Twenty years ago, getting into the Air Force felt nearly impossible. Today, I’m waiting to find out if they’ll let me in.

By David Remington

When I graduated high school in 2006, joining the United States Air Force felt like trying to make a professional sports team.

The Air Force had a reputation for being the most selective branch of the military. Recruiters weren’t chasing applicants. If anything, it felt like applicants were chasing them.

America was still deeply involved in the wars that followed the September 11 attacks. Many of my classmates enlisted almost immediately after graduation. Some deployed overseas more than once.

Some came home changed forever.

A few of my friends returned carrying scars no one could see—PTSD, anxiety, and memories that would stay with them long after the uniforms came off.

Watching that reality unfold made military service feel less like an adventure and more like one of the greatest sacrifices a person could make.

Nearly twenty years later, life has taken an unexpected turn.

As I write this, I’m waiting to hear back from the Air Force Reserve.

At 38 years old.

And somehow…

I’m still young enough to serve.

A Different Military Than the One I Remember

The military has changed dramatically since I was a teenager.

Today, the Air Force Reserve accepts qualified applicants from 17 years old up to their 42nd birthday, provided they meet medical, educational, and testing requirements.

Not long ago, those age limits were much lower across several branches.

The Army, for example, recently raised its enlistment age back to 42 after struggling to meet recruiting goals, matching the Air Force’s upper age limit.

The military hasn’t hidden the fact that recruiting has become more difficult in recent years. A smaller percentage of young Americans qualify for service because of medical, educational, or legal issues, while fewer express interest in military careers. That has pushed several branches to rethink recruiting policies and broaden the pool of eligible applicants.

Going Back to MEPS

Walking back into MEPS—the Military Entrance Processing Station—felt surreal.

There I was…

Almost twenty years older than most of the people sitting beside me.

Most were fresh out of high school.

Some looked nervous.

Some looked excited.

Others looked like they hadn’t quite figured out what they wanted from life yet.

I couldn’t help but think back to what it felt like when I was 18.

Maybe it’s just age and perspective, but sitting in that room made me realize how much responsibility the military takes on. These young men and women aren’t just filling jobs—they’re preparing to shoulder responsibilities most Americans will never experience.

Why the Air Force Reserve Appeals to Me

What surprised me most during this process was discovering how practical Reserve service can be.

After completing Basic Military Training and technical school, many Traditional Reservists serve one weekend each month and about two weeks of annual training each year while maintaining civilian careers. Of course, deployments and additional training can occur depending on a member’s career field, unit, and world events.

That balance is what caught my attention.

Imagine serving your country while continuing your career, your business, and your family life.

To me, that’s an incredible opportunity.

Service Means More at 38 Than It Did at 18

At 18, I probably would have viewed military service as an exciting adventure.

At 38…

I see it differently.

I think about the freedoms we enjoy.

I think about the people who never made it home.

I think about friends who did come home—but were never quite the same.

Service isn’t about glory.

It’s about commitment.

It’s about becoming part of something much bigger than yourself.

Waiting for an Answer

Right now, I’m simply waiting.

Waiting for paperwork.

Waiting for approvals.

Waiting to find out whether the Air Force Reserve believes I still have something to offer.

Maybe the answer will be yes.

Maybe it won’t.

But I’ll admit something I never expected to say two decades after high school:

I’d be honored to put on the uniform.

Not because I have to.

Because I still can.

And if that opportunity comes, it will be one of the greatest privileges of my life.

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Editor’s Note: Enlisting in the Air Force Reserve requires meeting medical, legal, educational, fitness, and aptitude standards. While many Reservists serve on a “one weekend a month, two weeks a year” schedule after initial training, additional duty, deployments, and specialized training may be required depending on the career field and mission requirements.

A Personal Thank You to Our Service Members

By David A. Remington

To every man and woman who has worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces:

Thank you.

Your willingness to answer the call of duty represents a level of courage and selflessness that few will ever truly understand. Whether you served during times of war or peace, at home or abroad, your commitment helped protect the freedoms that millions of Americans enjoy every single day.

I recognize that service often comes with sacrifices unseen by the public—time away from family, missed milestones, physical hardships, emotional burdens, and the weight of responsibilities carried long after your service has ended. Those sacrifices deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.

As an American, I want you to know that your dedication has not gone unnoticed. Our nation is stronger because of people like you who chose service before self. You have defended not only our borders but also the ideals of liberty, opportunity, and hope that define this country.

To the families of our service members, thank you as well. Your strength, patience, and unwavering support have been an essential part of every mission and every homecoming.

May we never take for granted the freedoms purchased through your commitment and sacrifice. Let us honor your legacy not only with words but through our actions—by supporting veterans, caring for military families, and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your service, your courage, and your unwavering dedication to the United States of America.

With the deepest respect and gratitude,

David A. Remington