I've been thinking about trying to join the military, but there are a few reasons that I doubt I'd be able to make it through Basic. The biggest problem is the fact that I've had injuries to my knee and hip in the past and I don't hold up very well through a lot of strenuous activity. I'm not lazy, I'm just not sure I'd be able to physically make it.

Also, I'm a female in my thirties. That probably puts a limit on what I can do for the military. My background is in video production but I'm perfectly willing to learn new skills. A desk job wouldn't be too bad, even though I like to spend time outdoors.

Should I talk to a recruiter, or would it be a waste of my time? If I do talk to a recruiter, which branch should I go to?

There are plenty of desk jobs in the military, believe me. If you've got a good head on your shoulders, but some things prevent you from doing a few strenuous physical things, there's always IT, finance, services, and other mission support jobs available. Also, if you have a 4 year university degree, you can become an officer and have some more options.

Personally, I say go Navy or US Air Force. However, being in your thirties limits you to USAF Reserves or National Guard, not Active Duty. Though you're still eligible for Navy Active Duty, depending where in your 30s you're at.

If you were looking at a full-time position, a Navy recruiter would be your best bet. If you were looking for something more part-time, see a National Guard or Reserve recruiter for either USAF or Navy.

Hey, thanks for the reply XiPPiLLi. I'll look into the Navy. I'd like to go full-time, but a reserve job might fit me as well.

If you don't mind, could you tell me why you prefer the Navy and AF over the Army? I really wasn't thinking about the Marines anyway, since some of my relatives already advised me against it.

Well, you say you have hip and knee injuries, so I figure you're looking at more of a technical or desk job, and the USAF and USN have one hell of a selection. From what my soldier and marine friends tell me, the support that they have at their army and marine bases are done by sailors and airmen, especially out in the sandbox. Perhaps someone else can elaborate on this? I personally wouldn't know first hand, but I definitely hear a lot about it.

Ok, I see what you're saying. I would just have more options that way. Thanks for the help, I'm looking into it as we speak/type.

The Navy is a great path. The only thing I would be concerned about would be your injuries. Do you have any hard ware well 'installed' (screws pins ext ext...)?

No, I don't have injuries that severe. I'm pretty mobile on a regular basis. I can walk around all day without much problem, I can run for a little while before my knee locks up. My hip only bothers me when I have to do a lot of heavy lifting from the ground or if I have to sit a long time. Probably I could build up the muscles around my knee and be strong enough for Basic, but I worry that my hip would just get worse.

Hell, I don't know. Maybe I could barely get through Basic if I put my mind to it. I just don't want to get part of the way into it and not be able to finish. That would be a waste of my time and everybody else's time. My relatives and my military friends tell me Basic is a cake walk now compared to how it used to be. I'm thinking I may try to work out with the exercises they suggest on the military websites and see how I hold up.

Sorry for the late response, but that is good that you don't have any hardware. I have a pin in my wrist and it was a bureaucratic night mare. If you wanted to you should be able to enlist with out too many problems at the MEPS office.

It is a very good Idea to try the exercises that are suggested, I would also suggest that you start running regularly. Have you spoken to a recruiter yet?

Question: What is the maximum age to enlist in the Military?

Answer: The maximum age of non-prior service enlistment, under federal law used to be age 35. In 2006 the Army convinced Congress to change this to age 44.
Regardless of federal law, the military services are allowed to impose more strict standards -- and they have. The maximum age for non-prior service enlistments for each of the services are:

Active duty Army - 42
Army Reserves - 42
Army Natinal Guard - 42
Active duty Air Force - 27
Air Force Reserve - 34
Air National guard - 34
Active duty Navy - 34
Navy Reserves - 39
Active duty Marines - 28
Marine Corps Reserves - 29
Active duty Coast Guard - 27
Coast Guard Reserves - 27


Source: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/f/faqenlage.htm

It is a very good Idea to try the exercises that are suggested, I would also suggest that you start running regularly. Have you spoken to a recruiter yet?

No, I haven't contacted a recruiter yet. I wanted to think about it over the summer and people tell me the recruiters hound you after you make that initial contact. That would just turn me off to the idea all together.

I've been wanting to run a little but it keeps raining. Today I caught a break in the clouds and ran around the edge of my yard until the rain came back. Seems like I'm a little better shape than I thought. That's always good.

No, I haven't contacted a recruiter yet. I wanted to think about it over the summer and people tell me the recruiters hound you after you make that initial contact. That would just turn me off to the idea all together.

I've been wanting to run a little but it keeps raining. Today I caught a break in the clouds and ran around the edge of my yard until the rain came back. Seems like I'm a little better shape than I thought. That's always good.

That is good to hear, but it is fairly true about the recruiters though.