January 29, 2007 11:06 AM

You're in the Army now
Posted by Douglas Eisenhartat 11:06 AM

OK, quick: what's the average age of a new Army recruit: 18 years old? 19? 20?

Well, here's the story of a buck private who's double the typical age, part of the Army's effort to expand its ranks over the next several years:

Morning Edition, January 29, 2007 · Military drills are usually not associated with people over 40. But the Pentagon wants to expand U.S. forces by 92,000 troops over the next five years. To meet that goal, recruiters are drawing on a bigger pool of applicants.
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At Maryland's Aberdeen Proving Ground, one new private recently sought to pass muster — at age 42.
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Tucked beneath the rows of black berets and army uniforms is PFC Russell Dilling. He's from Texas, twice divorced with four grown children. Bored with his job as a factory inspector, last year he got a chance to join the Army.

To read the piece, see pictures of Private Dilling with his fellow recruits, or hear the piece as reported on NPR's "Morning Edition," start here.