Uncle Sam wants you – even if you’re 42 years old - read

[Imagevision]

The Defense Department quietly asked Congress on Monday to raise the maximum age for military recruits to 42 for all branches of the service. Under current law, the maximum age to enlist in the active components is 35, while people up to age 39 may enlist in the reserves. By practice, the accepted age for recruits is 27 for the Air Force, 28 for the Marine Corps and 34 for the Navy and Army, although the Army Reserve and Navy Reserve sometimes take people up to age 39 in some specialties.

The Pentagon’s request to raise the maximum recruit age to 42 is part of what defense officials are calling a package of “urgent wartime support initiatives” sent to Congress Monday night prior to a Tuesday hearing of the House Armed Services military personnel subcommittee.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=3406

[AllyCat]

1. I know this has been debunked several times, but I worry every

day that they are going to start drafting nurses. Especially those of us active in unions...:tinfoilhat:

Sorry. I just can't help it.

[tavalon]

3. It's reasonable that they would do a focused draft before a general draft

and nurses and doctors would be a likely first choice.

If there is a draft of medical personnel, it will be across the board, with union breaking just an added perk for the BFEE.

I'm a nurse, and well, Hell, no, I won't go! Bring our troops home and I will be happy to take care of them here.

[AllyCat]

4. I'll move. Canada will take you if you have a skill they need.

They need nurses in Canada as much as they do here in the U.S. Some friends who have already taken the plunge are encouraging me to move there. Wonder what their board exams are like?

[Imagevision]

6. No more hiking off to Canada - Ashcroft took care of that long ago

Canada and the US. now have a pact not to allow US. citizens to run off to avoid being drafted because of the amount of US. guys who did it to avoid going to Viet Nam.
http://www.rense.com/general63/nat.htm

[tavalon]

8. I know, I know

One of the reasons (and they are legion - I love Seattle) I moved to Seattle is because it is so darn close to Canada. And if I become convinced that this country is unredeamable or if they try to draft me, I will go.

[TalkingDog]

2. I keep imagining

a bunch of old guys; grunting that old guy grunt as they bend over to pick up equipment.

Complaining about their bowel movements and how the MREs don't have nearly enough fiber...

But it's a great way to proactively deal with that pesky SS problem.

[Rainbow gatherer]

5. Military age thing

Harry S. Truman enlisted in the army at age 38 in WW1. Many of the most celebrated Union and Confederate officers (the ones who actually fought side by side with their men) were over 42.

If you are fit you should be allowed to serve. I know men who are 50 who could run circles around the typical 18 year old.

[TalkingDog]

7. The hubby is 46 and he plays a mean game of 4 on 4

basket ballwith 20 year olds. He regularly wipes the floor with them. So I know the type, but I also know a lot of the grunt and bend over type too.