I've been out ~10 years, but am considering the Reserves. While out, I got my BA in Psych and I'm also 10% disabled. What are my options?

2018-01-21T12:05:18-05:00

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 21 at 2018 12:14 PM

2018-01-21T12:14:31-05:00

"I've been out ~ 10 years, but am considering the reserves. While out, I got my BA in Psych and I'm also 10% disabled. What are my options?"

Well option A is go see your local recruiter armed with all your prior service records and receive up to date , verified accurate and current information pertaining to your options.
Or B
Ask a bunch of random well intentioned yet ill informed military members who are not current recruiters who will provide best guesses

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 21 at 2018 1:01 PM

2018-01-21T13:01:55-05:00

I would recommend going to see the Guard first. Nearly every job on the active side is also in the Guard. Plus the Guard can offer you waivers for things that the Reserve doesn’t.

In the Air Guard, they have many medical related jobs, plus they love prior service from any branch. My old Guard unit had prior service from the Army, Marines, Navy and even the Coast Guard (in addition to Air Force).

Good luck

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 21 at 2018 1:42 PM

2018-01-21T13:42:40-05:00

Are you trying to go enlisted or officer? I know I have seen prior service members come back in at some long breaks. Just be prepared to come in as an E-1 or 2.

Response by LCDR Robert S. made Jan 21 at 2018 3:17 PM

2018-01-21T15:17:02-05:00

For the benefit of people just coming to this discussion, I'm going to summarize what I've said in some of my responses to other people (and add a couple points).
1. Ask a recruiter. If you're not comfortable with a recruiter putting you on a list, either don't give them contact information for a followup, or let them know if they contact you after you've already told them not to, if you do decide to go back in, you'll find another recruiter.
2. Remember that there are both officer and enlisted recruiters. If you want to be an officer, you have to go to an officer recruiter, because an enlisted recruiter only has enlisted billets to fill.
3. If you don't ask, you don't get. Recruiters are more interested in filling their quotas than they are in meeting your needs. Sure, a good recruiter will try to give you what you need, but they aren't all good recruiters, and at the end of the day, the recruiters bottom line is filling the billets that the people evaluating him/her tell him/her are most important. If the recruiters priorities are X and you can fill that billet, even if it's not what you want, that's what they're going to push. So if there's something you want, ask if it's available.
4. If you don't get it in writing, you don't get it. If a recruiter promises you anything, unless it's in the contract you sign, that promise is worth less than nothing. So if you expect to get something because the recruiter said you would, make sure it's in your contract *before* you sign. You did this once before, so you should know this already, but in case you forgot, GET IT IN WRITING is the rule of the day.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Jan 21 at 2018 10:59 PM

2018-01-21T22:59:15-05:00

Well being is the service is the best reward. Talk to a recruiter and get going. Score high on the ASVAB so you can chose any MOS you want. If you want to be an officer tell you recruiter that but you will have to meet different requirements to come in as an officer as to come in as enlisted and become an officer. It is easier to become an officer after you already been in enlisted.
With you degree it will help you get promoted fasted being enlisted Or you can chose a MOS and later become a warrant officer. I’ll chose warrant officer over regular Officer.

Also if you are receive disability you know you can only receive one disability or your drill check; which ever one is the most during drill weekend.

If you disability check is more than your drill check then you will be only drilling for retirement points!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2018 8:18 AM

2018-01-22T08:18:54-05:00

Look as a recruiter we wanna help you, not lie or waste your time. I'm sad to see some of the comments about not giving your number and all this stuff. That's crazy! Talk with a local recruiter and get the most up to date information about rejoining the ranks with physical conditions. Waivers are available if you need one. It's not about filling quotas it's about finding a unit in or around the area that you live that has a vacancy for a MOS that you wanna be and qualify to be trained in.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 22 at 2018 10:47 AM

2018-01-22T10:47:27-05:00

1. Great responses. 2. What path do you want, enlisted or Officer?. 3. The only person who is current on all the recent changes would be a recruiter. 4. Make sure you take all your paperwork, DD 214, College degree/transcripts, etc. to him (copies only). 5. The 10%, depending on what it is may require a waiver, that takes time, but right now things are a little loose in the waiver field. Drive on Lady!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2018 12:59 PM

2018-01-22T12:59:44-05:00

PO3 Renae Cruz What is your RE code? This is a MAJOR determinate on the ease of getting back in. I have been fighting for almost 18 years to get back in (light at the end of the tunnel is pretty bright right now). A kickass recruiter & having ALL of the paperwork regarding your discharge is a must. The first three recruiters I had up & vanished like a fart in the wind upon the first sign of difficulty.
BTW, I was medically discharged w/ 10%, too, so I am pretty familiar w/ what you will be facing.