Re-enlisting after long period; how difficult is it?

2015-09-10T19:05:48-04:00

I have been out of the navy for 14 years and I have missed it so much. My ex wife refused to let me reenlist. Now that she is gone I feel it is time to try and get back. How hard is it to get back in? Does anyone have any advice?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 10 at 2015 7:12 PM

2015-09-10T19:12:54-04:00

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member I suggest contacting CPT L S and I expect there are RallyPoint members who either joined the military later in life or recommitted after a long absence from the service.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Sep 10 at 2015 7:20 PM

2015-09-10T19:20:15-04:00

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member - Might want to check with a recruiter: Back in the 90's, one couldn't be over 29-yrs old for enlistment. (That could have changed?) I'm guessing you're in your mid-30's --provided you enlisted at 18-yrs. A recruiter, though, should know this.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 10 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-09-10T19:26:53-04:00

Call the recruiter. However, the big thing you will run into is "time out" which may result in lost rank, and then Higher Tenure. The Navy is VERY lenient on AGE, not so lenient on how long you've been out.

Response by PO1 Cameron Rhyne made Sep 10 at 2015 7:51 PM

2015-09-10T19:51:23-04:00

I was a recruiter until about a year ago, I can't speak for right now but when I left it wasn't that easy. First of all, check your RE code on your DD-214. Unless it's an RE-1 or something similar, you're gonna have a long process to get back in.

This chart should help you. If you don't hit that top "Eligable" bracket, don't bother because waivers were getting really hard to swing for RE codes when I was recruiting. You had to be perfect in pretty much everything else to even hope for a waiver. https://www.navycs.com/military-re-codes.html

Second, make sure you can pass the physical standards. They may not be the same as when you left.

Third, if you're getting any kind of disability compensation from the VA, your chances of getting back are gonna be much lower(and you'll need to bring your medical record with you). They were getting really picky about medical history when I left for new recruits.

Also, you might just be too old. The max age for AD was 34 and while you can get that pushed based on how long you served, you need to talk to your recruiter about that. You're also facing at least 2 lost ranks due to how long you've been gone, so be prepared for that.

Talk to a recruiter and make sure you bring your DD-214 with your RE code on it. Without it, most recruiters won't really bother trying to work with you because it's a lot of time and effort on their part and that's even if you are eligible. You're not gonna be their top priority no matter what because of how recruiting numbers work(Prior Service doesn't count for a contract until they go to boot camp, but they count as a loss if they don't go). I don't agree with it and frankly, I'm glad not to deal with the recruiting obsession with numbers and stats anymore.

I don't know your situation but just be aware of what you are looking at.

Military Re-Enlistment Code Chart

United States military re-enlistment code chart utilized for determining waiver path for the United States Navy.

Response by CDR Elizabeth Boardman made Sep 15 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-09-15T12:09:08-04:00

First off, it will depend how old you are. Will you reach an age cap before eligible for retirement?

Also consider the USNR. You continue your current occupation and get your Navy "fix" through drills and active duty periods. Many in the USNR are older than their active duty counterparts too. I have also known some who, once they had a good reputation, were able to do back to back recalls to active duty for several years in a row. B the downside is that you will not get a retirement check until age 60. BUT that combined with retirement you build up in the civilian world may work out to be much greater than all active duty.

Response by CWO2 Nicolas Garcia made Sep 15 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-09-15T12:17:53-04:00

have a a meeting with recruting rep. to see how the menup on your rate is and if ok you will go to a navet scool prior to report to active duty

Response by CPO Al Chagnon made Sep 15 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-09-15T14:20:53-04:00

I retired 25 years ago but had been a recruiter late 70's and command career counselor until retirement. I heard this so many times from people and I always had a hard time with trying yo convince them that it would be a mistake. You always want to do what the other half wanted. However many times I seen sailors come back in after they hit out due to a divorce. As yo getting back a recruiter can let you know if you can based on age, prior rate, & goals. Many other things I'm sure today. Lots of luck! NCC(SW) (RET) Al Chagnon

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-09-15T14:25:33-04:00

A lot of people have offered a lot of good advice here (though perhaps not all positive, but if it was easy, everybody would be getting in, right?). I have a question for you PO2 Private RallyPoint Member: what did you do, education-wise, in the 14 years you were out? It could change whether you have to try to reenlist or if you can shoot for a commission (then it doesn't matter how long you've been out). From everything I've seen, as long as you can make 20 years before turning 60, you should be good (and they'll subtract your years of active service from your actual age to determine your "age" for getting back in).

