Prior service Marine returning to active duty questions

[gc5953]

I've read some of the other prior service threads and got some good info, but everyone's situation is a little different, so I thought I'd see what y'all think about mine. I've been wanting to return to active duty for a while - 32 years old, been out for 3 years. I had to lose a helluva lot of weight though.....my USMC max was 176 and when I started this I was 233. I didn't want to see a recruiter until I got close because honestly I didn't want to embarrass myself. I'm currently down to 181, so last week I dropped by the local recruiting office.

The Marines there were very supportive - one of them had broken time, too - but they told me that I have to get going ASAP as more and more MOS are being closed to prior service. My old MOS 5953 is already closed, so I'll have to lat move. I had a high ASVAB score and a RE-1A code, so no problems there. Right now, though, my PFT would suck - probably about 5 pu, 70 crunches, 25-26 min run. They told me, though, don't sweat it, just make weight and pass and I'll be fine. They said they could get me into MEPS as soon as I make weight and I'd probably be set to go in about a month to a month and a half, and that given my situation no one would expect me to be a PT stud right away, so long as I'm showing the extra effort to improve.

OK.....first of all, the Marine Corps I left a few years ago didn't make exceptions for anyone - I find it hard to believe anyone's going to cut me slack for a weak PFT. Especially since I'll be going back to a school command, where they usually cut less slack than in the fleet. Secondly, while I can make weight soon, I'm still not in what I would consider good physical shape. I've heard that the new fatboy rules say that you can get taped even if you make your weight, and right now I'm nowhere near 19%. I checked - I'm currently about 23. The last thing I want to do is get a black mark against me as soon as I get back in. Also, after reading a lot of threads here, it seems this process isn't nearly as quick or easy as they made it seem.

Basically, they're telling me just hurry up and get in now, because in a few months prior service is going to be out of luck. Are they right? Or should I hold out for a while until I'm better prepared? I've been dying to get back in, so I'm worried about the door slamming shut on me, but I want to do this right. I didn't make the most of my first enlistment, not even close - I dragged my feet on MCIs, was satisfied with a 230ish PFT, etc. I don't want to be that guy again, I want to be the outstanding Marine I was always capable of being. But I have to actually get IN first to do that.

[gc5953]

bump so perhaps someone with some insight might see it

[flyby]

I'd be really interested in how the process will go for you (as I am in the same boat but going Reserves). I spoke w/a PS Recruiter and I did not get a good vibe about the whole process. And to boot, the Recruiter did not seem all that motivated (like a regular recruiter would), funny, that being his/her job.
But I'm just starting the process anyway...

Good luck!

[Pengy6531]

Hope it works out for you. I'm going to be trying to get back in the next few months, so keep us posted. I think that we could all use the info, the way things change so much makes it hard to keep up sometimes.
Keep at it though. If they keep telling you to hurry, they might just be pushing you to get in, but I'm not sure what the current boat spaces are. I pulled up the MCO and MARADMINs earlier, and looked like they would have plenty of spaces for my MOS. But that was also at the beginning of FY09.
I know what you mean about dragging feet on MCI's and the PFT scores. I was about the same, but having gone where "the grass looks greener", I find myself wishing everyday I would have stayed.
Just remember to keep on it, look up some the MCOs and keep on top of everything as you go through the process.
Feel free drop me a line and I'll send ya what info I've dug up so far about getting back in.
Semper Fi

[flyby]

I too tried the 'other side'. Needless to say, it was not greener. I finished my reserve time, gave up a slot to flight school and got out. I contacted a Prior Service Recruiter and he read off a rack of items that I need. Apparently, coming back in from another service requires an additional waiver. And the recruiter made it seem that it would be an up hill battle to get into the reserves. It was not that hard to apply to and get accepted to OCS (although I never went). The recruiter sited MCO 1040R.35 as the order to follow for re-enlistment. However, that order is currently under review per HQMC. So, I do not know what, if anything that will mean. Perhaps, they are streamlining the process for prior service enlsitments? IMO, that is something the Commandant could do to 'leave his mark' on the Corps instead of touring around to show off a new 'Olympic Style' pt suit! Either way, OCS is still an option for me and I may persue that route if getting back in the Reserves proves impossible. Any thoughts?

v/r

-Christopher

[Supersquishy]

FLYBY If I had the oportunity to go to OCS to fly I'd do it if I were you. I did have that oportunity but not the flying part(eye sight), and thats another reason for me to get out; To get my Commercial/Instrument rating and fly for hire, I used the GI bil for that by the way. Now I look back few years ago and wonder sometimes when I came to that fork in the road what my life be like today If I went the other route....... P.S. OMPF came in today, going to hand deliver it to my PSR Tuesday!

