What branches allow you to enlist after resigning your commission?

2023-01-18T19:23:44-05:00

I recently resigned my commission as an Army National Guard Officer in 2022 and was hoping to enlist in a different branch on active duty after some unexpected life developments (not legal or criminal). I attempted to go Navy but the Recruiter stated it was against policy. The Air Force said they take prior service in very limited numbers and I would have to go down a TACP/JTAC career path. Are there any other branches that will take a prior service Officer as enlisted?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2023 7:43 PM

2023-01-18T19:43:39-05:00

Sounds like there is a lot more to this story. Regardless, I hope you find your path.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jan 18 at 2023 8:47 PM

2023-01-18T20:47:33-05:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member any suggestions?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2023 10:46 PM

2023-01-18T22:46:55-05:00

Have you tried speaking with the Marines? Coast Guard? Army? Space Force?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2023 11:55 PM

2023-01-18T23:55:27-05:00

The Navy and the AF are known to be unwelcoming to prior service. The Army is the only branch that's really welcoming to prior service in general.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2023 2:29 AM

2023-01-19T02:29:49-05:00

The Marines will let you and I believe the Space Force depending on your prior MOS speciality. The Marines will have you start as an E2-E3 and the Space Force may offer to transfer your commission depending or become enlisted. It depends.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 19 at 2023 8:15 AM

2023-01-19T08:15:25-05:00

It is well understood that the Services are having trouble meeting quota, the Army is a possibility provided there were no underlying issues related to your resignation. Otherwise it’s based on need, they have a need.

Response by MSG Billy Brumfield made Jan 19 at 2023 8:29 AM

2023-01-19T08:29:46-05:00

When I was a recruiter I had a couple former officers I was able to get into the Army Reserve. It takes a grade determination waiver. As someone else mentioned, the Army is the only branch that is welcoming to prior service applicants, and even the Army limits the quantity. The Army is likely your only option.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2023 11:24 AM

2023-01-19T11:24:05-05:00

The Air Force has always been restrictive of prior service as to who they take on the active side. AF Reserve and Guard are much better options. You also might consider the Coast Guard. I believe they are receptive to prior service. Although considering all the problems with retention and recruitment these days all branches may be easier to work with. Good luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2023 4:14 PM

2023-02-13T16:14:37-05:00

AR 601-210, Para. 3-13 a. (5) Former officers who were separated from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard are not eligible for enlistment. Waivers may be considered by the CG, USAREC.

Response by MAJ Gregory Moon made Mar 21 at 2023 9:53 PM

2023-03-21T21:53:32-04:00

Army allows for it. You likely could have pulled off a branch transfer if you had problems in the Guard or a transfer to the USAR again for career opportunities in line with what you would want. I went O3 to enlisted because I was a passed over due to bad career management on my part. I ended up being recommissioned back to O3 amd eventually made 04 and retired. I suspect you got bad advice. I do not recommend my career path. There's a lot more questions you'll need to sort out before you can come up with a a plan.

Response by MAJ Gregory Moon made Mar 21 at 2023 9:56 PM

2023-03-21T21:56:40-04:00

By the way the army reserve does tend to be the island of lost toys. Lots of Marines, occasional CG. So if you want to restart given the personal shortages it's maybe possible.

Response by SFC R. Lee Linebarger made Mar 24 at 2023 10:31 AM

2023-03-24T10:31:42-04:00

I would suggest you reapply for a commision via OCS. Might get you back in the door.

Response by Sgt Bob Corridan made Mar 24 at 2023 2:08 PM

2023-03-24T14:08:57-04:00

I apologize but I am a little confused...are you saying you want to go active and enlist as an officer of same rank or a step down rank or go active and enlist in the enlisted ranks...if officer to enlisted is the request it may be they see something in a fitness report that shines a bad light. Please clarify as I had a friend who was MOS Marine Sniper in the National Guard for 6 years in So. Calif, never activated, went through a divorce, stepped down from his full time job as a pharmacist and had no problem enlisting in the Corps for 4 years as a Marine Sniper...however, with that said, this was in 1969 one of the two highest KIA years in Nam so the MOS need may have taken priority back then versus now.

Response by SFC James High made Mar 29 at 2023 11:42 AM

2023-03-29T11:42:16-04:00

I know the Army will, at least the Army National Guard. I have known several Soldiers who left as Officers only to come back as enlisted personnel. When they retired they retired at their Commissioned rank. The Air Force only does it when an Officer can't make rank and get what is called "rifted" and get the opportunity to finish their 20 yrs to retire.

Response by LCDR Robert Bowen made Mar 29 at 2023 1:25 PM

2023-03-29T13:25:55-04:00

Go to a Coast Guard recruiter.