How can a prior-service Army officer (CPT) go on active duty again as an enlisted soldier?

Serena Ramos — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:15:11 -0500

He's even willing to give up his commission in order to go active duty and every recruitment office I call seems to be dumbfounded on how to deal with his case, even though he's fit, 37 with 6 years of service and cleared to re-enlist on his DD214. He was a Transportation Officer.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 6:26 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:26:46 -0500

I've heard of officer coming back in as sergeants. Shouldn't even be a problem

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 6:31 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:31:58 -0500

Serena Ramos If I read the attached chart right, your husbands six years of service should be subtracted from their current age, which would make him eligible. Does your husband want to go enlisted or only if that is the only way to go active duty? I will copy SFC Jason Boyd who will be able to provide the correct answer to your question.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/us-military-enlistment-standards-3354001

How Old Can You Be When Enlisting?

Each branch of the military has slightly different maximum age limits for those without prior enlistment, based on each service's individual needs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 6:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:47:49 -0500

I am surprised that there is any issue with bringing him on. His six years of service should be creditable down to 31 years of age, and officers who resigned their Commission are brought back on as Sergeants.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jan 25 at 2019 6:59 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:59:57 -0500

If your calling Recruiting Stations they are going to give priority to folks new to the Army and off the street vs Prior Service, so you kind of have to push and take initiative more than if you were just a HS graduate fresh out of HS. Next time you call ask to speak with the Recruiting Station Commander or whomever is in charge of the Recruiting Station location. Usually a SFC that has some Recruiting experience. He or she will know how to handle this, tell them your getting the run around and want to get the enlistment process started.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jan 25 at 2019 7:37 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 19:37:26 -0500

I follow the question, when I'd been in, a MSgt in my unit had been O-3, he'd been RIFd, he was allowed to finish out his 20 yrs as enlisted, he was made SSgt to start, though, as I'd said, when I knew him, he'd gotten as high as MSgt, though I gated he was allowed to retire as an O-3, since he'd gotten to that level before the RIF. To try to help you sort out various possibilities, it'd help to know more, not that I can solve tour problem, I merely found the circumstances rather unique, I have an interest in such career/educ topics. First, has he looked at trying for warrant, at all, regardless of svc? Second, what are his degrees, with majors and GPAs, if you could relate them, associates, bachelor's, masters, doctoral, whatever he has, as knowing tat would certainly give more insight, honest. Third, would he be willing to change fields, at all, and, of so, to which possibilities, what specific MOS, AFSC, or Navy/USCG rates might interest him. Fourth, if you might be able to say, how much active duty time does he already have now? Fifth, has he done any time wit Guard, Reserve, AGR? Sixth, a possibility he might know of, yet not have seriously considered, would possibly be to go Guard Tech, whether ARNG or ANG, Army or Air Natl Guard, or maybe Reserve Tech. I suggest the latter for sevl reasons: he'd be in uniform ull time as Guard or Reserve Tech, though he'd have to drill with his unit on weekends, drill months, etc. Next, I was never entirely sure exactly how retirement worked with Guard Tech or Reserve Tech, he'd have to ask about that. Now, assuming he "might" consider Guard or Reserve, he could certainly reapply for active duty (AD) as either, I'd expect, though, of course, that'd depend on what was open, whenever he might try. Next, would he consider going back at all for more grad school, not to sound simplistic, only to gauge his ten of mind, and, if so, whether for masters or doctoral, in what field or fields? Also and please understand, I entirely realize there might obviously be a limit to what yud care to mention, or that he would, however, it'd obviously also help to know more of the basic circumstances involved. Now, "if" he'd be willing to change fields, and "supposing" he had a background of possible use to them, USPHS Commissioned Corps, which does use comp sci (CS), IT, and engineers, commissions up to I "think" 44, though, of course, the bulk of those going USPHS are clinical, though they do list other areas, as I'd said, that are nonclinical, though I'm not sure of they're open, call [login to see] , their recruiting office, and ask, or have him call, of course. Last NOAA Commissioned Corps is small, and quite staff to get, I merely !mention that as yet another possibility. And, might he have any possible flight interests? I'm only saying that as, if he might, I'm unsure what the age limit is for rotary wing for Army WOCS. If he'd consider USPHS, had him look at Jr and Sr COSTEP, which are the USPHS !major educ programs, they can be used for grad school. Truly, though, given his age, background, and apparent interests, I honestly think Guard, Reserve, AGR, Guard Tech, or Reserve Tech, with a later submit for AD could well be his best chance, aside from warrant, I've seen mention of resigning a commission to go warrant for Army for rotary wing aviation, how it might be possible for his background, o honestly don't know, however, I !merely mention it as a possibility you and/or he might care to consider. If he has a STEM degree, he might also try for direct commission Army cyber, Navy WO1 cyber, or possibly USCG direct commission engineer, going to an ofcr indoc school (OIS), as opposed to an OCS, per se, I'd certainly also think USMC could certainly make use of him, one would think, due to the numerous similarities in the work, even if it might be an intersvc transfer...also, has he looked into intersvc transfers at all, and, of so, for which svcs? I'd be most eager to hear more, of I can suggest anything else, I'd of course be glad to try, by all !eams, certainly, no rush, whenever you and/or he might care to answer at all, obviously.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Jan 25 at 2019 8:17 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 20:17:45 -0500

There used to be a plethora of riffed O3s in the National Guard. Some were brought back as high as E7, which used to piss me off to no end. Good luck.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 8:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 20:43:02 -0500

Have your significant other DM me directly or you can DM me directly with your contact information. I'll have one of my career management officers reach out to him next week.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 25 at 2019 10:47 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 22:47:03 -0500

Serena, best wishes to you and your husband -- I hope things work out for you!

Response by Serena Ramos made May 10 at 2019 2:56 PM

Serena Ramos — Fri, 10 May 2019 14:56:47 -0400

Today is May 10th, 2019 and the good news he was able to return to active duty as an E-5. He had to give up his commission but it worked out in the end because he was able to pick a new MOS. Everyone who faces a recruiter saying it's not possible, keep searching till you find one willing to start your prior service packet. It will take several months 4-6... because it's very complicated but it is possible, don't give up!