Posted on Dec 23, 2015
I EASed almost a year ago. I'm thinking about going back in but as Marine reserves. Has anyone done this after being out for so long? Advice?
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The day I got my DD214 it wasn't easy. The day prior I was excited to start a new chapter in my life but when I got that DD214 it hit me that I was leaving and I just felt empty. It hasn't gotten easier since. I don't want to go active again but was thinking maybe going into the reserves would help. But I am afraid that it won't be like how I thought.
Prior Service
Reserves
Transition
Marine Corps Reserve
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 109
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Recently in the Marine Corps Times they had an article saying that they are considering recalling some of the IRR because not enough of the enlisted force are looking to reenlist. I would talk to a recruiter and see what they have for you. If the retention is as bad as they said in MC Times - you are probably looking at a good chance of getting back in. Good luck either way. Let us know as it would be interesting to see how this goes.
Having just retired after 22 years, I know what you are talking about when you said it wasn't easy to get the DD-214. After being hard at it for so long, it felt like they were able to tell me goodbye a little too easily...
Having just retired after 22 years, I know what you are talking about when you said it wasn't easy to get the DD-214. After being hard at it for so long, it felt like they were able to tell me goodbye a little too easily...
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Cpl Raquel Rocha I reenlisted on active after being out for a year and three months. Of course, it was after kuwait was invaded. As far as reserves go, check the reserve units that offer positions you are qualified for, you may have to relocate to ensure you are close enough for the drill schedule. Good luck!
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The longer you're out, the harder it gets to get back in. I attempted to reenlist after I EASed out of the Marines, but the recruiter said that I was ineligible due to me not having any time remaining in the IRR, so even the Reserves were out.
In reality, I never had time in the IRR because I was active for nine years. I wish I would have known about this rule BEFORE I got out. The Army Reserves ended up taking me, but even then my opportunities were limited.
Long story short: if you're considering going back in, do it sooner rather than later.
In reality, I never had time in the IRR because I was active for nine years. I wish I would have known about this rule BEFORE I got out. The Army Reserves ended up taking me, but even then my opportunities were limited.
Long story short: if you're considering going back in, do it sooner rather than later.
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CPL ROCHA: I joined the MP Corps in the California ARNG in 1994 during the draw down like we have today. I went in as an E-4 from basic training. a decade later, as a new CPT, I went into the Army Reserve and I joined a Civil Affairs Unit 38A for officer. 38B is Civil Affairs for enlisted. Depending where you live, there may be a Civil Affairs unit not too far from you. Your civilian experience as well as your prior military experience counts toward helping. Civil Affairs is a Special Operations type of MOS. You get top rated gear, new M-4s and there is funding for airborne school, air assault and you often get money for schools other branches don't get always. They pay you mileage if you are over 50 miles. I knew a jr. enlisted who took all of the schools and hit E-5 in no time. I knew and worked with a prior service Marine Corporal make E-6 in 4 years. Some Civil Affairs Units, like UPLAND, California are Airborne so you can become Airborne qualified if you want. Even with the drawdown, they still need Civil Affairs. I am sure there are opportunities in the USMC Reserve too and the Army National Guard. Just keep reading up on what specialties/Mos are in short supply of people during the downsizing. Talk to recruiters from all 3 branches and go visit units on their drill weekends for free. If it is still avialable, join for a 1-year trial enlistment and get out if you don't get the schools or position you wanted. Don't worry about drill and ceremony of the army reserve components. Your NCO service schools from the USMC count toward your promotion to E-5! There are a lot of prior service Marines and Navy who adapted well to the USAR/ARNG. http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/intelligence-and-combat-support/civil-affairs-specialist.html
Civil Affairs Specialist (38B)
As an Army Civil Affairs Specialist, you'll be a leader in researching and coordinating civil affairs-related activities and implementing civil-military operations.
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I just ETS'ed this week, getting my DD214 was the best feeling Ive had in a long time. Since then it does feel strange a lot of times, my terminal leave started right along with the christmas block leave timeframe and it being so short a time being out, it hasn't completely hit me, but I'm sure it will once the holidays are over with. All I knew for the past 10 years is wake up, PT, work until COB, go home eat and sleep, then repeat. I've also spent at least a year thinking about my decision to get out, I reached my 10 year mark in the army and while most encouraged me to stay and finish for retirement, I wasn't where I wanted to be, I was not happy at all anymore. I realized that I was in a sort of speak "zombie" mode my last 2 years serving and I wanted to seek my true happiness in life. I remember feeling jealous of those who enjoyed their work and didn't dread Mondays, and that made me realize that I too want that more than to serve 10 more years, sucking up each day. I explained it best to a good friend of mine shortly before I got out, I told him that I would rather get out and work 30 years at a job that I enjoy, than to serve 10 more years in the army. Nothing against the army, I learned a lot and gained experience that's helped me, but I grew up, I matured and I felt I had something bigger and better on the outside waiting for me. Maybe you haven't reached your peace about it, maybe your mind is still in an "awe". Just do what makes you happy, don't allow fear to consume you, there are many opportunities out there.
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Cpl Raquel Rocha
Yeah I don't think my mind is at peace with it. I haven't been able to move completely on from it. The harder my life is the more I miss it.
