What is the process to reenlist after being out for less than 18 months?

2023-09-28T14:55:06-04:00

I'm planning to reenlist after being out for a short period(less than 18 months) and I'm looking for any help or guidance on the process. Tips and tricks on what I might run into at meps and other things that direction. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2023 7:58 PM

2023-09-28T19:58:56-04:00

It is not reenlisting. You are now a prior service soldier enlisting. There isn't really tricks. You will fall under the business rules. HRC pushes out rules for those coming back to the military. You don't really have the same options as someone joining for the first time. Luckily, the Army is hurting for recruits so you may have some good options. This will depend on your RE Code on your DD214.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2023 11:53 PM

2023-09-28T23:53:01-04:00

Your first hurdle, as it were, is knowing your RE-Code. U.S. Military RE codes, found on military discharge documents (DD-214), define a service member’s future eligibility to enlist or reenlist after discharge or separation from the military.

RE Code 1: May reenlist without issue.
RE Code 2: May reenlist, but restrictions may apply. This code may also mean the circumstances that resulted in the code are no longer applicable.
RE Code 3: May reenlist but may need a waiver.
RE Code 4: Ineligible to reenlist or join another service without an Exception to Policy (ETP) waiver.

Your DD-214 in Block 26 will show what your RE Code is. If there is a 1 there, then you're good to go

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Sep 29 at 2023 9:15 AM

2023-09-29T09:15:59-04:00

The only tip or trick is to have your documentation and talk to a recruiter. The good thing for you is that the Army is in a recruiting draught right now. You should have a simple process depending on your RE Code and physical. Regardless of what we say on here you need to talk to a recruiter and get the current policy and guidance straight from the source.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2023 9:48 AM

2023-09-29T09:48:11-04:00

Go to a branch that won't drop your rank

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2023 9:55 AM

2023-09-29T09:55:16-04:00

Are you still in the IRR? The only tip I can think of is if you're still "in" it's easier to stay "in" than to enlist off the street.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2023 3:50 PM

2023-09-29T15:50:36-04:00

There is a big difference in being completely out (discharged) and being in the IRR. In the IRR you are still a service member. Being 'out' for such a short period of time does not usually require you to go through MEPS again. If you are in the IRR, then you would just be reenlisting.
At the end of the day, the only person that can help you is retention/recruiter. If you want to continue servicing, go sign another contract.

Response by SPC William Richardson made Dec 20 at 2023 5:24 PM

2023-12-20T17:24:53-05:00

on my DD 214 the reenlistment code is in block 10 and it just shows dash's