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

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.

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..

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.

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.

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

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