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THE AGELESS CALL TO SERVE: RETHINKING MILITARY SERVICE FOR A CHANGING WORLD

In "The Ageless Call to Serve," Dr. Lanny Snodgrass takes readers on a thought-provoking and intimate exploration of military service and mental health. Through his own incredible journey of joining the U.S. Army at the age of 63, Dr. Snodgrass challenges conventional wisdom surrounding age norms in the military and sheds light on the often-overlooked intersection between military service and mental well-being.

With a unique perspective as both a psychiatrist and a soldier, Dr. Snodgrass weaves together personal experiences, professional insights, and the stories of fellow service members to create a compelling narrative that forces us to question our preconceived notions about age, service, and the psychological impact of war.

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TOO YOUNG TO SERVE? TIME TO ASSESS THE DEVASTATING IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH OF SENDING TEENS TO FIGHT

"The Ageless Call to Serve" exposes the alarming reality that sending 18- to 21-year-olds to war leads to a staggering seven times higher rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to older service members. Dr. Lanny Snodgrass argues that the practice of deploying such young individuals to combat zones is not only absurd but also has severe and long-lasting consequences for their mental well-being. This eye-opening revelation challenges us to reconsider the age at which we send our brave men and women into harm's way. Can we create a system that allows youth to join but bars them from battlefields?

TOO OLD TO SERVE? TIME TO CHALLENGE THE NOTION OF ARBITRARY AND ANTIQUATED AGE LIMITS IN THE MILITARY

In a society that values experience and wisdom, it seems counterintuitive to prevent willing and able-bodied individuals over the age of 40 or 50 from serving in the military. Dr. Lanny Snodgrass, who joined the U.S. Army at 63, challenges this age-based discrimination and argues that the military should embrace the unique skills and perspectives that older soldiers bring to the table. "The Ageless Call to Serve" questions the practice of mandatory retirement for capable service members, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse military that recognizes the value of experience and maturity.

"...offers a thought-provoking exploration of the criteria governing enlistment in the military. With clarity and relevance, Dr. Snodgrass delves into the complexities of allowing 18-year-olds to bear arms and face combat while scrutinizing the challenges faced by individuals over 39 seeking to enlist for the first time. His lucid narrative delves deep into the psychological impacts of war on the young, shedding light on the profound effects of military service on youthful minds. A compelling read that challenges conventional perspectives on military enlistment and the toil of warfare on the human psyche."

S. Sandy Sanbar, MD, PhD, JD
Editor of "Legal Medicine"

"Defying age barriers, Dr. Snodgrass joined as a soldier at 63, shifting from psychiatrist to trailblazer in military thinking. In The Ageless Call to Serve he champions the seasoned battlefield, advocating for wisdom over youth in warfare. This thought-provoking narrative traverses military readiness, policy evolution, and the psychological impacts of deploying teenagers into conflict."

Robert J. Schneider, Lieutenant Colonel, USA (Ret.)
Former Director of Research, Department of Military Psychiatry

"While duty may have initially spurred Dr. Snodgrass’s military journey, his shared narratives suggest a deeper personal drive steering his often-challenging encounters. Beyond honor or obligation, his compelling tales illuminate a relentless determination and selfless devotion to service-to his fellow soldiers and our country’s security. It is this inspiring commitment that resonates throughout his journey."

Richard L. Schneider, Colonel, USA (Ret.), MD
Former Chief of Psychiatry and serving as Commander, Madigan Army Medical Centre

"In The Ageless Call to Serve Dr. Snodgrass weaves together his dual roles as a seasoned psychiatrist and a soldier joining at age 63. His compelling perspective disrupts age norms in the military, advocating for the value of experience and maturity on the battlefield. Deftly analyzing the impact of youthful impulsivity in war, he highlights the unseen psychological consequences. A thought-provoking exploration for those who seek wisdom, progressive policy changes, and a fresh perspective on our defense forces."

Benjamin S. Catlin, USAF (Ret.)

"Few books have been capable of intertwining the threads of military service and mental health as masterfully as The Ageless Call to Serve. In this captivating and essential read, Dr. Snodgrass illuminates the narrative, not as a mere observer but as an active participant who answered the call to duty at an age when most would consider hanging up their boots."

Crile Doscher, MD, FACS (Ret.)
Former Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, Med Corps (Desert Storm/Vietnam era)

"This book is a must-read for anyone working in the military community, either as a leader or in the support of military personnel and their families. Dr. Snodgrass’s story combines practical stories, timeless advice and thus provides inspiration and motivation for all of us to serve with integrity, compassion and dedication in all areas of our lives."

Russell Hicks, Colonel, USA (Ret.), MD
Former Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, MAMC

REVIEWED IN PARAMETERS

In a March 2026 review published in Parameters Bookshelf, Commander Richard M. Yates of the US Army War College calls The Ageless Call to Serve "a candid examination of military service" and "a timely, challenging addition to military academia."

The review highlights Dr. Snodgrass's argument that current age policies are outdated and counterproductive, noting that the book links human capital to national security and encourages strategic leaders to reflect on personnel policies. Commander Yates concludes that the book is "a conversation starter, sparking the debate on the military's adaptability and future success." Read the full review (PDF).

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CLEARED HOT PODCAST

With his groundbreaking book, "The Ageless Call to Serve: Rethinking Military Service for a Changing World," Dr. Snodgrass challenges outdated notions about age restrictions in the military. Drawing on his own experiences and the stories of other late-life enlistees, he makes a compelling case for tapping into the vast reservoir of talent and expertise among older Americans who wish to serve their country.

