Let’s solve the problem step by step.

Let the son’s current age be x.

Since the father was as old as the son is now at the time of the son’s birth:

Father’s age at son’s birth = x

Since the father is currently 38 years old:

Father’s current age = Father’s age at son’s birth + Son’s current age

38 = x + x

38 = 2x

x = 19

So, the son’s current age is 19 years.

To find the son’s age five years back:

Son’s age five years back = Son’s current age – 5

= 19 – 5

= 14

The final answer is: 14