As a prior service Marine who is enlisting in the Army with 3+ years in between service, is BCT in my future?

LCpl Elizabeth Fundis — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 23:24:47 -0400

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!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Apr 9 at 2019 12:03 AM

SSG Brian G. — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 00:03:53 -0400

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.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2019 12:46 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 00:46:19 -0400

LCpl Elizabeth Fundis As mentioned by SSG Brian G., you need to take your list of questions and go talk to a recruiter.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2019 8:38 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 08:38:12 -0400

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.

Response by SPC Paul Byler made Apr 9 at 2019 2:17 PM

SPC Paul Byler — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 14:17:28 -0400

(13 weeks of hell lol).... I can’t speak to the waivers you will need I had no issues when I EAS from the corps after five years and I avoided the VA like the plague, however yes I can absolutely confirm you will have to repeat basic training and a mos school if you’ve been out for more than 3 years. I depart for basic and AIT in three days, I won’t say I had it difficult getting through MEPS because I had no waivers ect but they definitely are not a fan of prior service there. Personally I was going back to the infantry or I wasn’t going back at all but they weren’t going to give me a choice anyway. Short of it I recommend going to a recruiters office with the right attitude, take some donuts or something and make friends and they will help you out mine did. As far as job I can’t say for sure but likely you’ll have to go back to original MOS and reclass later.

Response by SPC Paul Byler made Apr 9 at 2019 2:20 PM

SPC Paul Byler — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 14:20:18 -0400

Also the recruiters do NOT have up to date information for prior service slots, because we are few and far between they don’t know much about it despite what they tell you. They may think they know but the truth is they just don’t, until you pass MEPS and sit down with one of the career counselors nothing is for sure.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2019 8:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 20:03:19 -0400

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.

Response by SGT Nicholas Franklin made Apr 10 at 2019 9:19 AM

SGT Nicholas Franklin — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 09:19:43 -0400

Yes, either the condensed course for prior service, or the full OSUT with the 18 year olds. I ended up with the 18 year olds last year, 2nd time through at 36. Its cake, you'll love it!

Response by SGT Nicholas Franklin made Apr 10 at 2019 5:10 PM

SGT Nicholas Franklin — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 17:10:34 -0400

We had a prior service E5 from the marines in my class. Any NCOs in BCT are segregated, but go through all the same training, pt, smoke sessions, etc. Branch doesnt matter, if you were out more than 36 months then you are hit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2020 2:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 02:04:58 -0400

I'm a recruiter.
NO.
You must be out more than 5 years. Even then, we automatically put in for a waiver. I have only seen ONE denied.

Response by SGT Mark Anderson made Jun 5 at 2020 6:25 AM

SGT Mark Anderson — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 06:25:03 -0400

If I remember correctly in 1972 (if returning to the Army) after two years out it was back to BCT...and I THINK it was loss of previous rank for EMs too - not sure of that either.

Response by LCpl Elizabeth Fundis made Jun 30 at 2020 1:27 PM

LCpl Elizabeth Fundis — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 13:27:38 -0400

****UPDATE 6/30/2020****
I have spoken to a Recruiter, there has been a recent change in regs regarding prior service Marines and BCT. Currently, those who have completed USMC Recruit Training and who've served a certain amount of days do not have to attend Army Basic UNLESS there has been a FIVE year break in service. This has changed from previous instruction of a three year break in service required attending BCT. Sooooo that means, if cleared by MEPS (currently going through the process) I would go straight to AIT.

As for the rest, my Recruiter feels confident in me receiving waivers for my previous injuries. He told me straight up that if he did not think I had any chance he would not put me through this process. I am well aware that Recruiters only have so much they can do and that it is ultimately up to the MEPS medical doctors as to whether or not they approve or deny my package, I am still feeling optimistic and look forward to (not really) heading down to MEPS in a couple weeks.