What is the standard time you have to wait to enlist in USAF as a "Prior Service"? Are there any waivers required?

Sgt John Steinmeier — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 11:25:52 -0400

Long story short...my son initially enlisted in the Army in 2016 and subsequently quit half way through basic. In theory he was given a discharge code that would allow him to re-enlist at some given point. He has finally made up his mind he definitely wants to move forward in life and enlist in the USAF. What would be the "standard" time he would have to wait before they would start pursuing enlistment paperwork (3, 4, 5 years?) What if any waivers would be required as well as any other special fiery hoops he may have to jump through?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 11:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 11:34:06 -0400

The standard time is however long it takes the AF to approve his waiver. The AF only accepts a limited amount of prior service every year, and they don't like to accept prior servo e with waivers.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Oct 21 at 2020 12:28 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 12:28:56 -0400

Has he spoken with an USAF Recruiter? That ought to be his 1st step! That been said, other services (besides the Army) are hard when it comes to prior service.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 1:15 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 13:15:52 -0400

He might have a better chance going Reserves or the National Guard. Then he could try to transfer/enlist after a time spent there. But no guarantees that it will work.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 21 at 2020 2:25 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:25:36 -0400

The Air Force can be difficult to enlist into for prior service applicants. Has he considered the military instead?

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Oct 21 at 2020 2:54 PM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:54:39 -0400

Thank you all for your input and arming me with some information to further discuss with the lad later this evening.
SFC Michael Hasbun Tried that already, but will throw it against the wall again to see if it sticks this time.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Oct 21 at 2020 5:44 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:44:27 -0400

Has he talked to a recruiter?

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Oct 21 at 2020 8:10 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:10:59 -0400

Having quit basic once I would be very surprised if they let him enlist in any branch of the military. I am pretty sure in their mind they would be thinking, "He quit once, what is to stop him from quitting again?" Sorry but I think he will be disappointed.