The 59-Year-Old Army Boot Camp Graduate

Monte Gould, 59, is the oldest person to ever graduate from this version of the Army’s basic combat training. When Gould decided to reenlist in the armed forces he was shocked to learn that he had to once again complete boot camp and decided he was up for the challenge.


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AARP is honored to fight for issues that are important to nearly 4 million AARP members who have served in America’s military and their families. Veterans have given their all for this country, and they deserve supportive services to help them live their best lives.

[StrengthinManlets]

dude is a straight up warrior his whole life. marine, swat, army.

[cjjohnson]

Now the DI has a new saying: "I've seen a grandpa move faster than you on a course."

[keithrickson]

I went through Army basic training at age 35 as a prior service NCO with similar rank and experience to all of my drill sergeants. I was literally twice the age of some of the other trainees. The graduation requirements were not hard at all. The hardest part for me was just dealing with the stupidity of the 19 year olds around me. That was very difficult. But I'm glad I did it. I still have a lot of life ahead of me.

[RealMatthewHale]

I WENT TO BASIC WITH HIM! HE WAS IN MY PLATOON! I LOVE YOU SSG G!

[jacobcarolan]

This guy has been a soldier and a swat officer his whole life. He is a certified badass

[felixniederhauser]

He is 19 with additional 40 years of experiance.
Well done Sir.

[vulgar]

I was in basic training with him. He was the only one allowed to wear rank and it was funny hearing drill sergeants refer to him as Staff Sergeant Gould. Then I got corona. And graduated a month later. Gotta say I had one or two interactions with this guy he was real nice. And funny watching 18 year olds quit on themselves while this 59 year old man can do this and they can’t.

[glennbrymer]

He didn't want to do this at the age of 59, But, he we went and did it!
I'm a 69 year old retired Army veteran. I Salute you SSG Gould.

[timramey]

Not joining the service when I was younger is one of my regrets in life, I'm 55. Thank you sir for your service!

[kimberlyperez]

Went through basic with him, he pushed us through the Forge. A genuine person, I’m glad to have been able to sit down and have a conversation with him.

[johnrodriguez]

Former Marine, a Cop, a Soldier, now a Soldier once and again. What a Badass. You have My Respect.🇺🇸🦅🗽⚔️

[bulletbuffet]

Im a PSYOP reservist and recently went on an NTC rotation in September. My detachment met up with our Civil Affairs guys and lo and behold SSG Gould is in that unit. Never knew how storied his past was and how famous he is now in the Army community because of what he's done. Very down to earth and respectful man. Loads of experience and always had something insightful to say to a young private such as myself. Don't think I'll ever forget you SSG Gould 💪

[nathannoble]

“Words are so cheap you don’t tell people what you do you show people what you do”💯💯

[zneham]

59 and still on the top 10% of the class.. 👏👏👏👏

[nathanrobinson]

I was 39 and turned 40 during Navy basic and was amazed that I still had it in me. Awesome story.

[AtlantaTerry]

Good. I may just call the Air Force about reinlisting. I'm only 75.

[aetius]

This is so inspiring in trying to get back in at 40 so many road blocks . thank you for this

[maryelizabeth]

"Look for something beyond yourself, look for things that you can do, and challenge yourself to make you a better person" -SSgt Gould

[mr_m]

He went through the marines in 1978....this had to be a cake walk to him.