If you were a recruiter and someone had came to you and wanted to join your branch of service, what would you say and do?

2017-01-19T20:17:43-05:00

It took me awhile to ask this question. This has been on my mind frequently the past year. Along with the question, here a couple things you should or want to know. The person was given an entry-level separation about 3 years ago and now wants to join again and has a bachelor's degree in finance and economics if that makes a difference. He really has a passion for serving.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jan 19 at 2017 8:22 PM

2017-01-19T20:22:44-05:00

What is an 'entry-level separation'? The answer to that is going to weigh heavily on his chances.

Response by SFC George Smith made Jan 19 at 2017 8:23 PM

2017-01-19T20:23:12-05:00

find out WTF he or She wanted to Leave their Branch ... and if it was valid... do all I could to help with the transition...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2017 8:32 PM

2017-01-19T20:32:56-05:00

Yeah Im a recruiter and its hard enough to get someone back in who had a honorable discharge. Without more information the only thing that I can say is they would have to prove the reason for their ELS had to be resolved such if they failed a PT test in BCT they would have to have passed a PT test with our Command Team (CDR and 1SG) present before we could do anything.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jan 19 at 2017 9:43 PM

2017-01-19T21:43:48-05:00

In my humble opinion, everyone on active duty and serving in COMPOs 2 and 3 ARE recruiters even if not fulfilling the position and getting credit. All of us are examples that others may ask a question or be curious of our service and serving. Our answers to civilians and young people have an effect on their decisions more than we know. Negative people serving have a similar effect. I have always been brutally honest about all the service and never discouraged anyone from giving it a try. So I would give any pointers and guide if needed.

Response by CPL Anthony Slaughter made Jan 19 at 2017 9:52 PM

2017-01-19T21:52:45-05:00

Saw this sort of thing a couple times when I was a Recruiter. First off, I would need to see their DD214, and look at the specifics for why they received an Entry-Level Separation, and also the Reentry Code that was given. I would then personally evaluate them and if I determined they were serious, I would have them do a written statement that detailed their circumstances, their explanation of what happened, and why they feel they should be allowed to reenter the service. Then I would send it along with the rest of their packet up the chain.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jan 19 at 2017 10:49 PM

2017-01-19T22:49:41-05:00

What was the entry=level separation for?
To the more general question, if you are a recruiter and someone wants to join, you put them in...provided they are qualified.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 12:01 AM

2017-01-20T00:01:14-05:00

We had a guy who was separated, entry level. He came back and did it again, graduated with us so... Who knows? I suppose I'd want to see why he was separated because we also had a guy separated, though he was "suicidal" and tried to attack some guys with a tent spike and kettle bell so...

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 20 at 2017 1:06 AM

2017-01-20T01:06:40-05:00

Just get it down to a recruiting station with the 214 and ask them!

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Jan 20 at 2017 5:59 AM

2017-01-20T05:59:06-05:00

I will evaluate the DD-214 for the RE code check to see if they are eligible to reenlist IAW the regulations and if they are I am putting him/her in boots. If they dont qualify I will also tell them that as not to waste anyone time. I will also provide them the section of the Reg that either support or deny them. I am not the deciding factor on who I let in. I may have my personal bias of which we all have but if they really want to join they will go to a recruiting station that will put them in.

Its irrelevant what the reason is. They can tell me anything...they can tell me one thing but if they are hiding something it will come out in the process. We have all made bad decisions in life and may not have got caught. Usually a person like this turns out to be a better Soldier.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jan 20 at 2017 10:01 AM

2017-01-20T10:01:16-05:00

First thing is determining qualifications. Review the DD214, if RE 3, determine if eligible for an RE Code waiver, AND, the current operational guidance for processing Prior Service applicants. If not eligible for Active Duty, but RE waiver may be considered for the Army Reserve, I would guide the person that route. If qualified for neither, I would thank them for their interest and wish them luck.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jan 20 at 2017 10:24 AM

2017-01-20T10:24:27-05:00

I don't understand what the question or the issue is.

If I was a recruiter and someone wanted to join my branch, I'd be all too happy to help and assist them on that journey. This is a person who wants to serve. Unless there was something specific barring him from service, why would I not jump on that opportunity. I don't have to convince him to serve. There's no sweet talking involved. This is one of the rare few who genuinely wants to serve their country.

Who would pass that up...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2017 2:55 AM

2017-01-22T02:55:54-05:00

PVT Angelo Velez all depends on why it did not work out the last time. If it was for conduct send them out the door. If it was because of injury, family emergency, medical emergency or pregnancy then have them sit down and start talking about where they want to serve and why.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made Jan 23 at 2017 3:29 PM

2017-01-23T15:29:46-05:00

They would get tested and floored. I'd get the waiver moving and enlist them.