Through his work as a psychiatrist, soldier, and author, Dr. Snodgrass is committed to improving mental health support for our military and breaking down barriers to service. His unique perspective, born of decades of dedication and personal sacrifice, makes him an invaluable voice in the ongoing dialogue about the future of our armed forces.

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WELCOME HOME PODCAST

Have you ever wondered what it takes to answer the call to service at an age when most are retiring? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Lanny Snodgrass, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and author of the forthcoming book "The Ageless Call to Serve," who shares his awe-inspiring journey from providing mental health care during the Vietnam War in Bangkok to joining the Army at age 63.

In this episode, Dr. Snodgrass recounts his various military assignments, starting at Fort Riley, Kansas, and continuing to Germany, where he managed mental health referrals and supported wounded soldiers. He offers a poignant look at the psychological toll of war, the prevalence of PTSD among young soldiers, and the intricate connection between physical and psychological injuries.

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THE OLD MAN'S PODCAST

In case you missed the interview on Monday's show on the 12th, here is the stand-alone interview Shonda had with Lanny Snodgrass about his book, "The Ageless Call to Serve: Rethinking Military Service for a Changing World."

We want to thank Dr. Snodgrass for his service and his time sharing his book with us. You can find his book on Amazon.

We are a 2023 Award-Winning Morning Podcast to start your day. Come on in, have a cup of coffee, and join the fun. We are Anti-Hate and Anti-Anger. We are a family-friendly podcast that wants to get you in a positive state of mind to take on life!

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TACTICAL TREASURES PODCAST

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, host Tracy Flanagan of JDog Brands speaks with Dr. Lanny Snodgrass about his inspiration for joining the Army at age 63, the work he has done and continues to do treating military personnel on mental health issues, and the unique perspective as both a psychiatrist and a soldier that he brings to his book.

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VETERANS RADIO

On Veterans Radio, Dr. Snodgrass joins host Jim Fausone to discuss the correlation between age and PTSD, how the military could rethink age restrictions, and ways to redeploy older Americans who wish to serve.

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AMERICAN WARRIOR RADIO

On American Warrior Radio, Dr. Snodgrass tells host Ben Buehler-Garcia the full story of his path to enlistment: a football injury that initially made him ineligible, signing up at 60 only to be told he was too old, and finally being accepted three years later when the Iraq War created a shortage of military psychiatrists. He describes the challenges of completing Officer Basic Training with a heart condition and shares a striking moment when a training officer declared he would never send a soldier to a psychiatrist. The conversation also covers his case for allowing older Americans to serve, flipping the traditional model so people build careers in the private sector first and then bring those skills to the military.

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THE FEMALE VETERANS PODCAST

In this special Veterans Day episode, Hot Topics Live Podcast teams up with The Female Veterans Podcast for a conversation on age requirements in the military. Dr. Snodgrass discusses his journey from civilian psychiatrist to Army officer at 63, the psychological impact of deploying teenagers to conflict zones, and the case for leveraging the experience and resilience of older Americans in military service.

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NORMALIZE PTSD PODCAST

On the Normalize PTSD podcast, Dr. Snodgrass sits down for an in-person conversation covering his pre-military days as a civilian psychologist in Bangkok during the Vietnam War, his decision to enlist in 2003, and the real-world challenges of military mental health. He makes the case for better mental health screening, early PTSD treatment, commander training on trauma, and the value older recruits bring to the force. The discussion also touches on resilience-building approaches including EMDR, music therapy, meditation, and the role of mentorship and unit cohesion in preventing PTSD.

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PODCAST WITH A CAUSE

Dr. Snodgrass joins PiZetta Media: Podcast with a Cause to discuss his military service, his work in mental health, and the themes behind The Ageless Call to Serve.

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NBI FORESIGHT PODCAST (THAILAND)

Dr. Snodgrass appears on the NBI Foresight podcast alongside Steven Qin Seng Woo in this episode recorded during his recent time in Asia. The conversation covers his military service, his work in mental health, and the themes of The Ageless Call to Serve.

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Dr. Snodgrass's book is an important and thought-provoking look at age and military service, written by the oldest person ever to join the US Army.

 

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ABOUT DR. LANNY SNODGRASS, MD, PHD.

 

LANNY

 

Lanny Snodgrass, MD, PhD, is a distinguished psychiatrist, Department of Defense physician, veteran, and respected authority on military mental health. His impressive career spans over four decades of experience treating military personnel, both active duty and veterans. Dr. Snodgrass has established himself as a leading voice in advocating for the psychological well-being of our nation's heroes.

As a civilian psychiatrist, Dr. Snodgrass has devoted much of his career to serving veterans at VA hospitals nationwide. His compassionate care and deep understanding of the unique challenges military personnel face have earned him the trust and gratitude of countless patients.

In a remarkable display of dedication, Dr. Snodgrass joined the U.S. Army at 63, becoming the oldest to do so. During his assignment within the Department of Defense and on active duty, he provided crucial mental health support to soldiers during the Gulf War and beyond, earning numerous accolades for his tireless efforts.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Snodgrass is a sought-after speaker and consultant on military mental health issues. He has presented his research at international conferences and has been published in numerous prestigious medical journals.

With his groundbreaking book, "The Ageless Call to Serve: Rethinking Military Service for a Changing World," Dr. Snodgrass challenges outdated notions about age restrictions in the military. Drawing on his own experiences and the stories of other late-life enlistees, he makes a compelling case for tapping into the vast reservoir of talent and expertise among older Americans who wish to serve their country.

Through his work as a psychiatrist, soldier, and author, Dr. Snodgrass is committed to improving mental health support for our military and breaking down barriers to service. His unique perspective, born of decades of dedication and personal sacrifice, makes him an invaluable voice in the ongoing dialogue about the future of our armed forces.

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