[flyby]

I should have said, that I joined another service to go to flight school via W.O./O.C.S. Coming from Marine Aviation as an Avionics Technician, it was a real culture shock to see how the Guard/Army operated when it came to aviation. I could have went but thought that the 80 or so hours I would get annually to fly in the Guard just was not worth it to put up with the other things that went with it. So, giving that up, I am trying to get back in.

As a side note, I too have my private/working on Inst. & I flew almost twice as many hours last year as the Guard pilots in my unit.

[jcarter73]

GC5953... I have been in the PSEP process for a return to Active Duty since mid-February of this year. I'm in no way bashing your physical shape or PFT ability, but my Recruiter said that with my score (292) and past record in the Corps of PFT's (300's) will look favorable on my package being accepted. Not sure if he waas just saying that or not. What I have learned through out this process is the Recruiter really doesn't know much and has little impact on the process. They gather the information and submit it up to the District level. Once it leaves the Recruiter's office he can't check it's status or anything. During my broken time, I worked for the MCRC as a GS civilian employee, and a few of my contacts still work down there, so I've been able to track the PSEP package all along. My Recruiter has been blown away at the amount of tracking and info I've been able to garner as the months have past. Once you have that package submitted send me a PM and I'll give you the name and phone number of the contact there at MCRC, Quantico that can help you with updates on the status of your package. Believe me, it will keep you sain through a very trying process.

They do look at your past service record, awards, PFT's, Rifle Score's ETC... they only want to let the best back in, that being said, once that package leaves the District and is received at the Region you are pretty much in there. The Region doesn't really kick them back, that's the District's job.

In addition to the MEPS physical, you will need to run a full PFT for the Recruiter before the package is sent off. Obviously you want to shine as brightly as you can as you are competing for space.

Your record needs to be free of any NJP's or Courts Martial... no waivers given.

I am in my final stage of approval, as my package is with the Monitor section. I should be swearing in and signing my new contract this coming week.

So starting in mid-February and finishing up in mid-May is hardly a month is it...

The reason they are telling you to hurry up is the space is limited, but the good news is once October rolls around more space and more MOS's will open back up.

I've been training for 6 months, running, crunches, and pull ups to get myself back in Marine Corps shape to keep up with the youngsters at MOS school, as I too have to lat-move.

For the record, I'm 35 and have been out for 10 years. The only waivers I needed were for being out more than 3 years, and a tattoo waiver. I got both of my tattoo's during my first enlistment, and they were annotated on my exit physical. That said, for the PSEP package they will require a waiver for any ink on your body.

Please feel free to send me a PM with any questions you may have, as at this point I'm like an expert on PSEP packages... that and my former mos was ADMIN...

I know my way around the MCO's and have been a big help to my Recruiter in getting this package together and submitted.

Best of luck...

[sdm2841]

Corporal Carter -

Very interesting post. I started the ball rolling on a package last Sept, followed up every week or two with phone calls each time being told that my package had been "sent up" and I'd hear back in a minimum of three months. Finally in February the same Marine I'd been dealing with came clean with a sudden realization that my package had never been sent off. Evidently he'd emailed an RQS form to the wrong address and since I never got it the process just halted. I'm still trying to get movement on this. So far I've submitted an OMPF/MBS request, DD-214, Physical (paid for out of pocket), photo and an RQS. Does this documentation sound right or am I tracking a bad path?

Also, let us know how your story goes.

Semper Fi

[jcarter73]

sdm2841, sorry to hear of the rough time you are having with this process. So you are going back Reserve then? You need to stay on the recruiter, call every day. Visit the office and see what documents they have together. There is a PSEP checklist, you should see what they are missing and try to nudge the process along. You are probably still going to need a MEPS physical. Also you'll need to write a statement of why you want back in. Best to ask to see the PSEP checklist and see whats left.

