definedcare

More and more older people are entering the army these days. Young people who are just out of high school still remain as the targets for enlistment in the military but a significant fraction of new recruits are those who are in their 40s.

Most people say this is a result of a weak economy.

On the average a new military recruit will earn about $43,000 a year on top of a housing allowance, a subsistence allowance and federal tax advantages. Those who are older and more educated recruits can make more.

The Navy is getting more interest from older recruits although its age cutoff is 35, seven years lower than the Army's. Both the Air Force and Marine Corps have an age limit of 28.

Most older recruits have had the same jobs for the last ten years and have never been given raises during the last five. The shift among older people's interest into joining the military helps all branches meet or top their recruitment goals. This allows the armed services to be more selective about whom it actually enlists.

Around ninety-five percent of people signing up for military duty in 2009 had a high school diploma, according to the Department of Defense. Recruits with only a GED also need at least 15 college credit hours to be considered. Of course, the military does not take in anyone with a felony record. And about 75 percent of applicants don't qualify due to some physical issues like weight.

Many parents also dislike the idea of their kids signing up for a tour of duty. Many of them are just rude when the military calls on their children. The number of enlistees in the 17-to-21 age bracket in 2006 has fallen significantly. In 2005, 71.2 percent of Army recruits were 21 or younger. In 2009, that number went down to 55.9 percent.

Many recruiters say people who are aged 25 or older are more interested in getting a steady paycheck, career opportunities and benefits for their families. They inquire about health benefits, education, and housing for their families.

• Get older, live smarter