Going back in after 15 years: What are your thoughts?

2015-05-01T11:01:34-04:00

So, after 15 years my family and professional life have afforded me the opportunity to re-enter the service. I'm going to go into the Navy Reserve, because at 42, there the only ones who will take me! So my question is, am I crazy? I'm doing it because I miss the life, comraderie, and the adventure. Then there is the potential benefits, medical, retirement, etc. So, what are some thoughts?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 1 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-05-01T11:06:29-04:00

Can't say I haven't thought about it (Navy Reserve as a Green Side Corpsman). I think the wife would kill me though.

Rock on.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-05-01T11:29:57-04:00

I did 10 yrs on my initial go-around. Got out for 5.5 yrs and came back in. You are not crazy.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-05-01T11:54:57-04:00

No you have six years in and if you spend 14 good years in the reserve you can retire at age 60 - you won't have long to wait. Your pay won't be all that great, but it will be better than nothing. Everyday of your active service will be figured in your retirement pay. more importantly you will have full retiree medical benefits.

AND, of course from another thread we know how important that AAFES benefit is.

Best of luck for a good end to you service.

Response by SGT John Panzini made May 1 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-05-01T13:36:32-04:00

Not crazy at all, did the same thing myself almost 6 years ago. at 47. Getting ready to re-up one more time, 3 more years and I'll have my 20. I went from active to Nat'l Guard, finishing up in Army Reserves. Thank god for my active time or they would not have taken me back at 47

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 1 at 2015 2:51 PM

2015-05-01T14:51:09-04:00

I applaud you for having the intestinal fortitude to go for it. It is all you meaning if you believe it’s a good idea than it is.

Response by SPC Carlos R. made Apr 25 at 2017 9:18 PM

2017-04-25T21:18:32-04:00

Downing the same thing

Response by SPC Carlos R. made Apr 25 at 2017 9:18 PM

2017-04-25T21:18:46-04:00

Doing the same thing.

Response by Cpl Terry Sullivan made Jul 4 at 2017 1:58 AM

2017-07-04T01:58:53-04:00

I'm thinking about the same at 32 but I have some fake parts so I'm not sure ill be qualified, secondly my old LVS has been retired so I might need a new MOS all together

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Nov 24 at 2017 10:30 PM

2017-11-24T22:30:10-05:00

I had about a 16 year gap ,1990-2006, and I had always said "If I ever the opportunity to go back in, I would take it with out question". The only issue I had was other NCO's not believing my experience and where I had been; it shows in your knowledge. the Army doesn't train like they did 15 years ago. It is much softer, gentler Army. don't hesitate, take that step and brace the good feeling when you retire with full benefits.