I'm back in, as of May 13th...signed the re-enlistment and am now working at the local RS until my orders come down for MOS school.

[usmcthetop]

I hope all of you trying to get back in make it and have successful careers. I got out in 88 and was only out 6 months before I came back in. I retired 3 years ago now and I tell you the truth, if they would let me I would come back in as a Gy (retired a MSgt), and go to the drill field. I even thought about sending SgtMaj Kent an email and asking if he would let me but I figure right now he and I have a decent friendship (we served together a few times) so no need in ruining that.

But I sure wish I could

[DocGreek]

TOP...are you retired in Oki? If so...what's it like to live there?....DOC

[Supersquishy]

sdm2841, any new news yet?
JCarter73, Hows it going, any word with your ship date to MOS School, whats your feelings? Are you reviewing marching commands...LOL Because I bet your going to be doing that a lot in school since your NCO. I can't wait man. Still waiting for me to get package done. Will be bugging the PSR in a couple hours.......out

[usmcthetop]

TOP...are you retired in Oki? If so...what's it like to live there?....DOC


I am but I am moving back to the states in 3 weeks (Ky). I retired out of Hawaii in 06 and went to Ky then a former Regt CO of mine offered me my current job and so with the wife being from Oki we decided to give it a try. It has it's good points and bad as most places. I loved Oki when i was active, did the majority of my tour here in fact. It is just so congested now though and living on the economy has it's bad points. I'm not going to rule out never coming back, don't know why but I get the urge to move after 2 or 3 years at one spot..lol

[usmcthetop]

I didn't get that last msg edited soon enough. I am not leaving due to any negative feeling about Oki. I still love this place but I just feel it is time to give the states a shot. Since 84 I have only spent about 3 and a half years on conus, the rest of the time was Oki and Hawaii

[samthomas]

What happens to rank for PS going back in after a significant break in contract, or even completion of the original eight years; do you go back to step 1?

[jcarter73]

No word on a school date yet... have a meeting with the SgtMaj next week. He's going to call the Monitor for me, to see about getting me duty station orders in conjunction with school. Wanted Okinawa, but have been advised getting to either war zone can prove difficult from there. Leaning towards west coast now...

I'm pretty sure I'll be drilling the class to and from... but that's like riding a bike... you know?

I left first enlistment as a Cpl, and came back as a Cpl... they adjust your date of rank to the new enlistment date, but then when you reach the time in grade for Sgt, they add back in your prior years in rank.

[usmcthetop]

What happens to rank for PS going back in after a significant break in contract, or even completion of the original eight years; do you go back to step 1?


depends on what your rank was when you got out and how long you were out. I lost 3 years time in grade but returned with the same rank I seperated with. I know others who lost nothing and others still who were reduced 1 or 2 grades.

[samthomas]

Thanks. I was told by a PS recruiter four years ago that I would go back to PFC (I separated as a Corporal with four), so it is probably the same situation now. I have been out for going on 8 years.

[Supersquishy]

Funny thing is I still can log into the MCI online.....:D

[samthomas]

Funny thing is I still can log into the MCI online.....:D
Now enroll for a course, just for the fun of it.

[jarhead-0311]

I've read some of the other prior service threads and got some good info, but everyone's situation is a little different, so I thought I'd see what y'all think about mine. I've been wanting to return to active duty for a while - 32 years old, been out for 3 years. I had to lose a helluva lot of weight though.....my USMC max was 176 and when I started this I was 233. I didn't want to see a recruiter until I got close because honestly I didn't want to embarrass myself. I'm currently down to 181, so last week I dropped by the local recruiting office.

The Marines there were very supportive - one of them had broken time, too - but they told me that I have to get going ASAP as more and more MOS are being closed to prior service. My old MOS 5953 is already closed, so I'll have to lat move. I had a high ASVAB score and a RE-1A code, so no problems there. Right now, though, my PFT would suck - probably about 5 pu, 70 crunches, 25-26 min run. They told me, though, don't sweat it, just make weight and pass and I'll be fine. They said they could get me into MEPS as soon as I make weight and I'd probably be set to go in about a month to a month and a half, and that given my situation no one would expect me to be a PT stud right away, so long as I'm showing the extra effort to improve.

