Posted on Oct 9, 2020
PFC Gerald Dudley
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I'm a Prior Service active duty 35F trying to come back in as a reservist 35S. I got out as an E-3 with an Honorable Discharge and an RE 3 Code for some medical issues. Had about 1yr and 8months in service out of the initial contract which was 3 years. The recruiter I went to told me they can get me the waiver I need but I will MORE THAN LIKELY (99%) have to come back in as a 35F with no say so. The waiver has to go through the CoC/BC/and CG........If I say NO at MEPS or they don't have the job I want when I go to MEPS I will PDQ myself from ALL BRANCHES.
-I'd like someone whose been in a similar situation to let me know if this is true or false.-
I looked at something called 'prior service business rules' on the official army website and it stated-
D."Applicants in the grade of E-4 and below with 48 months or less active duty are not restricted to the HRC business rules, therefore authorized to enlist Option 3 (Training of Choice) or Option 18 (First Assignment Only, if MOS qualified) to serve in a targeted MOS as identified by the ROC. Applicants in the grade of E-4 and below with more than 48 months active duty are restricted to the HRC business rules, therefore required to meet all other PS parameters outlined in para 7 of this message."

Wouldn't this mean that I would be good to pick 35S as my MOS or is there a different set of rules I am not aware of for my situation?

Are there any Army Recruiters or anyone who can tell me if this is true or false information?
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Responses: 6
SSG Brian G.
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Ok, understand that you being an RE 3 has nothing to do with what jobs you can or cannot get IF you can get a waiver. None. That is simply a reflection of the nature of your discharge previously and any hoops you have to jump through just to be able to re-enlist.

You are prior service attempting to come back in. In that you are at the needs of the Army. Yes, you can choose what job you qualify for but the Army might not have that job open at the time. You are not like a new recruit that literally gets the full pick of all the jobs they qualify for. Further you are restricted by being a reservist as to what jobs the reserve has and has openings for.
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PFC Gerald Dudley
PFC Gerald Dudley
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Understood, thank you so much!
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MSG Computer Operator 5
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All 35 series are in short supply and high demand. If your score support it. They should go for it.
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SFC Stephen P.
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"I looked at something called 'prior service business rules'" At the top of the page, does it say "FOR ENLISTMENTS INTO THE REGULAR ARMY"? If so, it does not apply to enlistments into the Army Reserve.

I can't speak for recruiting rules, but try to understand the USAR is an entirely different animal from Regular Army. Reservists are encouraged to reclass to fill vacancies and advance, and can do so without any contractual ties. If you complete a USAR career, you should have a least 3 MOSs by the end of it. A buddy of mine had 7 when she retired.

My advice is if MEPS doesn't offer you exactly what you want, get in on the shortest contract you can (ask about a 1 year term). Once assigned, work with your career counselor and leadership to get the position you want. A shorter contract will allow you reenlist for bonuses sooner.

There are also a lot of other interesting intel and intel adjacent MOSs that you might find rewarding. Check out 35T, 35Q, 25D, and 17C positions in your area.
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PFC Gerald Dudley
PFC Gerald Dudley
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Got it, I'll ask about the shorter contract and look into the other MOSs. Thank you so much!
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MSG Computer Operator 5
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Exactly but last I knew ALL 35 series MOS were authorized to be over strength.
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SFC Station Commander
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This is not correct. First, saintly saying no at meps does not PDQ you from other branches. Second, the business rules are for RA, not AR. As long as the recruiter gets a vacancy loaded and verifies that the roc has training available and you have your RE code waiver approved, you’re good to go.
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MSG Computer Operator 5
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This reaks of a Recruiter that doesn't want to do the work. Find another if you must. A contract works both ways.
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PFC Gerald Dudley
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PFC Gerald Dudley
PFC Gerald Dudley
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MSG (Join to see) - I'll probably have to end up doing that. Tried texting him this morning and no reply. Could be he's just busy but I'll ask again on Monday. If he doesn't reply I guess it's on to the next one it is. Thank you so much for the insight.
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MSG Computer Operator 5
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PFC Gerald Dudley - Everybody is busy but after a day or 2...
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