I'm looking to get back in myself, but I'll be damned if I come back as enlisted and lose a rank or 2 (and that'd put me WAY over high-year tenure). (I got a Masters with my GI Bill and will only return if I can get a commission.)

From your experience, PO1 Cameron Rhyne, does this info appear to be on the up and up? I had to wade through a lot of BS when I was first looking into things, but this is all info I've gotten from multiple sources...

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Sep 15 at 2015 2:38 PM

2015-09-15T14:38:03-04:00

I had a five year break in service prior to re-enlisting, the hardest thing for me was not getting in, but having to start over in time in rate and time in grade plus losing a chevron and wait those years before I could take the advancement examinations, and having people who had no sea experience and wasnt even born during my active duty tenure (Lol) be my LCPO's and Division Officers, but that took care of itself once I got back into the swing of things. My advice would be to make sure that you can get all you can get out of the Recruiter who is helping you with your re-entry paper work. If you have time get a copy of your service record on hand for any quals that you may not have to qualify again and be as squared away as you can be when you get to you duty station. Good luck, After that five year break in service I went for 17 more years and enjoyed every minute of it, because I was mature enough to handle it.

Response by ENS Todd Greer made Sep 15 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-09-15T14:59:37-04:00

What if I was an officer with honorable character of service in block 24? I have been out for about 12 years.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 3:02 PM

2015-09-15T15:02:56-04:00

I reenlisted after seven years. I was drilling for six months prior to coming back in active. It all depends on your year group. Go speak to a recruiter and see what he or she has to say.

Response by SN Stacey Werkmeister made Sep 15 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-09-15T15:05:01-04:00

I am sure that there are a lot of us that have been out for a number of years and say to yourself if I only knew then what I know now everything would have been different. Hindsight always bites me on the ass I don't know about the rest of you. .....About 25 years too late.

Response by PO1 Jerry Sutton made Sep 15 at 2015 3:22 PM

2015-09-15T15:22:52-04:00

I did it in 86. I had six years countable service prior. Recruiter told me I had to be able to retire by a certain age. I think it was 54. I"m not sure what the age is now. I retired though with 20 years.

Response by PO1 T.M. Ritchie made Sep 15 at 2015 3:49 PM

2015-09-15T15:49:44-04:00

If you did 4 years you would have 18 in now close to retirement. All your peers are senior enlisted now. I got out twice and I ended up working for Chiefs I had trained as non rates. Advancement past E-6 is almost impossible. Chiefs won't select people who got out and came back in..Try the reserves instead..

Response by SCPO Larry Sell made Sep 15 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-09-15T16:14:07-04:00

Used to be you had to have 20 years of service by age 55. So age won't be your biggest challenge. Rank and high year tenure will. Eto go back as an e-5 high year tenure is likely to keep you from ever reaching retirement ekigibilty. But your probably going back as an e4 or less. To be frank, the navy doesn't want a 14 year e5 that has bee out as long as you. I know an academy grad o4 who couldn't get back in. Your best bet is to go guard or deserve. Even Navy Reserve. From there you can augment and maybe convert to active. Good luck.

Response by PO1 Cliff Heath made Sep 15 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-09-15T16:14:31-04:00

I WENT THROUGH NAVET IN MAY 1984 CROSSING FROM ABH-3 TO GMG-3 BUT NOW DAYS MY BEST ADVICE WOULD BE GO TO YOUR LOCAL RECRUITER ASAP AND GET FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 4:59 PM

2015-09-15T16:59:21-04:00

Just try! I went back to the Navy after 13 years out. I went Reserves and not Active, but you won't know until you just do it. I had a very different rate, but I just retired after 22 years. Go see a recruiter and find out!!

