Posted on Apr 8, 2019
LCpl Elizabeth Fundis
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I have heard many conflicting answers to this question. Most say no, you do not have to go through BCT because you are a Marine. However, I thought I read somewhere or heard somewhere that if you are out for 3+ years, you do have to go through BCT? I have zero problem with going through BCT. I made it through 13 weeks of hell, I can go through 10 weeks of BCT. I just want to know which is the correct answer? Also, please don't bring up the Warrior Transition Course (WTC) that was a 4 week program for transitioning prior service...it is no longer a thing.

I'd also like to add that I will be needing a couple waivers as I was medically discharged under honorable conditions with a 3P reenlistment code. Basically only 2 restrictions, 1. I need a waiver for the medical condition(s) I was discharged for and 2. I cannot go to OCS. I've been through the waiver process before but was wondering if it will be similar this time around? I also want to know how likely it will be to get the MOS I want? Is it different for prior service when deciding an MOS or do they kind of coerce you into that branch's version of your original MOS? I was Aviation Logistics and hated it. I would absolutely love to be a 15T in the army and ultimately become a crew chief. How realistic is this?

Any information is greatly appreciated!
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Responses: 11
SFC Recruiting Standards Directorate
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If you have been out for 36 months or more after your MSO has elapsed then you will go to BCT. I used to write PS and NPS contracts at MEPS up until 90 days ago.
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SGT Team Leader
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Last year I re-enlisted after being out 42 months. My recruiter told me no basic training and I’d just walk into a Reserve unit. I cleared MEPS just to be told the Army changed regulations and anything over 36 months required BCT. I went to Fort Benning for BCT(2nd time) and there was several Marines ranging in time out of service. Some were inserted into BCT somewhere around week 7-8 to qualify BRM and that was it and others were day zeros. With 4 years out you might be heading back to BCT. Again, I only 100% knew after clearing MEPS and signing the new contract. Good luck and have fun.
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SPC Paul Byler
SPC Paul Byler
6 y
I picked up roughly 10 days into 3 months of terminal leave. I had already received my dd214. Apparently from talking to records at quantico what I should have done is gone back to the S shop with warrant and had my 214 updated. SSG Brian G.
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SSG Brian G.
SSG Brian G.
6 y
SPC Paul Byler - Ahh so a failure on the administrative end. Ok. Still they should have updated your DD214 and mailed you a copy. Even so, they promoted you and it should have been recorded in your file. Sucks.
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SPC Paul Byler
SPC Paul Byler
6 y
Is what it is, I’m not too worried about it just glad to be going back. But yeah technically they should have but I take the responsibility for it because I would have easily gone and made sure it was done. Either way water under the bridge now. SSG Brian G.
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TSgt Carl Johnson
TSgt Carl Johnson
>1 y
SPC Paul Byler - You can file a request for correction for your DD214. I've been out for a while, and I don't have time to look up the procedure, or would tell you how, but I know that you can. You should do it at the first opportunity, anyway.
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SPC Paul Byler
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Also the recruiters do NOT have up to date information for prior service slots, because we are few and far between they don’t know much about it despite what they tell you. They may think they know but the truth is they just don’t, until you pass MEPS and sit down with one of the career counselors nothing is for sure.
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