What are the biggest barrier a prior service member faces when looking to rejoin the military after years out of the service?

2015-05-27T21:18:26-04:00

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 27 at 2015 9:21 PM

2015-05-27T21:21:44-04:00

I see two issues. First and foremost is the draw down and extremely limited prior service slots (especially for active duty) and the second is being physically qualified. The last 14 years has taken it's toll on us physically. This doesn't even include just being "out of shape."

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 27 at 2015 9:45 PM

2015-05-27T21:45:10-04:00

Availability.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 27 at 2015 10:00 PM

2015-05-27T22:00:22-04:00

Now, I would say we have a military that is downsizing dramatically, and we don't really need prior service applicants... it is a good time to be a recruiter.

Response by SGT David T. made May 28 at 2015 8:38 AM

2015-05-28T08:38:46-04:00

I explored this briefly after I graduated from college. All they could offer me was my same MOS, same grade and needs of the Army. Needless to say I didn't take them up on it. I didn't get a degree so I could sling fuel hoses.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Aug 24 at 2015 8:56 PM

2015-08-24T20:56:25-04:00

Getting over the fact that you would basically starting over and working for Soldiers that are much younger than yourself. You will have a generation gap to deal with. That is if the Military let you back in.
Has anyone ever remembered why they got out in the first place. The Military isn't going to change because you decided to go back in

Response by PFC Michael Mcdermott made Aug 27 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-08-27T17:08:51-04:00

Weight...... I tried it once and they said I was overweight. They said if I was not prior service they would have taken me in, but because I was prior service the requirements were tougher. This was back in '96

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made May 30 at 2016 6:56 AM

2016-05-30T06:56:07-04:00

Physical fitness. Needs of the Army, and which prior service applicants they let it, change monthly. But if you can meet the Army Standard, you've taken care of what you can take care of.