I've been trying to return to active service but been running into obstacles every step of the way, can anyone help ?

SSG Ian Fernandez — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:09:38 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 10:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:13:26 -0400

What are the obstacles?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 10:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:19:05 -0400

Have you tried the AGR Program?

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jun 7 at 2016 10:40 AM

CSM David Heidke — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:40:00 -0400

When is the baby due?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 10:42 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:42:19 -0400

Are you on disability? If so, what rating? I actually just got back in last week after being out almost 5 yrs, I was at a 70% disability rating through the VA that I had to forfeit first and foremost before I could do anything. Other than that, it's all up to the recruiter. He CAN get you in, a lot of them just don't want to deal with prior service because they can't bullshit you anymore.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 11:11 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 11:11:28 -0400

It appears your RE/SPD codes are not a 1 or a 2 (as you mentioned).
Getting them changed is HARD. The army put your record through a process and deemed you medically unfit, they are loathe to change their decision.

You seem to know that the VA rating will be removed, and you may or may not get it back.
You need to be aware of some other Army changes that my influence your decision, as someone mentioned AGR, and that may be your best option vs Active.

**USAREC may not be accepting Prior Service in your area, or at all. So get that part out of the way**

1. RCP. You will VERY LIKELY lose a rank to E5. Flat out, I can say from experience that unless you have SLC, ALC, WLC, under your belt, you will be demoted to E5, and that's assuming they will let you have your old MOS back. You may have too much time in to even be an E5 (non promotable) in the Army.
2. QSP. If you have ever had a bad NCOER, GOMOR, A15 the QSP magic machine will likely select you on the next QSP board. (unsure if you do, just tossing that out there).
3. Very likely, you may not get MEBd again. If you do, don't expect decent ratings, as you are kinda telling them... well im 50 and 80 now, but I can still deploy... WHY should they keep you at 50 and 80.
3. Why? I totally understand we love the Service, sometimes that is taken from us because of injuries. However, you have a 50/80. You are getting medical for you and your family for life, and 80% VA pay. Which, is actually more than the normal 50% retirement pay at E6. IMHO, you may be hurting yourself and your family more by pursuing this.

Lastly, as mentioned, frankly recruiters don't want to deal with a Prior Service as they are a PITA to get in. Added to that the VA disability nightmare... At my recruiting station, we gave PS the regulation and said.... here... get your packet together and we will submit it. (but that's it)

Just reread, and you got out in 2008?
Can you pass basic training again, cause.... ya... that's where you are headed.
"Prior Service ...entering Active Army will attend BCT if ... they have more than a 3 year break in Service"

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jun 7 at 2016 11:15 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 11:15:07 -0400

Right now, there is a bigger obstacle than just medical and RE code. Even with an RE 1 that wouldn't require a waiver, the number of years TIS and your rank may not fit HRC business rules for Prior Service enlistments. With the drawdown, USAREC is limited on PS enlistments and the criteria can be strict. Depending on how long you been out, you would likely go down to E5. If your number of years AD is within 2 years of the E5 RCP, you would not qualify. Generally, E5 and above (skill level 2 & 3) are restricted in the HRC business rules as far as MOS's available. PS E4 and below (skill level 1) generally have more options, if any at all. As others have mentioned, USAR or ARNG AGR may be your best or only option.