Posted on Sep 28, 2023
What is the process to reenlist after being out for less than 18 months?
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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!
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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 This code may also mean the circumstances that resulted in the code are no longer applicable.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
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 This code may also mean the circumstances that resulted in the code are no longer applicable.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
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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.
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SPC (Join to see)
That's about the same thing my recruiter said as well. The thing I don't understand is the re codes. I keep seeing stuff for re code 3 but that's for people who had medical conditions or disabilities which I do not have. Thanks for the insight!
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SPC (Join to see) - Here is what RE codes mean. There is also a separation code that can effect enlisting. The DOD doesn't publish the meanings of separation codes, but you can still find them if you try.
https://veteran.com/reenlistment-re-codes/#:~:text=General%20Reenlistment%20Guidelines%201%20RE%20Code%201%3A%20May,service%20without%20an%20Exception%20to%20Policy%20%28ETP%29%20waiver.
https://veteran.com/reenlistment-re-codes/#:~:text=General%20Reenlistment%20Guidelines%201%20RE%20Code%201%3A%20May,service%20without%20an%20Exception%20to%20Policy%20%28ETP%29%20waiver.
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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.
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SPC (Join to see)
I've been talking to my recruiter and he keeps telling me my questions are for the people at meps. I'm just trying to do my due diligence and collect as much information as possible.
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on my DD 214 the reenlistment code is in block 10 and it just shows dash's
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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.
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.
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