OK.....first of all, the Marine Corps I left a few years ago didn't make exceptions for anyone - I find it hard to believe anyone's going to cut me slack for a weak PFT. Especially since I'll be going back to a school command, where they usually cut less slack than in the fleet. Secondly, while I can make weight soon, I'm still not in what I would consider good physical shape. I've heard that the new fatboy rules say that you can get taped even if you make your weight, and right now I'm nowhere near 19%. I checked - I'm currently about 23. The last thing I want to do is get a black mark against me as soon as I get back in. Also, after reading a lot of threads here, it seems this process isn't nearly as quick or easy as they made it seem.

Basically, they're telling me just hurry up and get in now, because in a few months prior service is going to be out of luck. Are they right? Or should I hold out for a while until I'm better prepared? I've been dying to get back in, so I'm worried about the door slamming shut on me, but I want to do this right. I didn't make the most of my first enlistment, not even close - I dragged my feet on MCIs, was satisfied with a 230ish PFT, etc. I don't want to be that guy again, I want to be the outstanding Marine I was always capable of being. But I have to actually get IN first to do that.

what's up i am prior service 0311 i came back in jan 1st. of 08 after being out for 4 years the whole process tooka bout 2 months from the time i saw the recruiter to the time i had orders ...... i was not in the shape i was before but belive me the corps will get you back in shape if u want in you have to do it now like your recruiter told you, because the corps is meeting its recruting and re-enlistment numbers which is one of the reasons it is back to boatspaces for mos's even my field of 0311 is closed unless you go operational.....i starved myself when i went to meps so i could make weight and now a year later i am in good shape and within weight standards i am in afghaninstan which is a hell of diet also LOL.....also you should keep your rank but you will loose your time in grade ....good luck..

[samthomas]

what's up i am prior service 0311 i came back in jan 1st. of 08 after being out for 4 years the whole process tooka bout 2 months from the time i saw the recruiter to the time i had orders ...... i was not in the shape i was before but belive me the corps will get you back in shape if u want in you have to do it now like your recruiter told you, because the corps is meeting its recruting and re-enlistment numbers which is one of the reasons it is back to boatspaces for mos's even my field of 0311 is closed unless you go operational.....i starved myself when i went to meps so i could make weight and now a year later i am in good shape and within weight standards i am in afghaninstan which is a hell of diet also LOL.....also you should keep your rank but you will loose your time in grade ....good luck..

Good stuff. Had your original 8 year contract been completed when you went back in?

[Lush]

Hey guys and girls, I am in a similar situation and want to share the experience and pass on some info I didn't see mentioned on this thread yet.

I EAS'd January 08 as an E4 and was promoted to E5 in my final month. I have a great job outside the Corp but frankly its boring and I miss the my fellow Marines. About 6 months into the civilian world I went to a prior service recruiter who basically stood me up and wasn't even at the office when i went to meet him. Anyhow his MSgt picked up the ball (kind of) and basically just told me either you want in or you don't. So I tactfully explained I understand that there time is of utter importance but I would at the very least like to know my options (To include rank upon returning, MOS availability, duty stations, etc). Anyhow they werent really intent on explaining much to me. That left me slightly dissapointed and I decided maybe Im better off giving this civilian life a chance. 1 year and 6 months later (today) I decided I need to go back regardless of what they had to offer me and I was willing to basically settle on anything. My MOS (7041 Aviation Operations) is now closed for PSEP's however, Im willing to choose from the critical MOS list they provided me. So anyway, I went to the office basically for them to copy my DD214 and ship it to the Region office for approval. Honestly, I dont see why I couldnt just fax it in and save the trip to the office since I got no additional info out of it. Moot point, again I understand they have priorities and apparently we aint it. Fine, no love loss there. So now I am in the waiting phase for that to come back approved.

