Do you think retired service members should be allowed to renounce their retirement; in order to rejoin the military?

2014-04-23T22:01:13-04:00

There are a lot of days that I wish I could renounce my retirement, give up the pay, and go back to my unit. I was told it was possible, but that it requires an act of the SecDef, CNO, and Commandant. That is like asking for a miracle.<br><br>If I still meet all the requirements, and can still do the job, then shouldn't I be allowed?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 10:27 PM

2014-04-23T22:27:19-04:00

Depending on how long you have been out, you may not like what you see upon your return. I got out in 1999, and then went back in after 9/11. Since I was out for more than 180 days, they took a rank...so I went back in as a LCpl. I was stationed with the one unit I didn't want to be with. I saw some familiar faces, as all of my fellow NCO's that were in with me before, were now SNCO's and of course, a nonrate was not allowed to hang out with them. My Plt Sgt was still getting picked on in High School when I was an NCO. The 1stsgt had a hard-on for me because I was "old." Bottom line is that you may be able to do the job, but it sucks going back in after being a civilian, and actually being treated as an adult.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 10:39 PM

2014-04-23T22:39:12-04:00

You should try.
In my experience, prior service are the best!

Good luck to you

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 23 at 2014 10:46 PM

2014-04-23T22:46:06-04:00

What would the benefit be for the military?

Response by Sgt S.P. Woodke made Apr 24 at 2014 12:09 PM

2014-04-24T12:09:33-04:00

no ...id say most who wish to recounce retirment are not happy with their current pay or employment situation and are wanting to go back to what they KNOW...Id say offer training to help BETTER the chances of success in the outside world ...which will curtail the rate of those renouncing...

Response by SFC Matthew Parker made Jun 14 at 2014 2:35 AM

2014-06-14T02:35:26-04:00

Sgt Hall,
Short answer, No.
I have regretted everyday I retired. I wish I could return to service but I'm glad I can't. Let me explain, After 21+ years and three Iraq tours I was beat down. Injuries that I never reported to stay in the fight, aches and pains I ignored got worse and 8 surgeries later I was still not 100%

I have the experience, I know my job and I can lead in combat or garrison. But let me back into uniform and I will literally kill myself.

What I want to see as the services transition is those of us with recent experience being able to work with the next generation of NCOs and leaders.

Let me come back as a Army civilian and assist at a wounded warrior company or teach at one of the NCOES schools. Let me instruct at basic training and AIT or work in the IG's office. Not as a contractor but a Army civilian.

Once you decide to retire there is no going back unless the services call you back. Cpl Snow points out time keeps going after we leave, you really want to go back and LCPL Jones is now your boss? He used to work for you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 7:12 PM

2014-12-12T19:12:54-05:00

attrition allows more junior members of the military the chance to advance..why clog the system at the top?

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made Jan 15 at 2015 7:37 AM

2015-01-15T07:37:23-05:00

I'm not sure how it works in the Marine Corps, or for Enlisted soldier for that matter, but I personally have known at least half a dozen officers that are Retiree Recalls. It all comes down to if you are from an "in-demand" MOS/career field that is under strength. There are some "catches" though, such as you are not eligible for promotion. However, because you are not eligible for promotion you also do not receive OERs nor are you required to take the APFT. The break in service also continues their pay scale. For example, if you retired at the 20 year mark, had a 5 year break in service, then in came back on Active Duty you would be receiving pay for 25 years of service. Assuming that you stayed on Active Duty for 3 years before you retired again, your retirement would now be based off of the pay scale for 28 years.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 5:42 AM

2015-04-24T05:42:05-04:00

No. And here is why:

It's business, not personal: The military is downgrading across the entire spectrum. I have literally seen a Lance Corporal with more than four years on his contract be cut loose from his contract against his will because of "needs of the Marine Corps"... Yea, my entire chain of command is not happy about that, especially since that was just one in forty cases... in one Company.

Honestly, this is not the time to come back in. Even in the reserves; being a reservist is a lot like being in a family- if you are in with the patriarchs, then you're good. If you are not, then your head is constantly on the chopping block. As a Sergeant trying to even join the reserves, your head is on the proverbial chopping block the minute you check in, and if you are not up to par with ops tempo- you are done; they will make you either disappear, or make life so hard for you that you will disappear. Very love/hate, but mostly hate.

My advice is this: Pray for another major war- that is your only sure-shot of getting back in.

I hate to be one of many to break it to you, but this is just the harsh reality of the times. Like I said, It all comes down to business, not personal- the Marine Corps just doesn't have the funding right now, especially since you would be considered a liability due to your medical retirement. Sorry Brother.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jul 28 at 2017 4:54 AM

2017-07-28T04:54:31-04:00

Actually, it is entirely possible to do so. Depending on your reenlistment code and any subsequent medical conditions that you may have been diagnosed with by the VA having left service, you should be able to get back in. If you are still within the age limit, meet the medical qualifications for service, etc etc, there is nothing saying that you cannot go back into the service.

Response by SGT Michael May made May 13 at 2018 7:04 AM

2018-05-13T07:04:29-04:00

I miss the Army as if it was yesterday, I’ve been out for 21yrs but it’s nothing I’ve found more rewarding than serving this country. The love and respect I have for the men and women of our military will always be in the highest regard.
Yes, I’ve moved on in life but serving this country has been a great honor in my life.