What should I do with conflicting information from my recruiters with respect to prior service/service connection?

Sgt Jt McLaughlin — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 23:51:17 -0500

I posted a question some months ago about getting back in the service and was looking for additional advice. I returned to Alaska in March for seasonal work, but prior to doing so I visited and contacted a number of recruiters, most of whom were somewhat discouraging or never returned my calls. In the last month, since returning to Florida, I've visited both the local Marine Prior Service recruiter and the Army recruiter. The former suggested I visit the latter, although he did have me fill out some paperwork but then never responded to my follow-up request. The Army recruiter, on the other hand, said that I'm a "special case" and that he'd work with me, but not to be too hopeful. His cohort in the same office said that my chances were slim, but that he'd defer to his boss. A little background: I'm 37 with 5 years prior active (Marine) and 4 years reserve. With my prior service, it seems that I am eligible by age, although a Marine recruiter earlier in the year said I wasn't. Most of the recruiters have simply told me that they don't want to deal with prior service. I have the additional impediment that I was diagnosed with anxiety at one point and the Army said that the "A" word can be automatically disqualifying, despite the fact that I was previously able to reenlist in the reserves and IRR with no issues. I was instructed to bring a letter from the VA, with whom I have a service connection (and had concurrently with the reserves), stating that I am not mentally incapacitated. Today I obtained such a letter after speaking with a mental health provider. The thing is, when I went to the Army recruiting station, one of the subordinates (not the head recruiter who said that I needed the letter- he's apparently on leave), said that it wouldn't matter what I do.... there's probably no reenlisting in the military with my history. He didn't even look at the letter. I have received a lot of conflicting information that I'm not sure what to believe. I've been told that VA ratings are disqualifying. Conversely, I've been told that percentages don't matter and as a reservist I don't need to give up my VA pension except on drill days. Others have said that I need to renounce my VA benefits before I can even be considered for a waiver... something I'm reluctant to do if, for any reason, I later get DQed at MEPS. Some have said that waivers are available for my situation. Others have said almost certainly not. Most often, my calls go unreturned. I'm pretty discouraged... bottom line, I'd like to reenlist in anything I can, whether as a reservist or active duty. I never intended to let my reserve contract lapse but life happened... I didn't know that returning to the military was infinitely more difficult than just staying in. Am I absolutely disqualified, or should I keep insisting? Who do I even ask? The fellow I spoke with today said that I was "broken" and he'd rather deal with fresh recruits. No one will definitely say yes or no, but I'm getting the vibe that the answer is no. What now?

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jan 3 at 2019 4:14 AM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 04:14:37 -0500

Try the National Guard. It might be the only chance you have at getting a waiver.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 8:35 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 08:35:34 -0500

You'd think with all the news about Army missing its recruiting goals, that they would be moving Heaven and Earth to get you to sign!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 9:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 09:58:59 -0500

You can also try the USAR. Message me and I'll try and get you a definative answer. No one on RP can tell you no. USAREC is the only authority. If you want it, fight for it. I'll help you get in touch with a Recruiter who will do their job regardless of how difficult your case may or may not be.

Response by SFC David Xanten made Jan 3 at 2019 11:42 AM

SFC David Xanten — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 11:42:41 -0500

I would suggest that you start by writing to the CG of the Recruiting Command and if that fails try writing to the President. Sometime you have to take the bull by the horn and go over peoples head. In your letter, just stick to the facts. Good Luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 12:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 12:38:29 -0500

Me being prior service Corps, did 4 yrs Marines, 5 yrs National guard and 2 in the reserves... If he or she dont want to do their job. Take it to a higher recruiter

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Jan 3 at 2019 2:08 PM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 14:08:19 -0500

You might want to try the Army, the Marines is very selective according to age.

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made Jan 3 at 2019 3:08 PM

PFC Elijah Rose — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:08:33 -0500

Look uo the discrepancy. We're all human and it's probably a difference of branch, or private experience. Don't be fooled by an image of self confidence.
Instances of recruiters outright lying are rare, I only know of one instance:
A single mother in her late 20's who needed a steady job because of her sick mother. Like every servicewoman trying to prove how tough they are to their family, she trashed talked the air force constantly and insisted on the toughest MOS she could get (infantry). But the recruiter talked her into getting a Signal Analyst job with airborne school attached saying that those together make it ia combat MOS. No, I never told her, and by now she would have flunked out of airborne school. I have no doubt she's a great analyst, but I also know the recruit did what was best for everyone by lying to her.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Jan 3 at 2019 3:35 PM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:35:50 -0500

The rules for recruiting change all the time. There are times they are not taking prior service. That in itself could be why you are receiving conflicting answers.

Response by LTC Ray B. (Ret) made Aug 1 at 2019 9:52 PM

LTC Ray B. (Ret) — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:52:25 -0400

Go in the reserves then transfer to active

Response by SGT Donna Millar made Jul 18 at 2020 2:23 PM

SGT Donna Millar — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 14:23:31 -0400

Question is what in your percentage for disability? It is my understanding that 30% or higher is an automatic no go for reenlistment in anything except Reserves and then only with a waiver. Also depends on the disability. Hope you had some sort of success.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Dec 8 at 2020 4:22 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 16:22:00 -0500

Your last recruiter was the most honest, recruiter's do not want to deal with retreads, they get no credit towards there quarterly goal