 32 lads.

Posted: Wed 27 Jul, 2005 10:36 pm
by markthestab
thats with previous military experiance, on the age limits i saw on my armed forces application instructions i got a month or so ago when i got my application form i think it says 27 years 11 months for royal marines
check at AFCO mate, make it clear to them how old you are and see if they can speed things along a bit
they know more than us muppets
Posted: Wed 27 Jul, 2005 11:33 pm
by big_al
Max age is definitely 32: check this page (table at bottom)
http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/2666.html
Posted: Thu 28 Jul, 2005 9:31 am
by Doc
Flynn....
What you quoted is for a Royal Naval Medical Assistant who then volunteers to be attached to the RM.
There are also RM MA's but you first join as a Marine then specialise. So their age limit is 32.
Also there isnt as far as I know an age limit to do the AACC but obviously if your hair is no longer with us and youve had 12 strokes it wont look good on you application form.
Posted: Thu 28 Jul, 2005 11:13 am
by dannyd
Doc wrote:Also there isnt as far as I know an age limit to do the AACC but obviously if your hair is no longer with us and youve had 12 strokes it wont look good on you application form.
Oldest person to pass the AACC was Capt Norman Fox RA a few years back I believe. He completed it at the grand old age of 55!
Completely useless bit of trivia, I know!
Dan
Posted: Fri 29 Jul, 2005 2:00 am
by Alfa
You should be able to join up at 27. The forces are struggling to get enough recruits and so are accepting guy's they may not have in the past. There was a guy in my platoon who was 27, they extended the age limit for him. As long as you show them you really are up for it and have a good level of fitness they'll probably let you off with the age thing if you do pass the limit. Your better off going down the AFCO and speaking to them as they will be able to tell you exactly what your options are.
Your eye's shouldn't be a problem although you will have to wear army issue specs

this is because if cam cream gets in between the lense and your eye you can develope an infection!
I would imagine you'd be able to live anywhere you like the forces do provide you with married quarters but there are lots of guys who buy there own houses. My brother-in-law did it while he was in the Tanks cause my sister didn't want to move away from her family.
Hope this helps and good luck if you do decide to try out!!
Ps I won't be online anymore, my internet connection is getting switched off. Just thought I'd tell you that incase you asked me a question and thought I was ignorant for not answering lol.
Posted: Fri 29 Jul, 2005 12:30 pm
by druadan
1) At 27 am I too old to enlist?
2) Would we get family accomodation or would i be allowed to live off base?
3)Does anyone know of a good chat room for marine wives? (my wife is dubious at becoming one)
4)I wear contact lenses my prescription is the same -1.25 in each eye from what i can gather i should be fine on the medical, is that the case?
1. No. Age limit 32 now. Lad in my troop is 28.
2. Not during training. After that, you can get married quarters (if you're married) or can live off base.
3. No, but there's a couple on here. Try PMing Flighty, she usually seems quite helpful.
4. Yes. Normally you can wear your lenses, occasionally if you have to wear glasses they will issue you some really awful ones, best to invest in a nice snug pair yourself before you join so you have them as and when required.
Many Thnaks
Posted: Fri 29 Jul, 2005 3:34 pm
by southerncomfort
Thankyou very much to all that replied, I appreciate your time. And I'm extremely glad to hear I still have the option to make somehing of my life.
So here goes and I will keep you posted on my progress
Again Thankyou for the help
Posted: Fri 29 Jul, 2005 5:11 pm
by markthestab
dannyd wrote:Doc wrote:Also there isnt as far as I know an age limit to do the AACC but obviously if your hair is no longer with us and youve had 12 strokes it wont look good on you application form.
Oldest person to pass the AACC was Capt Norman Fox RA a few years back I believe. He completed it at the grand old age of 55!
Completely useless bit of trivia, I know!
Dan
bloody hell, 'ard barsteward
