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Is not as fun as riding a motorcycle. At least the military version isn't. I guess this seems kind of abstract, but I was just reflecting a bit today. Most people consider sky-diving/parachuting to be one of the ultimate thrills.

I'm an airborne soldier in the U.S. Army, and I can honestly say that for me cruising down a perfect stretch of road on a motorcycle is a greater thrill than bounding from the side of an aircraft and floating to the ground beneath a silk canopy. I can't wait to get back from deployment and start riding again.

Wow really? I never would have thought.

I was interested in going infantry and airborne in the army, but then I got sidetracked with college and my mom threatening to disown me.

I am all for military service. I commend you for desiring this life, but my advice: Live a bit first. Get out into the work force, see what life is about. I came in late in life. I was 31 years old in basic training. Believe it or not, that has been a tremendous advantage for me in many ways. It seems the younger enlistees don't really know what they're in for. You'll be much better off if you see what the world is about for a while and then decide whether a military life is the one for you. It's never too late, and if you "prove yourself" to your mom first, she just might keep you even if you do enlist.

By the way - my mother is scared stiff, but she's prouder than punch at the same time.

wow, army takes you that old? Air Force stops at like 25 i think. That's the route im considering if im not doing very well for myself when im that age.

That's the main reason I chose the Army. At first I was looking into the reserves, but I decided I wanted to go full active, and the Army was the only branch that would accept enlistees at full active status at my age, without a four-year degree. (the degree would have landed me in OCS - Officer Candidate School.)

I've heard though, that the age limits have changed. Maybe the advent of war, resulting in few enlistees and having prompted more lenient standards for enlistment in terms of age has opened the eyes of the military leaders. Maybe they have realized that older, or "seasoned" enlistees are more productive, more loyal, harder working etc.

All I know is that I simply do my job the way I've always done my job, and they think I'm superman.

I doubt I would see it as 'floating' were I in your position

just a question for you - are you getting much freefall or are you jumping static line? I did a static line jump once and thought it was a great view, and I did a (tandem) freefall jump and it was a serious rush. I think the extended freefall and the rapid decelleration when the chute deployed were a blast.

There is a big difference between para-trooping and sport parachuting.

Any of you ever tried paragliding (not motorized)?? To me, this is the ultimate sport. Its physically demanding since you spend a lot of time hiking up to the launch point, so its good exercise. Plus, its great working with thermals to stay aloft as long as possible. That is a rush!

Well I'd bet that since I have a pretty bad fear of heights, I'd find out otherwise...

Toyuzu wrote: I've heard though, that the age limits have changed. Maybe the advent of war, resulting in few enlistees and having prompted more lenient standards for enlistment in terms of age has opened the eyes of the military leaders. Maybe they have realized that older, or "seasoned" enlistees are more productive, more loyal, harder working etc.

All I know is that I simply do my job the way I've always done my job, and they think I'm superman.

They've increased the age to 42 (you have to sign up before your 42nd birthday) and I'm sure that with the kind of maturity and confidence that only age can bring comes more focused and through job performance.

I'd admire you for following your passion. Its crossed my mind more than once, but I'm pretty well established in my particular industry so commonsense says no.

Great thread topic!