Does anyone know if you can get an age waiver to reenlist?

PVT David Hix — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 17:01:09 -0400

I was discharged 3 days before the end of Basic back in 2000. The discharge was BS. It was knee injury, and I never should have been discharged. Especially since It never went to the medical review board. I have tried several times over the years to get back in with no luck. Now, I have had the knee injury repaired and want to try to go back in again, but my local recruiters just shut me down.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2017 5:03 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 17:03:12 -0400

I'll ask one of my recruiters I still keep in touch with them I'll let you know what I find out.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Aug 5 at 2017 7:58 PM

SSG Dave Johnston — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 19:58:59 -0400

Instead of AD Army try the back door thru through your State NG you've a DD214 that shows that you have completed BCT, yes? If accepted by the Guard, you could transfer to AD. It's the long way but, good luck to you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 11:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 11:57:26 -0400

Lots of crazy answers...geesh.

If you never completed Basic, then no. Age cap is age cap. That's pure policy.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Aug 7 at 2017 7:26 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 07:26:08 -0400

Why ask a question while blasting the medical situation as "BS"--then saying you've got the knee injury repaired?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2017 11:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 23:24:13 -0400

Your topic asked about an age waiver so let's start there. How old are you? The knee surgery would require a 6 month wait from date of surgery and will, in all likelihood require a medical waiver but it's possible.

Response by Daniel LaRusso made Nov 10 at 2017 1:21 PM

Daniel LaRusso — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 13:21:25 -0500

The Army National Guard is probably the answer for you. I've done a lot of researching, and they are the most straight way to obtain a waiver. You will need two waivers: one for the RE Code and then a medical waiver (they will be pushed through together but MEPS has to pass you for the medical). Obtain all medical records relating to the knee surgery (waiver authority needs them if that was why you were discharged). MEPS will PDQ you and they will hopefully recommend a waiver to the NGB waiver authority. If MEPS recommends, they usually approve. I have been told that the National Guard is the easiest to obtain waivers from.

Once you are in the National Guard, you can try to transfer to the active Army. I do not think you would need an age waiver to transfer but I am uncertain (accession standards are different than new enlistment standards). Do you have your DD214? Go to other recruiters. Don't give up. Its not as easy as a newby off the street, so recruiters don't always do the right thing. Go to recruiters in another town. But honestly I'd start with the National Guard. I have read several stories where people did overturn the RE3 and the narrative reason for discharge and are now serving. No matter what people tell you, it IS possible. Don't give up if its what you really want.

Response by SN Richard Spain made Dec 2 at 2020 11:11 PM

SN Richard Spain — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 23:11:49 -0500

Seems the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) should apply.