Response by PO1 Bryant Sampson made Sep 15 at 2015 5:25 PM

2015-09-15T17:25:41-04:00

Nice to know that you have got the spirit to come back in but things are a whole lot different in the Navy 14 years ago. Crews are smaller on ships, they now have a program called Perforn to Serve, which means you are given so much time to make rank or get out. Also PTS will meet the needs of the Navy, so if you are in an overmanned rate you could be given a choice to switch to another rate before you reenlist or be told to get out. The main thing is how long you been out.

Response by SN Mike Johnson made Sep 15 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-09-15T17:42:07-04:00

good luck, how old are ya

Response by PO2 Tony Casler made Sep 15 at 2015 6:27 PM

2015-09-15T18:27:00-04:00

I tried to reenlist in the reserve last year without any luck, unless things have changed since then they aren't taking any prior service back on AD and even reserves are tough. I got so far as clearing medical at MEPS and signing a contract but my recruiters couldn't find anyone willing to approve it and eventually just stopped talking to me.

Response by MCPO Tom Miller made Sep 15 at 2015 7:10 PM

2015-09-15T19:10:22-04:00

Remember in the life of a service member 14 years is 2/3 of a career. People change as well as military bearing. People you served with are senior in rank and you're not. Your peers are more physically capable and enjoy other social things like music and thought. When you were in laughter and friendships made it easy to adapt to everything. Can you respect less mature leaders and jump to! You will have respect because of the age difference, but your level of knowledge will be an overview both junior and seniors alike will watch for and comment on. The saying it's hard to return home as its never the same may be true.

Response by MCPO Dennis Marzen made Sep 15 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-09-15T19:57:51-04:00

I would go Reserves and then try to get mobilization orders

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 8:46 PM

2015-09-15T20:46:27-04:00

It's not easy at all,

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 8:47 PM

2015-09-15T20:47:47-04:00

Your best bet is start with Navy Reserves. See if you still enjoy it a lot has changed. That would be you bet option at this point and the age limit I think is 49.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 9:12 PM

2015-09-15T21:12:57-04:00

talk to the recuriter to see what your options are.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-09-15T22:25:31-04:00

Thanks for all the advice. The navy has rejected my application to join the reserves. I went to the army recruiter and I go to my over 40 physical next week. If I pass I get to go to army basic.

Response by PO1 Russell Henson made Sep 15 at 2015 11:57 PM

2015-09-15T23:57:10-04:00

Talk to a recruiter, NC1 and some in service that is about the same age as you. Pick a rate that has good advancement unless you are force to take a certain rate or slim pickings

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-09-16T11:41:31-04:00

I was a Navy recruiter in Oklahoma City from 2008-2012. We had NAVETS
(Naval veterans) trying to get back in but we were not accepting them at the time. Thing might have changed go talk to you local navy recruiter, if they say no then I say go into the reserves drill for a year and then put in a request chit to go active . Best of luck to you shipmate.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-09-16T12:13:31-04:00

I was out for 12 years and came back in as an Active Drilling Reservist. Other than the application process and the Background check that takes a little time it was pretty straight forward. Obviously you have to go back to MEPS for screening as well, but not overly complicated....I've been back in for 8 years....

Response by PO3 Joe Dorsey made Sep 16 at 2015 12:47 PM

2015-09-16T12:47:19-04:00

I believe cutoff is 45 and no medical conditions

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-09-16T13:27:26-04:00

You may want to look at the Reserves.

A lot depends on what you've been doing since you left active duty. In addition to talking to a recruiter, you'll want to get your hands on the latest instructions so you know the differences between policy and opinion.

I had a 15-year gap in service from active duty and re-enlisted in the Reserves about 6 years ago. I was 38.

I left active duty as an 3rd Class and with my resume, I qualified for advanced pay grade. I came into the Reserves as a 1st Class. A year later, I was selected for commission. None of it would've happened without learning the instructions.

Google the Navy Recruiting Manual Enlisted 1130.8J and figure out where you stand.

Read the instructions, know what is possible, and talk to a recruiter. Timing is also important. Be prepared to wait for what you want.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 1:30 PM

2015-09-16T13:30:17-04:00

well you won't get your tank back immediately and the only way is to get the information from the source you have to walk into a recruiting station and you might even have to redo basic I'm sorry about your wife I hope this helps

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-09-16T14:29:12-04:00

I rejoined the navy after a 15 year break. If you miss it.. Go for it and rejoin. Contact a recruiter in your area to make sure you will meet all the qualifications. I enjoy being in the Navy more this time then the first time.

