If one branch considers me to be prior enlisted, will another?

Tyler Hickman — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 05:31:33 -0500

I don't fit the Air Forces description of prior enlistment. However I do fit the Marine Corps, that being I failed to complete boot camp, was given a DD214 and an RE code. How will this affect reenlistment?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 6:48 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 06:48:27 -0500

Might help to know what your RE code is.

In general, if the RE Code is "1," there are no bars to enlistment. If the RE Code is "2" for the Air Force, that person is ineligible to re-enlist in the Air Force, but might be allowed to enlist in another branch of the military, with restrictions. If the RE Code is "2" for any of the other services, the person might be eligible to enlist in either the same service or another service, with restrictions.

If the RE Code is "3," the individual might be able to re-join their service or enlist in another service with a waiver (depending on the reason for the discharge). If the RE Code is "4," the individual is ineligible for re-enlistment or enlistment in another service.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 6:53 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 06:53:14 -0500

Prior Service
So, what exactly is considered "prior service?"

The Department of Defense definition for "prior service," is not not standard as each of the services defines prior service (for enlistment purposes) differently:

Army

The Army defines "prior service" as any applicant with more than 180 days of military service, or those who graduated from military job-training (MOS/AFSC/Rating), regardless of time-in-service. Individuals with less than 180 days of military service, and/or those who have not completed military job-training are classified as "Glossary Prior Service," and are processed the same as non-prior service recruits and given an RE Code (or receive a waiver) on their DD Form 214.

Air Force

The Air Force defines "prior service" as persons who have served at least 24 months of Active Duty service without regard to regular component or continuous service in the Armed Forces. Individuals with less than 24 months of Active Duty are considered "previous service." Previous service personnel are classified and processed the same as non-prior service and given an RE Code (or receive a waiver) on their DD Form 214.

Navy

The Navy considers applicants with 180 consecutive days or more of prior active duty service as "prior service." Those with less than 180 consecutive days of prior active duty service are considered non-prior service (NPS) applicants, however, they must meet RE-Code eligibility requirements (or receive an approved waiver).

Marine Corps

For enlistment purposes, the Marine Corps defines prior service as:

Those individuals who have successfully completed the recruit/basic training sponsored by their former service, or
Those individuals who have failed to complete recruit/basic training, and who have been given a DD Form 214 and assigned a reenlistment code, or
Those individuals who have fulfilled their military service obligation within a reserve component.

Coast Guard

The Coast Guard definition is vague.

They define "prior service" as "a person who has served some valid period of creditable service in any of the U.S. Armed Forces, including Reserve components thereof."

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Mar 6 at 2018 7:26 AM

SGT Eric Davis — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 07:26:54 -0500

Well if you went to boot camp with the army you will be considered GNPS: glossary none prior service. Each branch has different meaning but if the Air Force consider you none prior service then join and switch latet

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 6 at 2018 11:30 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 11:30:08 -0500

Son, if you have a DD214, for whatever reason then you are prior enlisted and the RE code proves it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 12:34 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 12:34:20 -0500

If you failed to complete boot camp, Id have to see the DD214. Failing to complete does not equate a DD214

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 9:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 21:38:26 -0500

You are what is called Glossary Non Prior Service. A mixture of PS and not if that makes sense.