Originally posted by Timebuilder
Sounds to me like we have a policy that can keep a whole bunch of talented and dedicated people out of these jobs.
Talented yes....dedicated perhaps. Some of the best pilots I know decided to become military pilots after college. (OTS route) But they didn't wait until they were 30.
I think an example of dedication the military wants would be someone who always wanted to fly military. They go to one of the service academies, ROTC or OTS immediately after college.
How motivatered is a 32 year old Lieutenant, new to a squadron, married with kids, having to go overseas for an extended period. OK, lets say very motivated. Now he's 36 and a junior Capt, and is now being sent to Korea. How motivated is he now? There isn't any Little League in Korea. Food for thought.
Lets say he's selected for fighter training. Sustaining 7 gs in a rate fight at 32 years old is not as easy as it is for a 25 year old. I knew a pilot, physically fight, washed out of AT-38, age 35. Couldn't handle the gs. Once you get used to it it's easy, but it can be quite an eye opening experience to first few sorties.