Posted on Apr 8, 2019
As a prior service Marine who is enlisting in the Army with 3+ years in between service, is BCT in my future?
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I have heard many conflicting answers to this question. Most say no, you do not have to go through BCT because you are a Marine. However, I thought I read somewhere or heard somewhere that if you are out for 3+ years, you do have to go through BCT? I have zero problem with going through BCT. I made it through 13 weeks of hell, I can go through 10 weeks of BCT. I just want to know which is the correct answer? Also, please don't bring up the Warrior Transition Course (WTC) that was a 4 week program for transitioning prior service...it is no longer a thing.
I'd also like to add that I will be needing a couple waivers as I was medically discharged under honorable conditions with a 3P reenlistment code. Basically only 2 restrictions, 1. I need a waiver for the medical condition(s) I was discharged for and 2. I cannot go to OCS. I've been through the waiver process before but was wondering if it will be similar this time around? I also want to know how likely it will be to get the MOS I want? Is it different for prior service when deciding an MOS or do they kind of coerce you into that branch's version of your original MOS? I was Aviation Logistics and hated it. I would absolutely love to be a 15T in the army and ultimately become a crew chief. How realistic is this?
Any information is greatly appreciated!
I'd also like to add that I will be needing a couple waivers as I was medically discharged under honorable conditions with a 3P reenlistment code. Basically only 2 restrictions, 1. I need a waiver for the medical condition(s) I was discharged for and 2. I cannot go to OCS. I've been through the waiver process before but was wondering if it will be similar this time around? I also want to know how likely it will be to get the MOS I want? Is it different for prior service when deciding an MOS or do they kind of coerce you into that branch's version of your original MOS? I was Aviation Logistics and hated it. I would absolutely love to be a 15T in the army and ultimately become a crew chief. How realistic is this?
Any information is greatly appreciated!
Posted in these groups: 
Prior Service
Basic Combat Training (BCT)
InformationAdvanced Individual Training (AIT) - 15T
Prior Service Basic Combat Training (BCT) InformationAdvanced Individual Training (AIT) - 15T
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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If you have been out for 36 months or more after your MSO has elapsed then you will go to BCT. I used to write PS and NPS contracts at MEPS up until 90 days ago.
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Last year I re-enlisted after being out 42 months. My recruiter told me no basic training and I’d just walk into a Reserve unit. I cleared MEPS just to be told the Army changed regulations and anything over 36 months required BCT. I went to Fort Benning for BCT(2nd time) and there was several Marines ranging in time out of service. Some were inserted into BCT somewhere around week 7-8 to qualify BRM and that was it and others were day zeros. With 4 years out you might be heading back to BCT. Again, I only 100% knew after clearing MEPS and signing the new contract. Good luck and have fun.
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SPC Paul Byler
I picked up roughly 10 days into 3 months of terminal leave. I had already received my dd214. Apparently from talking to records at quantico what I should have done is gone back to the S shop with warrant and had my 214 updated. SSG Brian G.
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SSG Brian G.
SPC Paul Byler - Ahh so a failure on the administrative end. Ok. Still they should have updated your DD214 and mailed you a copy. Even so, they promoted you and it should have been recorded in your file. Sucks.
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SPC Paul Byler
Is what it is, I’m not too worried about it just glad to be going back. But yeah technically they should have but I take the responsibility for it because I would have easily gone and made sure it was done. Either way water under the bridge now. SSG Brian G.
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TSgt Carl Johnson
SPC Paul Byler - You can file a request for correction for your DD214. I've been out for a while, and I don't have time to look up the procedure, or would tell you how, but I know that you can. You should do it at the first opportunity, anyway.
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Short answer is talk to a recruiter. While RP is great as a community they cannot give you a 100% rock solid answer that you can take to the bank other than 'talk to a recruiter .'
I know back in the day that it went like this. If you were a prior service Marine enlisting in any other branch you did not need to attend that branches basic. If you were Army and went to anything but Marines, same thing. Navy or Air Force and you had to go through BCT. That may have changed over the years, it may not.
As to prior service and MOS slots? Afraid I have nothing for you on that other than the hated phrase 'talk to a recruiter.'
I wish you luck with your new career.
I know back in the day that it went like this. If you were a prior service Marine enlisting in any other branch you did not need to attend that branches basic. If you were Army and went to anything but Marines, same thing. Navy or Air Force and you had to go through BCT. That may have changed over the years, it may not.
As to prior service and MOS slots? Afraid I have nothing for you on that other than the hated phrase 'talk to a recruiter.'
I wish you luck with your new career.
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SGT Christopher Hayden
But the thing is, we HAVE some active Recruiters on here. So I see no harm in someone asking on here before going to a Recruiter in person, as well.
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SSG Brian G.
SGT Christopher Hayden - I know and get that we have some active recruiters in here but a recruiter can only go by the information that they are given in here. And there are pertinent details that recruiter will need, also not all recruiters know the same as every one of their counterparts. Plus, DoD revises standards of recruit acceptance all the time.
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