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View Full Version : Reenlist into the IRR after 8 years in the reserves?



SDL
09-17-12, 08:36 PM
Yeah hi... ummm... Geez the last time I posted here was when I was a super senior LCPL of 4.5 years feeling bitter about not hitting the next rank and none of my NCOs were able to tell me why:mad:. As it turned out it was largely due to the combination of being in the reserves and my 1300 MOS field... lol (even though it's not funny). But anyway, I got a question I was hoping some of you all more seasoned Marines might be able to help me out.

So come next July I will be hitting my 8th year mark in the Marine Corps. Other than recruit training, MCT, MOS school, and deployment, I've been in the reserve the whole time. I know that unless I pick up SGT by the time my 8 year is up, there is no freakin' way I would be allowed to reenlist. Fortunately, from the way things are looking right now... I SHOULD pick up before then.

So what I want to know is... Is it possible for me to reenlist, but go into the IRR instead? The reason I want to do this is...

Despite all the BS that comes with being in the Marine Corps reserve and the Marine Corps in general, I know there are certain aspects of it that I will sorely miss once I'm out.
I value the privilege of carrying the title U.S. Marine and worked hard to earn it.
With recent development in the Middle East and the ever present threat of North Korea, if the Marines are once again called to action I want to be ready to serve with as little administrative and paperwork obstacles in my way as possible!
Because my lack of knowledge with my MOS (which our unit rates only on a contingency/if-needed basis), and that our unit never has enough funds to train us 1300s, I don't feel that paying me to come to drill would be beneficial for either the unit or myself.

I am willing to lat-move and get trained in another MOS if funds are available. But considering that the Marine Corps is downsizing and funds are being cut left & right, I'm not getting my hopes up with that route.

So yeah, I'm just wondering if it's possible for me to actually reenlist after my 8 years, and then go into the IRR. This way, the Marine Corps doesn't have to pay me or give me much benefits, while I get to retain the title of "U.S. Marine" and have the excuse of maintaining my uniform and PT to keep fit.

I know perhaps our unit's Career Retention Specialist should know more. But y'all know how it is... they're always "so busy" and can never be reached.

Any advice would be greatly appreciate it!


:usmc:Semper Fidelis

kbay0351
09-19-12, 01:34 PM
So when your current enlistment in the Reserves ends will you automatically go into the IRR? I don't know how the reserves works, but active duty guys do 4 active / 4 IRR, or 6/2.

If this is not the case, it seems like you could talk to a recruiter about entering the IRR after getting out. Doesn't seem like you'd have to do a full reenlistment, basically your just making yourself available if you get called up. But, I'm not the expert...

In the IRR you get a pink ID card, and are eligible for promotion. I got promoted to E-4 while in the IRR...

Hope this helps,
- Randy

SSgt of Marines
01-30-13, 10:40 AM
Yes you can reenlist into the IRR, and I highly recommend it. It actually makes you more of a free agent. While in the IRR you can go and do courtesy drills with your unit so you get a sat year, but it doesnt even have to be your current unit, you can courtesy drill where ever you want long as the unit is willing to let you come on for the weekend.

I am in the IRR and have been on mobilization orders for the 5 years. From the IRR you can get attached to the IMA Det and jump on some orders for 6 months if you get bored in the civillian world and your civillian job has to hold your job if your mobilized. The good thing with these orders if the unit is the worst unit ever, you can drop off orders whenever you want unlike active duty.

I would try talking to your career planner prior to dropping off your 8 year obligation orders. You will have to submitt a package just as if you were reenlisting into the reserves its a lot easier to do when you have a unit to get stuff signed off on who actually knows who you are.