Andy Stumpf

and have wanted to join the military my whole life.

Due to me being 26, I'm on the older end of the typical recruitment age.

At work, there are three individuals in total who know that I am gay and are people I feel I can trust.

This is by design because being gay is not my entire identity.

I'm also pretty masculine and people who are told are often shocked.

I'm in a leadership position currently, and I don't want that to be an obstacle because of perception or stereotype that people may have and question my leadership abilities or my strengths as a person and a leader as a police officer.

I guess I have several fears such as my age, sexuality and current career.

I think that you're talking about joining the military.

I don't want to be a police officer forever.

I have been for five years now, but I also can't shake the feeling of regret not even having tried at this particular dream.

I got lost in a cycle of work and sleep routine, which we just talked about that on the previous question.

I try not to compare myself to others, but I grew up in a family who have served in the military and many of who wrote me out of their life or treated me drastically differently after coming out.

The feeling of longing for unfinished business that is joining the military.

I'm curious if this was something you have experienced dealing with and being an instructor, if at all.

If so, what should I expect?

And if being older as a new recruit is wise choice.

Once again, I appreciate the time and wish you nothing but success.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Where should we enter into this one?

Let's talk about your age, 26.