I just wanted to mention in the process of doing this I inadvertently contacted a Active Reserve recruiter who was very enthusiastic about what he does and seems more then willing to make something happen should I want to go that route. I know the Active Reserve material is covered in all the debriefing's and musters you may or may not go to. I damn sure have never payed attention. Anyhow after the recruiter explained everything to me it seems quite promising and may even be more my speed right now. Im going to meet with the guy tomorrow and basically my understanding of it right now is we work as active duty Marines but our overall goal is to prepare the reserve force as opposed to working directly in a active unit. That part isnt as ideal but the rest of the benefits and everything works the same. The advantage is they have more duty station options then the active units and almost every MOS is in demand to this day. The GySgt just emailed me a up to date list of the MOS availability. Just another option for anyone having a tough time going the active duty route... Might be worth checking out. Anyone intersted I will let you know how it goes tomorrow. Also anyone interested in either the active duty critical MOS list or the active reserve one let me know. I will be more then willing to forward it to you. The active duty critical list I have was sent out in March 09 and the active reserve one was just updated today. I am very impressed with this active reserve GySgt helpfulness when compared to the PSEP guys. Maybe its just the location I am at though. Im was not asking for a miracle I was simply looking for guidance.

R/
Lush

[Petz]

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78160

thread full of info

[samthomas]

active duty critical MOS list or the active reserve one let me know

I am interested in both of these lists.

[Petz]

active duty is closed for this year

june 1st was the cut off

[Supersquishy]

Going for the Physical the end of this week. Thats my update:thumbup:

[Petz]

your package was submitted before yesterday is my guess... you should be fine, but keep in mind that they are thinking of you as if you were there for the first time... the docs are trying to disqualify you... they aren't looking at past military medical records.

[Shaded07018]

Okay, so I want to go back in. However, I was seperated from active service via <br />
terminal leave in '04. So, I've completed all of my inactive/ reserve time. <br />
I was discharged honorbly as an E4. But,...

[Petz]

a good thing for you would be the Lat Move afforded you by going to a PSR... then when you apply for active duty down the road you can possibly keep that MOS... problem is, if you have issues getting back on contract in the reserves you'll pass over oct 1st with your new MOS school then you'll have a hard time getting a conditional release so your recruiters can work with you from your chain of command.

It all depends on what kind of time frame you are looking at.

also, go in as any MOS but go for the MarSOC... they will be like infantry but better and you'll have an MOS to go home to when you don't like it anymore...

Motor T maint is sweet.....

[samthomas]

Isn't there a deadline on retaining your rank? That is a long time to be out, and go back in at the same rank.

[Shaded07018]

That is what I originally thought as well Samthomas... But according to the local psr, the MC can't take that rank, nor Ssgt. away because they are the beginning ranks of NCO/ SNCO.

If I had gotten out as an E3, I'd probably keep that.. or lose the cross rifles...

But, if I had gotten out as a Sgt., I would most likely lose a stripe and go in as a Cpl..

But, that's what I've been TOLD. Who knows what will ACTUALLY happen.

[Shaded07018]

....I've thought about it, researched it... I don't quite understand what the new fiscal year has to do with my psr's and contract status.

Can you explain again barney style please?

MarSoc is much easier said than done. But then again, I guess I have 7 months to train for it... Ehhh...

[Shaded07018]

....I don't believe 30 months is enough to train for MarSoc.

[Kinch0811]

My recruiter I'm working w/ on getting back to active said this October the Corps will no longer accept PSEP's because the Corps is overstaffed and recruiting quotas are always filled/exceeded.
Has anyone heard anything on this??
Semper Fi

[Petz]

fill out your profile private... then read the forum rules and maybe your question will get answered.

[Kinch0811]

Done

[Petz]

their quotas mean nothing in the grander scheme of the Corps. The message said as of Oct 1st they will open up PSEP packages and Marines will have to compete for those openings. I would suggest you get your package together now so it can be submitted Oct 1st. you will need to goto meps, get things ok'd and other such things that pertain to you.

stick with it and you will get your reward.

don't let your recruiter tell you he has no time or slots for you... you are not taking a poolees job.

[Shaded07018]

Very well.. Thank you for this advice. I'll get on the ball w/ it.

[DocGreek]

FOUR FVCKING PAGES OF THIS SH!T???? WHAT THE FVCK??? Take our advice...for what it's worth....ZIPPO...and get on with your FUN...in The Corps!!!!.....DOC

[Supersquishy]

their quotas mean nothing in the grander scheme of the Corps. The message said as of Oct 1st they will open up PSEP packages and Marines will have to compete for those openings. I would suggest you get your package together now so it can be submitted Oct 1st. you will need to goto meps, get things ok'd and other such things that pertain to you.
.

Is there a difference between Reserve and AD with regards to the PSEP packages? If so maybe going reserves then augmenting over to the AD side would help with fellow Marines?