Response by AN Carolyn L. made Sep 16 at 2015 2:39 PM

2015-09-16T14:39:00-04:00

The biggest hurdle is age. Knew a nurse who was very physically fit...but 5 yrs older than the cut-off age. They refused him. I find the age-thing idiotic but thats a whole 'nother story. I too would re-enlist if it wasn't for the age.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Sep 16 at 2015 3:53 PM

2015-09-16T15:53:21-04:00

Gather all paperwork, make sure you meet height/weight standards. Keep your job and wait.

Response by PO2 Jim Studrawa made Sep 16 at 2015 4:07 PM

2015-09-16T16:07:52-04:00

I was an ET2 in active navy from 1968-74. great lakes, portsmouth,san diego, nam. after honorable i moved my family back home to g.r.,mi. i have always missed the navy, would go back in a heartbeat. trouble is i will be 66 this oct.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Sep 16 at 2015 5:29 PM

2015-09-16T17:29:53-04:00

Well that depends on what you did before being discharged. If it was a critical rating then you should have no problem. Also depends on your age for there is a age limit. Just go to a local recruiter for they should be able to help you out.

Response by PO2 Richard Blakey made Sep 16 at 2015 8:03 PM

2015-09-16T20:03:11-04:00

can you???

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 10:08 PM

2015-09-16T22:08:20-04:00

I had a 13 year break in Active Duty Army service (1989-2002), and I rejoined the Army barely meeting the max age requirement at that time. I did another 11.5 years on top of my prior 3 years (1986-89). Go for it if you make the age and physical requirements.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Sep 18 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-09-18T10:49:23-04:00

PO3 Mike Glade
You hit the nail on the head! You can do a reset of your military career IF you can meet the age requirement for retirement, good RE code, and have a qualifying college degree for commissioning.

I spent 17-years enlisted (active and reserve) and currently have 18 + years commissioned (all active duty) with at least 2 more years to complete before I plan to retire from active duty.

As a former Navy recruiter, I saw the commission method was the best way for prior enlisted service members to come back and serve again. As said elsewhere here, I agree it was very difficulty to get a prior enlisted member back on active duty or in reserves if out too long....the deck was stacked against these dedicated prior SMs.

Response by CPO Bill Perry made Sep 18 at 2015 11:12 AM

2015-09-18T11:12:52-04:00

I doubt very seriously that you'll be able to go back active, but you can try reserves. I was out for 7 years after completing 13 years active duty Navy; joined the reserves and I am now retired with 24 years...

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2015 8:15 PM

2015-09-20T20:15:52-04:00

9 year break in service. Evaluate your options in greater breadth and depth than you did the first time around--especially since you already know how the system works. When you do decide to make the jump back in, keep in mind you'll be working alongside peers who are a lot younger and at different life experience levels than you. There's good and there's bad. Message me if you have any questions.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 4:23 PM

2015-09-21T16:23:36-04:00

It is possible to get back in. Just visit a recruiter just as before. Be prepared to change rates or possibly take a reduction in rate, as there must be an opening for you, and the needs of the Navy take priority. I had a 10yr break, took a reduction in rate, but stayed in the same rate. I would fight to try and keep your rate and paygrade. If you change rates, you will have to pass an advancement exam for your new rate/rank to make it permanent, so be ready to study for your new rate. (i.e. you were an AO2, but come in as a BM2. You will have to take and make a 37 minimum score on the BM2 exam to make it permanent)

Response by PO1 John Elliss made Sep 30 at 2015 10:32 AM

2015-09-30T10:32:21-04:00

Go for it!! Just remember, there are standards for fitness your body hasn't worried about for 14 years. Have fun.

Response by PO2 Richard Blakey made Jun 8 at 2017 11:21 PM

2017-06-08T23:21:53-04:00

1. AGE 2. JOB

Response by SGT Bleddyn Wilson made Jan 4 at 2018 7:51 AM

2018-01-04T07:51:01-05:00

I had a breakin service, it was more of a pain in the ass ... but once I was assigned back to a unit it was like riding a bicycle.