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SGT Chris Hill
Sounds like you should go back to it, maybe your calling is to serve. Whichever you do, good luck!
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LTC (Join to see)
Cpl Raquel Rocha - Being in the Reserves may be a downer for some who like the BX/PX morning P.T. and being out in the field for 2 weeks out of the month. On the other hand, if you want to stay in and get your 20 years, while we still have it avaialble for you and other that joined earlier, and start or be with a family you already have and year your desire to stay a Marine in some way or use your GI bill to get that college degree then the reserve component is for you!
Last time I checked, the USAR had an age limit of 32 and a half for Officer and just under 35 years for the Army National Guard. I think you would be an O-1E and get more pay as a commissioned officer in the reserves. I joined after losing my job unfairly from a major insurance company. I never considered the military at age 30. I joined at age 31 and a half. I made officer at age 33 years 9 months. I am 53 years old now and I do not have mid-life crisis. I was single when I joined and now I am old and Father of an 8 and 5 year old. Us reservists still have to do our fitness test twice a year. We do pushups, situps and run 2 miles unlike the USMC that does 3 miles and does pull-ups and the pushups. Not demeaning them at all since I like to run and I like pull-ups just giving you the subtle differences. We have our evaluations yearly just like the active duty. We have all the same mandatory training online/offline and we also have to do weapons qualification too.
I just feel, CPL Rocha, you can have your cake and eat it too. You also can try out the air guard and air national guard. Only, the USMC does not recognize anybody else's service schools for promotion or MOS qualification. You have USMC reserve/ USAR/ARNG/AFR and the AIR NAT GUARD. 5 choices and you also have the Coast Guard Reserve too if you live near a harbor.
Last time I checked, the USAR had an age limit of 32 and a half for Officer and just under 35 years for the Army National Guard. I think you would be an O-1E and get more pay as a commissioned officer in the reserves. I joined after losing my job unfairly from a major insurance company. I never considered the military at age 30. I joined at age 31 and a half. I made officer at age 33 years 9 months. I am 53 years old now and I do not have mid-life crisis. I was single when I joined and now I am old and Father of an 8 and 5 year old. Us reservists still have to do our fitness test twice a year. We do pushups, situps and run 2 miles unlike the USMC that does 3 miles and does pull-ups and the pushups. Not demeaning them at all since I like to run and I like pull-ups just giving you the subtle differences. We have our evaluations yearly just like the active duty. We have all the same mandatory training online/offline and we also have to do weapons qualification too.
I just feel, CPL Rocha, you can have your cake and eat it too. You also can try out the air guard and air national guard. Only, the USMC does not recognize anybody else's service schools for promotion or MOS qualification. You have USMC reserve/ USAR/ARNG/AFR and the AIR NAT GUARD. 5 choices and you also have the Coast Guard Reserve too if you live near a harbor.
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I took a 13 year break in service, jumped services at that and went from E to O. One hell of a switch. A year out isn't bad and reserves of today are nothing like 20 years ago. They deploy a lot now adays and with our previous multi-theater mission set are very needed.
I will say this, it sounds like you might have the right reasons...a calling to serve. Giving up your weekends can be tough every month and long, that's a 12 day work week. Personally, I also have to give up 4 days a month extra for phone conferences or writing training plans. Just understand the sacrifices aren't yours alone (they are there) but also your family's.
I will say this, it sounds like you might have the right reasons...a calling to serve. Giving up your weekends can be tough every month and long, that's a 12 day work week. Personally, I also have to give up 4 days a month extra for phone conferences or writing training plans. Just understand the sacrifices aren't yours alone (they are there) but also your family's.
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I suggest looking at the Reserves/National Guard of all branches. Your active years count as as 365 retirement points/year and can help with a pension you can get at 60(a bit earlier if you were deployed) You get TRICARE while in active drilling status for cheap and TRICARE after retirement. You still have the camaraderie of belonging and you won't feel that empty feeling. You have to decide if you want to stay in the same job specialty or train for a new one (they wil do it) You have time to work full time or go to school full-time; and you can live wherever you want and move whenever you want. You are not obligated to stay in a unit if you live too far. You can also do IRR/IMA and not go to drill and earn points for correspondence/online courses and other training tours. I think veterans are foolish not to do reserve/they are flexible and there are so many options and benefits. I would visit units and recruiters of all branches to get a feel of what you would like to do! Happy Holidays and Good luck for the new year.
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I was active Army enlisted for 9 years, got out. Joined the Army Reserves about 3 years later. Less than 10 years after that came back active as commissioned. Both changes required some adjustment. But overall really enjoyed my time in the Reserves and made some nice lifelong friends.
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I'm sure the Corps works like the Army. If your still in the IRR, you will need to speak with a Career Counselor or the NCO at the unit that re-enlist prior service devildogs. If you don't have IRR time, then a recruiter should be able to help you get back into the reserves. I went from Active Marine to Army Reserves. One of the best decisions I've ever made. Good Luck!
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I was out for three years. Went from being an officer in the Air Force to a NCO in the Army Reserves. I knew NOTHING. But, it worked out well.
Anything can work as long as you are willing to expend the effort needed.
Good luck.
Anything can work as long as you are willing to expend the effort needed.
Good luck.
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