[mamacrane2]

Ok, I know the answer is probably talk to a recruiter, but just looking for some advice here first I guess. I got out in 2004 honorably w/ an re-4 code on my DD-214. Am I still eligible to get back into the Marines?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.

[Supersquishy]

Ok, I know the answer is probably talk to a recruiter, but just looking for some advice here first I guess. I got out in 2004 honorably w/ an re-4 code on my DD-214. Am I still eligible to get back into the Marines?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.

RE-4- Not recommended for reenlistment
Plus they are not accepting any waivers at this time.

[ritter]

I have been dealing with SSgt. Gordon who is the prior service recruiter for Oregon and Alaska. He is probably one of the best prior service recruiters out there due to the fact that he will talk to anyone concerning their options regardless of where the Marine lives. His contact information is 503-286-3962 and he looks forward to speaking with anyone interested in returning to active duty or the reserves. If he was able to get me back in he can get anyone in and just for everyone’s information it took me two years and 4 months to come back.

[SgtCherry]

GC5953... I have been in the PSEP process for a return to Active Duty since mid-February of this year. I'm in no way bashing your physical shape or PFT ability, but my Recruiter said that with my score (292) and past record in the Corps of PFT's (300's) will look favorable on my package being accepted. Not sure if he waas just saying that or not. What I have learned through out this process is the Recruiter really doesn't know much and has little impact on the process. They gather the information and submit it up to the District level. Once it leaves the Recruiter's office he can't check it's status or anything. During my broken time, I worked for the MCRC as a GS civilian employee, and a few of my contacts still work down there, so I've been able to track the PSEP package all along. My Recruiter has been blown away at the amount of tracking and info I've been able to garner as the months have past. Once you have that package submitted send me a PM and I'll give you the name and phone number of the contact there at MCRC, Quantico that can help you with updates on the status of your package. Believe me, it will keep you sain through a very trying process.

They do look at your past service record, awards, PFT's, Rifle Score's ETC... they only want to let the best back in, that being said, once that package leaves the District and is received at the Region you are pretty much in there. The Region doesn't really kick them back, that's the District's job.

In addition to the MEPS physical, you will need to run a full PFT for the Recruiter before the package is sent off. Obviously you want to shine as brightly as you can as you are competing for space.

Your record needs to be free of any NJP's or Courts Martial... no waivers given.

I am in my final stage of approval, as my package is with the Monitor section. I should be swearing in and signing my new contract this coming week.

So starting in mid-February and finishing up in mid-May is hardly a month is it...

The reason they are telling you to hurry up is the space is limited, but the good news is once October rolls around more space and more MOS's will open back up.

I've been training for 6 months, running, crunches, and pull ups to get myself back in Marine Corps shape to keep up with the youngsters at MOS school, as I too have to lat-move.

For the record, I'm 35 and have been out for 10 years. The only waivers I needed were for being out more than 3 years, and a tattoo waiver. I got both of my tattoo's during my first enlistment, and they were annotated on my exit physical. That said, for the PSEP package they will require a waiver for any ink on your body.

Please feel free to send me a PM with any questions you may have, as at this point I'm like an expert on PSEP packages... that and my former mos was ADMIN...

I know my way around the MCO's and have been a big help to my Recruiter in getting this package together and submitted.

Best of luck...
Going through the process right now, my package is at Region and I'm awaiting a thumbs up or down from them. I've been working on this for quite sometime. Began 6 Jan 2010 to be exact. Obviously had to wait due to FY10 PSEP order. Recruiters, and MEPS dragged their feet, and displayed an incompetence abbreviated with my favorite four letters GAFF. I just hope Region doesn't subsrcibe to this four letter creo as well.

Any info of what I should expect next..

[Huntley2336]

I'm going through this process right now. My PSEP Package is at the District level at the moment. On Oct 1st I have to go see the X.O of the San Diego recruiting office for an interview before they endorse my package and send it on up. Being an EOD Tech in the reserves right now I'm hoping everything goes well. As part of the package I even put in a copy of the email traffic between my Gunny and the EOD monitor. The monitor says he'll take me just as long as this get's sent up and according to the Marine Corps Times there's still plenty of boatspaces left. :yes: *crosses fingers*