What are my chances of getting though MEPS as prior service?

SPC Peter Vourganas — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 11:19:21 -0400

Joining the National Guard during high school was a mistake. Going to the Navy recruiters office today to start my packet. What's MEPS like the second time through for prior service? And am I more likely to get yanked around by job counselors or do I have a decent shot at getting a job I want? I've got good line scores and my PT's better than it was when I was in the Guard.

UPDATE: I've got an RE-3 code. The reason/authority says NGR 600-200, 6-36u Failure to obtain required physical per AR 40-501. But I have no idea what that means and cannot figure it out online. I'm in perfect health, I PT twice a day and have already passed a PST. I'd like to be a Corpsman as my first pick but I'm open minded.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 22 at 2019 11:47 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 11:47:55 -0400

It'd depend what you'd want...try to elaborate, so far as possible, it'd help all of us try to help you, OK? Assocs? Bach? I'd seen you were MP...did you still want law enforcement? Have you looked at other svcs, esp USCG, since they're expressly law enforcement, I've seen a good deal of stuff with them on all of that? If you did any undergrad, it'd help to know specific coursework, both STEM and non-STEM, actual course titles, if possible, major(s), grades, GPAs, hobbies, interests, reading tastes, sport, incl any martial arts...I'd seen you listed corpsman, so I gather you might want the clinical side this time...is that what you'd definitely want? Would you want to go higher in the clinical world as well, possibly? I just have an interest in career/educ topics, that's why what you'd asked caught my eye, no rush, whenever you'd want, if you'd care to chat more, those are just typical suggestions I make for such threads about career/educ topics, honest....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2019 12:32 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 12:32:30 -0400

You are exactly the reason why recruiters do not work with prior service individuals. First things first; as a prior service, you are lucky to get a chance at going active in any branch. Second; you cannot demand a MOS just because you want it or because you think your GT score is good enough. You must meet all physical requirements for the branch and MOS, just because you have "good" line scores doesn't guarantee anything. What "job" you want? Are there any available seats for you to attend in the near future? Are you willing to ship out immediately? Are you aware that the only branch that honors the MOS is the Army? All others will try to get you to that AIT, but if the class is full, sorry! On your way to the next AIT. I hope that you get the MOS you want, and that you succeed in the Navy. Be humble , discuss with the counselor with an open mind, he/she is there to facilitate you.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 22 at 2019 1:11 PM

SSG Brian G. — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 13:11:08 -0400

Depends on your RE code, how long you have been out, what rank you got out as, your new ASVAB score and how you measure up on your new MEPS physical and background check.

You being prior service and going through MEPS is not really a big thing. You still run through the same hoops as a green recruit, still have to bend and cough, give blood, walk in a circle etc., The difference comes in the selection of jobs where a greenhorn gets their pick based on ASVAB and the needs of the Army only kick in later. You, re-enlisting are automatically shunted to the needs of the army category.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2019 1:27 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 13:27:24 -0400

SPC Peter Vourganas I don't know if it'll be like this at every branch, but at the St Louis MEPS, as a prior service, they bumped me to the front of the line every chance they got. Drove there myself- didn't have to ride a shuttle, or stay overnight with the other "fresh recruits". Most of the folks there were very congenial and we just had normal conversations once they figured out I was prior service.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2019 8:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 20:53:45 -0400

If you Google NGR 600-200 and look up 6-36u, you will see that your commander at the time questioned whether you were medically fit to complete your job and ordered you to report for a physical. You failed to report for the physical to determine your readiness to continue in the military, so you were subsequently given an RE-3 code to prevent reenlistment.

I'm not sure what the circumstances were surrounding your personal situation, but this should give you some idea of what went down. Best of luck to you!