Prior Service Re-Entry Army?

SSG James Zimmerman — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 19:03:37 -0400

Hello All,

Looking for some advice on getting back in the Army. I recently got out roughly a 1 and a half ago as a SSG in the infantry. I would like to get back in, however, I have an RE code 3A from signing a dec statement. This was assigned because about 6 months prior to my ETS, I came on orders for recruiting. With my mind set on getting out then, I had to either reenlist to complete my orders for recruiting or sign the dec statement. I signed the statement and ETS'd with honorable discharge on my then current obligation. I understand this code is waiverable and have spoke with recruiters. The problem I have is, I have a disability rating of 80% and would have to be cleared from the docs and have the VA remove my rating. I don't believe I will have a problem being cleared by the docs, however, if my waiver gets sent up and is declined, that monthly income that helps alot is gone forever.

Question is, how likely would my waiver be approved

If it helps, I have completed ALC, squad leader time, hold a current secret security clearance, and work as a government contractor with the Army at NTC. I also do have a letter of recommendation for reentry by my old BDE CSM that just retired as CSM of Army Testing and Evaluation Command.

Thank in advance for your professional opinions.

Respectfully,
James Zimmerman

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 18 at 2018 7:16 PM

SrA John Monette — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 19:16:53 -0400

SSG Zimmerman, with an 80% rating, I would not reenlist. there is no guarantee that you will ever get that rating again. Once the VA gives a rating, even a 0%, they own that disability. I'd stay in veteran status.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Oct 18 at 2018 8:08 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 20:08:41 -0400

why don't you maybe think about working for Boeing its good pay and great insurance I make 38.00 per hour.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA COLD WAR VET

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2018 8:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 20:31:14 -0400

While I cannot speak to the recruiting portion of this, I can tell you that declination statements are lifted all the time when the army is in need of soldiers. It should be a non-issue as far as the declination statement goes. As for the disability, I cannot speak on that as an expert.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2018 11:59 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 23:59:51 -0400

I got out originally in the 90s with the same rank and same dec statement, for the same reason. Came back into reserves 3 years later, no issues. Came back active with a commission, having almost 13 years break in active service, with no issues either. Now I can retire next year.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Oct 19 at 2018 1:26 AM

SSG Brian G. — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 01:26:44 -0400

Honestly? If you are rated 80% now why take that chance? You could get the docs to clear you, the VA to remove the 80% but then you lose that. Then you are giving up a top notch job on the outside to boot.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2018 7:28 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 07:28:47 -0400

You can try the national guard or the reserve I know plenty of people myself included who have a disability rating through the VA from our years on Active Duty. The only thing is you don't get paid when you drill or do AT ect. Might be worth a shot to be able to do both for you. Speak with a Retention NCO they might be able to help.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Oct 19 at 2018 9:05 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 09:05:41 -0400

The RE-Code waiver for that reason has a good chance of being approved if otherwise qualified. However, PS have limited opportunities for a Regular Army enlistment, especially in pay grades E5 and above. This is all based on current HRC Business Rules, which changes with the needs of the Army. There is a chance that there may plenty of options for an E6 currently, or there may be chance there isn't. That would be a question to ask the recruiters for the most current HRC Business Rules. All this further compounds the decision to prove that your medical conditions have recovered and voluntarily request your disability rating be withdrawn in order to medically qualify for enlistment. You are running the risk of giving up your disability pay for naught. One thing to note, the RE-Code waiver cannot be processed until you are medically qualified, and otherwise eligible in terms of the HRC Business rules.

Response by SFC William Adamek made Oct 19 at 2018 4:34 PM

SFC William Adamek — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 16:34:03 -0400

Another piece that has to be looked at is the length of time you have been out of the service. The longer you are out the lower the rank you are allowed to come back in as. this really comes into play when you are talking about allowable time for each grade to stay on active duty. I do not remember the exact time cut offs for rank loss upon re-entry but this can result in your not being allowed back on active duty.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2018 3:24 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 15:24:53 -0400

to my understanding, you just waived your money when you go on active duty but you still keep your 80%

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2019 12:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 12:08:54 -0500

Hello, SSG Zimmerman, You can get your disability while on the Army Reserve, but there not a lot of combat arms MOS in the Army Reserve. I don't know about the National Guard. ,but I do know for a fact that your disability will be the same of you go back in and retire or ETS from the Army again. I talked to the VA about this as well. I would look into reclass as well if you want to go in the Army Reserve. That is just my opinion.

Response by LTC Ray B. (Ret) made Aug 1 at 2019 10:09 PM

LTC Ray B. (Ret) — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 22:09:09 -0400

Hey guys with missing legs were able to re-enlist so I guess you ha e just as much chance as they do

Response by SFC Billy Huether made Aug 7 at 2019 10:52 AM

SFC Billy Huether — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 10:52:58 -0400

I'll offer 2 simple suggestions to you that are quite old. A bird in hand beats two in the bush and never look a gift horse in the mouth.
MEANING: Is the risk worth losing what you already have?