How can I get back into active duty?

2016-02-19T12:09:08-05:00

I ETS'd from active duty back in 2003 and have been in the National Guard and Reserves ever since. For the past few years I've been trying to get back into active duty but every recruiter I speak to tells me that they're not accepting prior service back into active duty due to the cutbacks. Are there any recruiter out there that can give me some insight to this? Thank you in advance.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 12:20 PM

2016-02-19T12:20:11-05:00

Have you considered going AGR???

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 19 at 2016 12:31 PM

2016-02-19T12:31:19-05:00

Here's a crazy thought - Not sure of your age but have you thought about applying to West Point?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 12:36 PM

2016-02-19T12:36:36-05:00

Chances are slim to none. Your already a SSG. I looked into it while I was at drill sergeant school, they have certain criteria for MOS, Rank, SQI, ASI, etc. Everything they wanted was SPC and below who are airborne qualified. Maybe you'll get a response from AGR, I think that's your best bet.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 19 at 2016 1:33 PM

2016-02-19T13:33:42-05:00

Cutbacks is a general term that recruiters find convenient to toss around. They can because that's the word they get to allow them to turn away folk like you without, heaven forbid, spend the energy to see if you're worthwhile. Unfortunately, when you look deeper at the MIL demographics of grade, MOS, time in, etc. you'll see mini populations that won't get cut much of and others that will take a big hit. The AF can't satisfy their drone pilot hunger. They're trying to do what the commercial sector calls "workforce shaping". That's why new recruits are still being brought in, although at a slower pace. You have to keep a certain amount of progression opportunity, lest you create a bunch of MILs who vote with their feet, hence creating a gap that will last for years.

One thing you can do when things are tight is to see if there is a good ADSW opportunity where you can make yourself invaluable to the AD side. An IA slot where you develop a go to reputation; all good. Others going to bat for you is a better bet than you going it alone. At least then you can look yourself in the mirror and feel good about giving it your best shot.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 19 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-02-19T14:11:55-05:00

Makes sense what the recruiter are telling you, because its cost effective to pay some one of lower rank during periods on force reduction. The only way around that would be to find a vacant position for your rank and MOS and having a recruiter help you.

Response by SSG Lon Watson made Feb 19 at 2016 2:51 PM

2016-02-19T14:51:16-05:00

i ran into the same thing.....until......the surge! i got myself called up out of retirement. when the new white house takes over i think a lot of things will change.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 3:26 PM

2016-02-19T15:26:12-05:00

You can do what I just did and go OCS route. It's the only way I found. I ship on March 8th.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 5:08 PM

2016-02-19T17:08:35-05:00

Become a instructor and do ados missions

Response by SSG Jesse Cheadle made Feb 19 at 2016 7:00 PM

2016-02-19T19:00:54-05:00

Vote for a Rebublican and pray! Seriously. Until they are increasing troop size, it will be very hard to get back to AD.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 8:17 PM

2016-02-19T20:17:07-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, I just went through trying to get back in as active (didn't work, yet) and it's a rough process. First thing is you need to look at the prior service business rules. If your MOS isn't on it, then you need to look at paragraph 7 (or 8 depending) at the reclass MOS/grades available. I last looked in October and the only two jobs were 35p and 18x. If those two don't work for you, then you have to start playing shenanigans. Transfer to a reserve/guard "will train" slot in one of the short handed MOS's in the business rules and after reclassing try to go active if the vacancy is still available or ocs/rotc if you aren't over the age limit.
Another option is CID. Go to the usarec website and search for CID accessions. If you have a bachelor's degree and a few other qualifications it looks like they're hiring.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 11:21 PM

2016-02-19T23:21:42-05:00

The only way you will be able to go back to active duty is depending on your MOS. The way the army looks at it is you got out so why should you comeback in. There is always AGR which is active duty.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 11:46 AM

2016-02-20T11:46:03-05:00

Current Business Rules:
http://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/active-duty/prior-service-business-rules.m.html

Prior Service Business Rules | GoArmy.com

The Prior Service Business Rules acts as a guide for Soldiers who are interested in reenlisting in the regular Army.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 4:31 PM

2016-02-20T16:31:52-05:00

I am a recruiting center leader. As an E6 without Airborne you have to hold the MOS of 35P. if you are an E6 with airborne and hold MOS of either 35F or 35G you can come back in pending otherwise qualified. If you do not hold those MOS you have one option and that is a acasp to 35P. Those are your only options. It is easy for people to sit back and say it is a political matter or recruiters are lazy. Just stop. Do your research. Here is the link to the current USAREC message pertaining to this issue.
http://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/active-duty/prior-service-business-rules.m.html

Prior Service Business Rules | GoArmy.com

The Prior Service Business Rules acts as a guide for Soldiers who are interested in reenlisting in the regular Army.

