Army Reserve Elements (ARE), 76th Operational Response Command
Army Reserve Elements (ARE), 76th Operational Response Command
Posted on Nov 10, 2025
If I left the military without getting an official discharge document, how can I re-enlist?
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I was a reservist but I got out from it because of my family issue without finishing my contract so I dont have any documentation that can prove I'm discharged and dont know my status of discharge. The reason why I wrote this post because I want to rejoin the army, but the problem is I have no idea how to rejoin the service. When I talked to a recruiter, they told me I have to contact my former unit, but they seemed not willing to help me.Can anyone please give me any advice?
Re-enlistment
Recruiting
Army Reserve Elements
Posted 1 mo ago
Responses: 6
Assuming this was at least a year ago, if you just left your unit and didn't finish your contract, then likely you were given an administrative separation* as an unsatisfactory participant (i.e., dropped from the rolls). Most likely, the separation would have a "General (Under Honorable Conditions)" characterization (note: this is a relatively recent change going back a few years, so it is possible that you could have received an "Under Other Than Honorable Conditions" discharge if it predated the new DoD guidance).
I'm greatly surprised that you weren't aware of the ramifications of just skipping drills because unless you had completely derelict leadership, they would have reached out to you many times (and are required to send you registered mail as well) letting you know what's going to happen.
First thing is to ask your recruiter to look up your information in USMIRS* as that will have your discharge information and if you have a reentry code that prevents your reenlistment. Either they already knew it and were shuttling you back to your old unit to "close the loop" with them or they just didn't want to deal with it.
If that doesn't work out because the recruiter is unwilling, look up your records yourself. If you have an established DS Logon account it will be easy and you can skip to logging into HRC. If not then do the following steps:
● Head to the DS Logon screen* and click on "Create new DS Logon Account" at the bottom and follow the prompts. Try the "Remote Identity Proofing" route first (read through the "DS Logon Support Documentation" first).
● After you have established your account, go to the "My Record" login at HRC* and login using your DS Logon credentials. Click on the "Reserve/Retiree/Veteran Record" in the upper left.
● After that, review the information and documents to determine your status or see if there are any anomalies.
If you can't access your records that way, then request your records from HRC* via fax/snail mail (note: this is the same process you'll eventually end up at if you go through the National Archives).
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* USMIRS - United States Military Entrance Processing Command Integrated Resource System
* DoDI 1332.14 (Enlisted Administrative Separations) - https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/133214p.pdf
* DS Logon screen - https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/app/login
* My Record login at HRC - https://www.hrcapps.army.mil/portal/
* Requesting records from HRC - https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Accessing%20or%20Requesting%20Your%20Official%20Military%20Personnel%20File%20Documents
I'm greatly surprised that you weren't aware of the ramifications of just skipping drills because unless you had completely derelict leadership, they would have reached out to you many times (and are required to send you registered mail as well) letting you know what's going to happen.
First thing is to ask your recruiter to look up your information in USMIRS* as that will have your discharge information and if you have a reentry code that prevents your reenlistment. Either they already knew it and were shuttling you back to your old unit to "close the loop" with them or they just didn't want to deal with it.
If that doesn't work out because the recruiter is unwilling, look up your records yourself. If you have an established DS Logon account it will be easy and you can skip to logging into HRC. If not then do the following steps:
● Head to the DS Logon screen* and click on "Create new DS Logon Account" at the bottom and follow the prompts. Try the "Remote Identity Proofing" route first (read through the "DS Logon Support Documentation" first).
● After you have established your account, go to the "My Record" login at HRC* and login using your DS Logon credentials. Click on the "Reserve/Retiree/Veteran Record" in the upper left.
● After that, review the information and documents to determine your status or see if there are any anomalies.
If you can't access your records that way, then request your records from HRC* via fax/snail mail (note: this is the same process you'll eventually end up at if you go through the National Archives).
---------------------------------------------
* USMIRS - United States Military Entrance Processing Command Integrated Resource System
* DoDI 1332.14 (Enlisted Administrative Separations) - https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/133214p.pdf
* DS Logon screen - https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/app/login
* My Record login at HRC - https://www.hrcapps.army.mil/portal/
* Requesting records from HRC - https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Accessing%20or%20Requesting%20Your%20Official%20Military%20Personnel%20File%20Documents
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SGM William Everroad
COL Randall C. has it right, as usual.
CPL Jose Rodriguez if it was less than two years ago, the odds are you have not separated "yet". Your separation packet for unsatisfactory participation may still be winding its way through the approval process. With the strength shortfalls, Major Commands are emphasizing "retention," so administrative separations are scrutinized at every step, dragging out the process. Then they sit in the CG's queue for an inordinate amount of time while JAG reviews all the substantiating documentation.
The quickest way to find something out, if the unit AGR team, Unnit Administrator, and/or Commander are being obstacles, is to contact the Battalion staff and the CSM. If you provide the unit UIC, someone can probably look up that info for you if you do not already know it.
The easiest path for you now is to rejoin your previous unit and then consider your options (i.e. transfer, reclassification, separation, etc). The hardest path is to "re-enlist," especially since you may not have an official separation.
CPL Jose Rodriguez if it was less than two years ago, the odds are you have not separated "yet". Your separation packet for unsatisfactory participation may still be winding its way through the approval process. With the strength shortfalls, Major Commands are emphasizing "retention," so administrative separations are scrutinized at every step, dragging out the process. Then they sit in the CG's queue for an inordinate amount of time while JAG reviews all the substantiating documentation.
The quickest way to find something out, if the unit AGR team, Unnit Administrator, and/or Commander are being obstacles, is to contact the Battalion staff and the CSM. If you provide the unit UIC, someone can probably look up that info for you if you do not already know it.
The easiest path for you now is to rejoin your previous unit and then consider your options (i.e. transfer, reclassification, separation, etc). The hardest path is to "re-enlist," especially since you may not have an official separation.
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If you truly left the reserves you don't get a DD 214 but you do get paper work. The UA from your former unit should be able get help you.
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Are you implying that you just walked away and assumed there would be no consequences. All I can suggest is follow COL Randall C. advice.
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