Posted on Jun 7, 2016
SSG Ian Fernandez
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SSG Senior Maintenance Supervisor
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Edited 9 y ago
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"
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SFC J Fullerton
SFC J Fullerton
9 y
Appreciate his passion to want to Soldier again, but really needs to do his research on PS eligibility before he voluntarily gives up his disability. Likely will be all for nothing and hurt himself for doing so.
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SSG Ian Fernandez
SSG Ian Fernandez
9 y
Thank you for all you advice. I will weight my options and the risk. I just want to finish my career, I don't care about going back to basic training. It wouldn't hurt to get a little refresher before returning to the Line unit.
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SPC Cavalry Scout
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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.
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SSG Ian Fernandez
SSG Ian Fernandez
9 y
Yes, I have a 80% combat related rating and a 50% by the Army. I've been cleared of my reason for retirement and I had my old driver who was working as a recruiter trying to get me back in. My main issue is getting my entry code dropped to a 1 or a 2 so I can re-enter active service.
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SPC Cavalry Scout
SPC (Join to see)
9 y
SSG Ian Fernandez - As far as that goes, I don't know firsthand however, I have a friend trying to do the same thing. From what he tells me, when it comes to getting the RE Code changed , you have to submit for an appeal and go in front of a board, in your case a medical board. Unfortunately that's all I know about those types of situations. I hope it helps.
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SSG Ian Fernandez
SSG Ian Fernandez
9 y
Yes, thank you!
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CSM David Heidke
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When is the baby due?
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SSG Ian Fernandez
SSG Ian Fernandez
9 y
CSM Heidke, I believe you have me mistaken with someone else.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
9 y
SSG Ian Fernandez - You did say "obstetrical"....
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CSM David Heidke
CSM David Heidke
9 y
SSG Ian Fernandez - sorry, I couldn't resist. I'm a wise ass. I fixed it.
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SSG Ian Fernandez
SSG Ian Fernandez
9 y
LoL! You got me CSM!
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I've been trying to return to active service but been running into obstacles every step of the way, can anyone help ?
SSG Cargo Specialist
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Have you tried the AGR Program?
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SSG Ian Fernandez
SSG Ian Fernandez
9 y
I haven't tried the AGR Program. Can you explain it to me?
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SSG Cargo Specialist
SSG (Join to see)
9 y
The AGR program is the same as being Active, except you work for either the Reserves or the Guard at a full time capacity. check out the link I've attached for a little more info on what and how.

https://www.hrc.army.mil/Enlisted/AGR%20Application%20Procedures
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SFC Recruiter
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What are the obstacles?
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SSG Ian Fernandez
SSG Ian Fernandez
9 y
I was medically retired and I've been trying to reverse my rating since 2008. I was cleared on my revaluation in 2010 but wasn't allowed back in. Since then I've hired lawyers and disputed my rating to be lowered to allow my re-entry but with no luck. I was medically retired on some bogus reasons and all I want is to finish my career.
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SFC J Fullerton
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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.
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SFC J Fullerton
SFC J Fullerton
9 y
Here is the link to the USAREC website that has the HRC business rules for Prior Service. This can change anytime, but as you can see its tough to qualify and not a lot of options, especially E5 and above. http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/active-duty/prior-service-business-rules.html
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SFC J Fullerton
SFC J Fullerton
9 y
Just wanted to add one more thing, coming from 12 years experience in recruiting. You have probably talked to different recruiters at different times, with mixed results. Some recruiters, especially rookies, may not fully understand PS processing and the rules that go with it, which can mislead the applicant. Some may find it hard to tell you that you are not qualified because they respect your desire, but in reality they can't do anything for you. You end up waiting on an answer or getting avoided. I learned to be just straight forward and blunt, professionally, and then show them why in writing. That was the best policy for me, even if you are letting someone down and crushing their hopes. That's not my job to do here, but I strongly advise you to do your research, and contact a station commander or recruiting company first sergeant to verify your eligibility before you make decisions that affect your disability pay.
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