SSgtRSD
08-06-11, 09:58 AM
FELLAS IT ISN'T A MYTH, IT IS POSSIBLE TO GO BACK ON ACTIVE DUTY (even as a SNCO)
I have four years of Active Duty and twi and a half on the books on the Reserve side. I started this process back in February of this year. Just yesterday, I was approved for re-enlistment back to the Active component, and get to keep my rocker (I just lose my TIG). This has been a long and stressful process. It took about three months to make a complete package, about a month and a half to clear all of the levels of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, and two/three weeks to clear HQMC. About 6 months total. I am still waiting on orders, but get to swear back in this month. I have three main issues that I wanted to hit on.
First, it is possible. There is a lot of bum scoop out there that tells you it's impossible. It's tough, the bum scoop makes it more stressful, but it's possible. Your first step is to read the order, MCO 1130.80A. Familiarize yourself with the process and the key players. Next, find a recruiter that will help you. There us a lot of postings on here about recruiters flat out saying the Corps is closed for business from prior service Marines. I didn't have this problem. I called two different stations(as a Sgt so no SNCO hookups) and both times the SNCOIC told me to come immediately and start that paperwork. Typically the SNCOICs don't have a mission. The over worked and under appreciated canvasing recruiter may be too booked to talk to you. You will get out of it what you put into it. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.
Secondly, active duty marines thinking about staying in or getting out, TAKE SOME REAL TIME TO THINK ABOUT IT. I am not just some SSgt who didn't adjust to civilian life and is crawling back. I have a good job as a cop in a major city, I am just meant for the Corps as many of you are as well. The Reserved allowed my to fall back in love with the Marine Corps. There definitely was a sub-culture on active duty that made it "cool" to get out and only those that stay in are either way too moto or got trapped. Gents, the grass is not greener. You may think pay is getting better, job satisfaction higher, personal treatment and rights better, nada!! Just take some time and think about it.
Lastly, poolees. Is it possible to take a Reserve contract and then put in to go active, yes. Is it probable, not really. It is not as easy as it may be made to sound. I learned a lot from my two and a half years in the Reserves. Are the Reserves a better fit for some, absolutely. But to get the full package of Marine Corps life, you want to go active. This is targeted to all those that post about taking a reserve contract to get a sooner ship date under the impression they can change component later, not probable. Be patient, search deep down and figure out what you want.
In closing, the main message is it's possible. You have to want it, and work for it. The Corps is taking Marines back.
I have four years of Active Duty and twi and a half on the books on the Reserve side. I started this process back in February of this year. Just yesterday, I was approved for re-enlistment back to the Active component, and get to keep my rocker (I just lose my TIG). This has been a long and stressful process. It took about three months to make a complete package, about a month and a half to clear all of the levels of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, and two/three weeks to clear HQMC. About 6 months total. I am still waiting on orders, but get to swear back in this month. I have three main issues that I wanted to hit on.
First, it is possible. There is a lot of bum scoop out there that tells you it's impossible. It's tough, the bum scoop makes it more stressful, but it's possible. Your first step is to read the order, MCO 1130.80A. Familiarize yourself with the process and the key players. Next, find a recruiter that will help you. There us a lot of postings on here about recruiters flat out saying the Corps is closed for business from prior service Marines. I didn't have this problem. I called two different stations(as a Sgt so no SNCO hookups) and both times the SNCOIC told me to come immediately and start that paperwork. Typically the SNCOICs don't have a mission. The over worked and under appreciated canvasing recruiter may be too booked to talk to you. You will get out of it what you put into it. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.
Secondly, active duty marines thinking about staying in or getting out, TAKE SOME REAL TIME TO THINK ABOUT IT. I am not just some SSgt who didn't adjust to civilian life and is crawling back. I have a good job as a cop in a major city, I am just meant for the Corps as many of you are as well. The Reserved allowed my to fall back in love with the Marine Corps. There definitely was a sub-culture on active duty that made it "cool" to get out and only those that stay in are either way too moto or got trapped. Gents, the grass is not greener. You may think pay is getting better, job satisfaction higher, personal treatment and rights better, nada!! Just take some time and think about it.
Lastly, poolees. Is it possible to take a Reserve contract and then put in to go active, yes. Is it probable, not really. It is not as easy as it may be made to sound. I learned a lot from my two and a half years in the Reserves. Are the Reserves a better fit for some, absolutely. But to get the full package of Marine Corps life, you want to go active. This is targeted to all those that post about taking a reserve contract to get a sooner ship date under the impression they can change component later, not probable. Be patient, search deep down and figure out what you want.
In closing, the main message is it's possible. You have to want it, and work for it. The Corps is taking Marines back.