Posted on Apr 21, 2018
Do I go back to basic training if I am prior-service Army?
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I’ve been out of the Army for a year, and considering going back in the same branch. Would I have to do BCT again, or would I be doing another type of training?
Posted in these groups: 
Prior Service
Basic Combat Training (BCT)
Prior Service Basic Combat Training (BCT)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 24
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PFC Gustavo D. SPC Jovani Daviu SGT Eric Davis Sgt (Join to see)
I was out for over SIXTEEN YEARS (Yes, 16 plus years) and I didn't have to take basic again. I even went to war with a weapon that I was NEVER officially trained in the use of (the M-16 and its successors). My last training was with the M-14. Fortunately, being a "firearms dude", I was thoroughly familiar via my personal AR platforms. I DID have to drop a pay grade when I came back in, and ironically, I was sworn into the service (Army) by a Marine officer - a Captain, as I recall. Hey... life is good!!!
I was out for over SIXTEEN YEARS (Yes, 16 plus years) and I didn't have to take basic again. I even went to war with a weapon that I was NEVER officially trained in the use of (the M-16 and its successors). My last training was with the M-14. Fortunately, being a "firearms dude", I was thoroughly familiar via my personal AR platforms. I DID have to drop a pay grade when I came back in, and ironically, I was sworn into the service (Army) by a Marine officer - a Captain, as I recall. Hey... life is good!!!
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SSG William Jones
PO3 Michael James , sounds like some desk-jockeys in the food chain is in "pass the buck" mode at more than one level. Can you find someone with at least a modicum of political influence to go to bat for you and light a fire under some of these clock-watchers???
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SSG (Join to see)
I had a 15 year break. No basic training re- do. I was sworn in by telephone standing in front of the flag. By a warrant officer. That was in 2006.
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It depends. How long have you been out? Are you still obligated to IRR? In my case I am still obligated to IRR and I am now in the process of reenlistment to AD Army. No BCT. Just AIT and straight to my unit.
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No you would not! You would only have yo attend if you had a break for 3 or more years! I just got back in after 7 years and didn’t attend one lol
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SGT James Lilly
CPL Jarid Spangler - I just got told the same exact thing from my recruiter. If that's the case, I'm not getting back in.
SGT. James Lilly
SGT. James Lilly
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SGT Greg White
Things have changed USAREC just told me because ive been out for over 5 years I have to go the BCT.
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SFC (Join to see)
Currently this is the rule:
Over 5 years out (IRR does not count as in for this) and you are required to go to BCT
You will be put in for a waiver by your recruiter
Your contract states that if you do end up having to do it, you can just back out of the contract
I'm a recruiter, my office has dealt with this several times recently
Over 5 years out (IRR does not count as in for this) and you are required to go to BCT
You will be put in for a waiver by your recruiter
Your contract states that if you do end up having to do it, you can just back out of the contract
I'm a recruiter, my office has dealt with this several times recently
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