What is the maximum amount of time that I can spend out of the Navy to where I will not lose rank for going back in?

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 16:20:33 -0400

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2017 4:29 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 16:29:07 -0400

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member I would talk to HR and a Navy Recruiter. Below is some basic information:

https://www.thebalance.com/navy-prior-service-rate-rank-determination-3354824

U.S. Navy Rank (Rate) Determination for Prior Service

Here are the rules for prior service enlisting in the United States Navy for determining initial enlisted rank (rate).

Response by SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc made Jun 3 at 2017 4:51 PM

SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 16:51:15 -0400

Good question, The normal amount of time is 2 years. It may have changed since I remember this but I do know that after that you would normally drop one pay grade for every year after that. The one catch is that if you were an E6-7 you can be out for about 5 years and still hold E5 upon coming back in. But are you planning to return to the Navy or another branch? The reason for the question is it may be a different for each branch. I was explaining from my time in the Army. However, the Army did take in prior Navy and I believe they held their E5 when they came in. Suffice to say the one I remember being out for a couple years was able to maintain his ETS rank from the Navy. Hope this helps

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2017 9:48 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 21:48:12 -0400

I want to say 2 years before your paygrade drops. Highly suggest you get a hold of a prior service recruiter to make sure you can keep your rank!