Posted on Sep 10, 2015
Re-enlisting after long period; how difficult is it?
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I have been out of the navy for 14 years and I have missed it so much. My ex wife refused to let me reenlist. Now that she is gone I feel it is time to try and get back. How hard is it to get back in? Does anyone have any advice?
Re-enlistment
What Would You Do
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 46
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I was a recruiter until about a year ago, I can't speak for right now but when I left it wasn't that easy. First of all, check your RE code on your DD-214. Unless it's an RE-1 or something similar, you're gonna have a long process to get back in.
This chart should help you. If you don't hit that top "Eligable" bracket, don't bother because waivers were getting really hard to swing for RE codes when I was recruiting. You had to be perfect in pretty much everything else to even hope for a waiver. https://www.navycs.com/military-re-codes.html
Second, make sure you can pass the physical standards. They may not be the same as when you left.
Third, if you're getting any kind of disability compensation from the VA, your chances of getting back are gonna be much lower(and you'll need to bring your medical record with you). They were getting really picky about medical history when I left for new recruits.
Also, you might just be too old. The max age for AD was 34 and while you can get that pushed based on how long you served, you need to talk to your recruiter about that. You're also facing at least 2 lost ranks due to how long you've been gone, so be prepared for that.
Talk to a recruiter and make sure you bring your DD-214 with your RE code on it. Without it, most recruiters won't really bother trying to work with you because it's a lot of time and effort on their part and that's even if you are eligible. You're not gonna be their top priority no matter what because of how recruiting numbers work(Prior Service doesn't count for a contract until they go to boot camp, but they count as a loss if they don't go). I don't agree with it and frankly, I'm glad not to deal with the recruiting obsession with numbers and stats anymore.
I don't know your situation but just be aware of what you are looking at.
This chart should help you. If you don't hit that top "Eligable" bracket, don't bother because waivers were getting really hard to swing for RE codes when I was recruiting. You had to be perfect in pretty much everything else to even hope for a waiver. https://www.navycs.com/military-re-codes.html
Second, make sure you can pass the physical standards. They may not be the same as when you left.
Third, if you're getting any kind of disability compensation from the VA, your chances of getting back are gonna be much lower(and you'll need to bring your medical record with you). They were getting really picky about medical history when I left for new recruits.
Also, you might just be too old. The max age for AD was 34 and while you can get that pushed based on how long you served, you need to talk to your recruiter about that. You're also facing at least 2 lost ranks due to how long you've been gone, so be prepared for that.
Talk to a recruiter and make sure you bring your DD-214 with your RE code on it. Without it, most recruiters won't really bother trying to work with you because it's a lot of time and effort on their part and that's even if you are eligible. You're not gonna be their top priority no matter what because of how recruiting numbers work(Prior Service doesn't count for a contract until they go to boot camp, but they count as a loss if they don't go). I don't agree with it and frankly, I'm glad not to deal with the recruiting obsession with numbers and stats anymore.
I don't know your situation but just be aware of what you are looking at.
Military Re-Enlistment Code Chart
United States military re-enlistment code chart utilized for determining waiver path for the United States Navy.
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PO1 Cameron Rhyne
AN Joshua Jones - I can't speak for why your recruiters blew you off but I googled the Navy Cruitman and not only does RE-1E still exist, you would have been eligible
http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/Publications/Directives/1130.8/1130.8J_VOL%20IV_Programs%20_%20Classification-CH8.pdf.
Go to page 203. As far I can tell, that hasn't changed
The only thing I can think of is that the recruiters you are working with think it's too much trouble to put you back in. Prior service takes a LOT more work then someone just off the street, so they might not consider it worth their time. The only thing I can tell you then is to either try contacting another office near you or ask to speak to their Divisional Chief and appeal to him. Just make sure you have all your ducks in a row(your DD-214, last 3 evals, access to your file and medical record). Also, if you have any pending legal action(even open traffic tickets), you need to get it resolved first.
http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/Publications/Directives/1130.8/1130.8J_VOL%20IV_Programs%20_%20Classification-CH8.pdf.
Go to page 203. As far I can tell, that hasn't changed
The only thing I can think of is that the recruiters you are working with think it's too much trouble to put you back in. Prior service takes a LOT more work then someone just off the street, so they might not consider it worth their time. The only thing I can tell you then is to either try contacting another office near you or ask to speak to their Divisional Chief and appeal to him. Just make sure you have all your ducks in a row(your DD-214, last 3 evals, access to your file and medical record). Also, if you have any pending legal action(even open traffic tickets), you need to get it resolved first.
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LTJG Michelle Arakaki
I have a question for you. I was a pre swo. I did not pin and got honorable discharge. my re entry code is NA. When I got out I went back to school and became a Physician Assistant. Can I reenlist with a an NA?
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Thanks for all the advice. The navy has rejected my application to join the reserves. I went to the army recruiter and I go to my over 40 physical next week. If I pass I get to go to army basic.
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CDR Elizabeth Boardman
Why were you rejected? The surface and air reserve have separate structures. Maybe that recruiter had filled the quota and another location would be welcoming.
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First off, it will depend how old you are. Will you reach an age cap before eligible for retirement?
Also consider the USNR. You continue your current occupation and get your Navy "fix" through drills and active duty periods. Many in the USNR are older than their active duty counterparts too. I have also known some who, once they had a good reputation, were able to do back to back recalls to active duty for several years in a row. B the downside is that you will not get a retirement check until age 60. BUT that combined with retirement you build up in the civilian world may work out to be much greater than all active duty.
Also consider the USNR. You continue your current occupation and get your Navy "fix" through drills and active duty periods. Many in the USNR are older than their active duty counterparts too. I have also known some who, once they had a good reputation, were able to do back to back recalls to active duty for several years in a row. B the downside is that you will not get a retirement check until age 60. BUT that combined with retirement you build up in the civilian world may work out to be much greater than all active duty.
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