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

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.

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

PO2 (Join to see) 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.

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.

1. AGE 2. JOB

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

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)

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.

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...

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.