What are my options for getting back into Guard/Reserve?

SPC Steve Thomas — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 11:11:49 -0500

Question re: commissioning. Long story, but I am almost 44 years old. I have 10 good years of service combined active and reserve, 9 enlisted and one officer. I also have 7 total years as an officer, only one of which was in a drilling status and the others were in the IRR.

I have since resigned commission and I am a civilian now.

Am I eligible for a reserve or guard commission, particularly as a JAG? I see some conflicting info. Some sources suggest I need to be able to obtain 20 years of commissioned service before retirement age, which is extraordinary unlikely given my age. Other sources suggest I only need to be able to get 20 total good years by age 62, 10 of which must be commissioned, which is completely doable.

I am considering all services, reserve or national guard. I am also considering going back in as enlisted and then applying for a commission after I am back in as a drilling reservist.

Thanks!

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Dec 30 at 2018 11:17 AM

SGT Michael Thorin — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 11:17:32 -0500

I’m afraid I’m not experienced in this type of problem, so I’m going to see if some of my friends can either answer the question or get you to the individuals or documents that can answer.

One of my first thoughts is asking a recruiter.

Outside of this, can any of you help with this question?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs,SPC Douglas Bolton,Brig Gen Jim Jaeger,CPT Jack Durish,Maj Marty Hogan,SPC Christopher Smith,Lt Col Charlie Brown,Cpl Scott McCarroll,SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth,SP5 Mark Kuzinski,PVT Mark Brown,SGT Elizabeth Scheck,PFC Jacob Wrubel,MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy,SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL,SSG William Jones,TSgt Joe C.,SSgt Robert Marx,SGT Robert George,

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Dec 30 at 2018 11:19 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 11:19:47 -0500

It is 20 total good years, 10 as an officer. See a Guard or Reserve officer recruiter for more information

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Dec 30 at 2018 1:16 PM

CPT Enrique M. — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 13:16:15 -0500

10 good as an officer. JAG would be a totally different beast. I would look for a jag recruiter

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2018 5:38 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 17:38:39 -0500

Sgt Steve Thomas, I would agree with Lt Col Charlie Brown. Speak to a Recruiter. See what options your speciality might afford you new opportunities to getting back into the Reserve Components. I wish you best success.