Response by COL John Hudson made Feb 21 at 2016 5:42 AM

2016-02-21T05:42:16-05:00

SSG Encarnacion, the recruiters are correct. A Reduction In Force (RIF) always occurs after major engagements. Recruiters aren't the only source...you can contact your Branch Office to determine where there might be shortages in your MOS field. You may also want to consider looking at another Service Branch, to 'swap color' if you will, for similar opportunities in the Air Force, Navy, Marines, etc. I've spoken to others in similar circumstances that made that choice. You may also want to consider a Federal position in the General Service. Go to 'USAJOBS;' an online website that provides information on every open Federal job there is world-wide. Here's one hint..."Be Available." I always let my Command know that I was available for travel and assignments elsewhere. Also, stay on top of your education. Good luck.

Response by SSG John McCammon made Feb 21 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-02-21T14:21:28-05:00

The honest answer is go to the local recruiting center, do a DA 4187 and a DD368. You may have limited options coming back in as a SSG, possibility of only 18x if you qualify

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Feb 23 at 2016 12:05 AM

2016-02-23T00:05:59-05:00

Your MOS will play a big part, however like the MSG mentioned have you checked into going AGR ?...Another option depending on your MOS or if you can get reclassified is technician. Many jobs such as the maintenance MOS's are techs. You drill every month and during the week you work at whatever facility. I knew a guy that spent 99% of his military service in the Guard. He was the OMS chief. (probably a 63 series mos) He retired as a MSG with 30+ years military and 20+ years as a technician. He gets two retirements and Social Security. Also, If you did get back in, your rank would be no higher than what you held on Title 10 (Federal) active duty. That plus being out for that many years, I would think going back to the active duty life would be tough and a bit of a culture shock.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 6:59 AM

2016-02-23T06:59:24-05:00

Try applying for an AGR recruiting position

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 11:24 PM

2016-02-23T23:24:30-05:00

Join the IMA program. You are then assigned to an active duty unit as one of their reservists. Depending on funding they can offer to lut you on orders. Also check out mopcop.army.mil. plenty of opportunities to go active in support of regular army needs.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 9:54 PM

2016-02-25T21:54:09-05:00

There is a huge demand for Drill Sergeants. If you can get to a reserve DS unit, you can see what ADOS jobs are out there. I had 2 DS do year stints and they wanted them to re-up for another rotation.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 9:33 PM

2016-03-29T21:33:45-04:00

Contact your Unit Administrator. There is a packet (conditional release packet) that must be signed by your Commander AND a Career Counselor. The Career Counselor has to have a position in an Active Duty Unit to put you in ( Paragraph and line number). But as far as NOT doing it: LIES I TELL YOU, LIES. Its a matter if completing the packet.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 29 at 2018 9:37 PM

2018-04-29T21:37:09-04:00

It’s 2 years since you asked ... had you given thought to doing a cross-Service to the AF, SSGT? We do have Csrgo Specialists.. go on - Line and go to AF.Gov and go looking for cargo specialist or s’thing along that line .
See what AF has in that career field
How many they need and will they accept a Prior-service Army Cargo Specislist.. Good luck with it if you are still Interested

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 29 at 2018 9:43 PM

2018-04-29T21:43:58-04:00

I’m AF and I made a sugestion that he try Cross-service .to the AF.. We have them also.. just maybe a different name... It’s been two years.. I don’t even know if he’s still interested or he’s already did what he wanted

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 29 at 2018 9:51 PM

2018-04-29T21:51:31-04:00

You talked to every recruiter.. did that include other services? If not, why not?
Are you at least 64” in height. Check out being a loadmaster in the AF..

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 29 at 2018 9:53 PM

2018-04-29T21:53:55-04:00

ENLISTED
AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER
Conduct preflight inspection of aircraft and aerospace ground equipmentSupervise the loading and unloading of cargo, vehicles and people on the airplaneEnsure availability of fleet service equipment and passenger comfort itemsConduct in-flight checks on cargo to ensure safetyPerform scanning duties to detect problems with the airplane or cargo during ground and flying operations CAREER TASKS
CREATING A CRITICAL BALANCE

Extensive coordination goes into planning any Air Force flight, especially when transporting both people and supplies. Responsible for properly loading, securing and escorting cargo and passengers, Aircraft Loadmasters custom load aircraft before any flight. From calculating proper weight distribution to providing for passenger comfort throughout the flight, these specialists ensure everything and everyone is safe and secure on flights all over the world.

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY

MINIMUM EDUCATION
High school diploma or GED with 15 college credits
ASVAB REQUIREMENTS
General
QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of the Aircrew Fundamentals course
Physical qualification for aircrew duty
Normal depth perception
Qualification for aviation service
Eligibility to deploy and mobilize worldwide
Height must be no less than 64 inches and no more than 77 inches.
Completion of a current National Agency Check, Local Agency Checks and Credit
Completion of 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training as well as Airmen’s Week
Must be between the ages of 17 and 39