I have seen a 34 year old go through the MARSOC Assessment and Selection and get selected. I also saw a 35 year old get through the Individual Training Course. I fully understand that because the unit is just starting out that they needed bunch of good guys and maybe that is why they let the older guys in, but my point is EVERYTHING IS WAIVERABLE. For all of you guys looking into getting into SOF that don't meet the criteria here is a negotiation technique that can put some chips in your corner:
1. Contact the decision maker. Have him tell you the insiders info. Probably an officer who is responsible for numbers. It's easy to get these guys. When I was a Corporal (USMC) looking into going to the Army SF program, I called directly to the school and spoke to a Major. He was the decision maker for a transfer package. He let me know exactly where I fell short and what I needed to do to get my package through the red tape faster. The best part about was...I got his personal cellphone number out of the conversation and an interview (Goal for 1st meeting/contact...set up the secondary meet/contac). All the other guys between me and him were too busy with thousands of other packages. PLEASE DON'T TAKE THIS THE WRONG WAY BUT...The officer actually liked getting involved when I called him. Oh by the way...I was talked out of the transfer and stayed in the Corps...for the better.
2. Everything is waiverable. Use their standards against them. For example, if you do not meet the rank criteria, explain to the recruiter/decision maker that you are up for promotion and that you are doing everything to expedite your promotion (meritorious promotion boards, schooling etc...). This way they can assume that you are going to make rank while your package is being routed through the red tape. Remember, the guys that are making the decisions sit in an office all day long. You MUST paint the picture for them. They will not do the research to HELP you. One thing about gate keepers... they don't like to work extra for non-card holding dudes.
3. You need insiders help. Find mentors or just ask someone who is already in to help you. That simple. Guys that are in like to talk to guys that are in...it's a rule in life: If he walks, talks, looks like me...well he must be a trust worthy dude. Right?
Hope this helps.