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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (Join to see): 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...

PO2 (Join to see) - 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.

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!!