Is it possible for a prior service to enlist in National Guard at age 43?

SPC Bryant Cullum — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 11:14:15 -0400

I was thinking about enlisting in the National Guard after a long break in service. I completed 3 years active duty and 2 years in the National Guard. Would that put me at the retirement threshold? Does the 4 years I spent in the IRR count towards that time as well? Please advise

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2022 5:00 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 17:00:53 -0400

Probably.
For prior service, you must be able to qualify for non-regular retired pay by age 60.
Assuming you are contracted by 44, your 5 years of AD and Guard mean you need 15 more, which would put you at 59 years of age when you reach 20 years total service.
IRR will not count.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 6 at 2022 6:33 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 18:33:44 -0400

Talk to a recruiter and see what they say

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2022 12:23 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 12:23:25 -0400

Agreed, talk to a recruiter! And make it soon if you are really interested!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2022 9:22 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 21:22:46 -0400

Yes it's possible, they factor in your years of prior service and subtract them from the cutoff age which I think it 35 right now without a waiver.

I would ask a Recruiter if your 5 years of service (3 AD and 3 NG) and 4 in IRR count for that and if not if they can accept a waiver.