Older persons joining the Navy - How do they get on?

[Worthers Original]

I had been considering joining the RAF as a student nurse but was flicking through some Navy bumph the other day and see that their age limit is 32 for pretty much everything and now I'm thinking of popping into my local careers office to see what options I might be elibible for in the Navy. I'm 30, so no spring chicken, and am basically bored with my current job etc and fancy a change of pace. Does anyone have any experience of the recruiters attitude towards older potential recruits ie is the system mainly geared up for youngsters or do they actively encourage older applicants. I'm thinking in terms of the jobs you may be elibible for compared to what they'd offer you or steer you towards. For example, would they discourage you from applying to be a Tiff because they prefer to recruit kids to undergo the apprenticeship? Or do they put a value on your greater life experience?

Might also be good to hear from any aged recruits that have been through Raleigh and how they got on.

[Worthers Original]

Just from what I've been reading on the RN website I think my three choices would be (in no particular order)

• Comms Tech

• OM(HM)

• Writer

Anyone have any opinions?

[Jammy]

Your Best bet is to give it a shot go in and have a chat with the guys at your local careers office.
We had older people on our course just remember the fitness part

[Hyperlithe]

I went into the Navy Office first, and I was 25, they shouted at me (not literally) for not coming in a year earlier, because they said I would have been ideal for officer, and the cut-off age was 25 for direct entry. They really wanted me to look at Comms. Tech. though. It seemed to me that they really took you on your merits, rather than just looking at your age. They spent a bit of time chatting with me about stuff I'd done, what I was looking for, and then went through with me what I could still apply for, and what they thought I would be good at, and enjoy.

Don't stress about your age, there are always pros and cons; in a decent AFCO you will be seen as a person, not an age bracket.

[Bovie]

We Have a 33 year old in our group, turned 33 when he got to raleigh, and he get's on fine with everyone else. Dont worry

Bovie

[Powder monkey]

Aslong as your fit and healthy, age isn't really an issue among the lads and ladys at Raleigh. Infact, the older members of the class, in my oppinion, are treated better by both instructors and other cadets. So age is in someways advantageous during training.

[Sailorboy]

Im in bovies class an the 33 year old gets on great. Age doesnt matter because u all work together anyway but its your fitness that u need to make sure is up to standadrd. Other than that u wont be treated as or looked at any differently

[goldie ex rmp]

just remember

When I was younger I hated going to weddings.

It seemed that all of my aunts and the grandmotherly types used to come up to me, poking me in the ribs and cackling, telling me, 'You're next.'

They stopped this after I started doing the same thing to them at funerals.


AGE IS BUT A NUMBER.............................

[Jammy]

It seemed that all of my aunts and the grandmotherly types used to come up to me, poking me in the ribs and cackling, telling me, 'You're next.'

They stopped this after I started doing the same thing to them at funerals.

Thats great Goldie

[goldie ex rmp]

It seemed that all of my aunts and the grandmotherly types used to come up to me, poking me in the ribs and cackling, telling me, 'You're next.'

They stopped this after I started doing the same thing to them at funerals.

Thats great Goldie

why thank you

[LEIGH]

I joined at 31 blew most of the youngsters away at fitness , and was made class leader & it was all worth it when i collected the trophys at the end , get fit and you should do ok.