Reenlist after 9 years?

[AlohaBirk]

I'm considering reenlisting in the reserves after being discharged from active duty almost 9 years. I'm not wanting to waste the prior service recruiters time so what's anyones thoughts?

[iamspartacus]

How would you be wasting the prior service recruiter's time? That's his job. If people like you didn't go ask him questions there would be no need for prior service recruiters.

Having said that, you might have a tough time getting back in. I'm certainly no expert, but the word going around is it's tough for anyone trying to get in/back in the military right now.

[Tennessee Top]

Are you talking about reenlisting in the reserves or trying to go back on active duty?

If it's active duty 9 years is a long time. But, if that's what you want to do won't hurt to at least ask right?

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[AlohaBirk]

Let me refrase my question. I'm wanting to see if it's worth my time approaching a prior service recruiter about enlisting into the reserves. I've got a great job in the cillivian side so active is not an opition.

[Muztang11]

Go talk to him,You are well within age and service limits so its not a waste of time.They are really talking about changing the reserves up right now as far as amount of active time during the year so see if there is a place for you.

[cucinae5]

It is worth your time if you find the right prior service recruiter. Some will blow you off and some will give you the wrong information.

I had to deal with a PSR that had no interest in helping me. At that time I was off contract about 7 years. I am now off 9 and finally was able to get a PSR that is working his ass off to get me back in. I have a sponsor, did all my paper, physical, etc... As you go along you will find everything gets flagged or pushed back for some reason. My latest was they couldn't find my ASVAB scores. So I had to retake that. Funny because I haven't been to school in over 15 years and did better this time than back then. So now my scores have gone back to HQMC. The process is long.

All and all if you don't count the time I wasted a couple years ago with the other PSR with the current process it has been about 8 to 9 months.

Things that you will need or run into:

1. You have to find a unit for your MOS and they have to sponsor you.
2. Get your physical done by your Primary Doctor, don't go to MEPS. They will fail you.
3. If you have any records from your enlistment, get those together. If not, you will need your OMPF and can get that online.
4. Review the tattoo policy, if you have tats below your elbows you probably won't clear waivers.
5. Prepare yourself for the PFT and CFT. Odds are you won't take them prior to swearing in, but you still want to be ready for them in case they come back and require it as part of your package.
6. If you have any criminal record you will need all the documentation on that. That includes DUI's and etc..

Sorry for the long email, but I wanted to give you as much information as possible. If you have any more questions let me know and I will try to answer them for you.

Good luck!!

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Believe it or not, also consider the Air National Guard. Some good jobs out there and good benefits. You also don't have to kill yourself to get back into shape for the PFT/CFT, which can be difficult if you've not done a thing for 9 years.

[cplzeke0311]

You'll probably have much better luck if you can find a unit that has billets available for your MOS. The unit near me is a bulk fuel unit and my MOS is 0311. I submitted a PSMRP package and it got denied a few weeks ago due to lack of funds for MOS retraining. I started the whole process in September so it's been 8-9 months for me as well. I'm going to contact another PSR as the one I've been dealing with is going back to the Fleet and my package was denied before the budget was passed. Now that it's passed there may be some additional funds available. Cucinae5, did you EAS 9 years ago or were you off contract 9 years ago? I EAS'ed 11 years ago and was off contract 7 years ago so that may be another reason why my package was denied.. If you've been off contract for more than 3 years you will need an off contract waver, also.

[devilbones2]

cplzeke0311, I had the same issue with the retraining. The funds wont be available until October.

[cplzeke0311]

That's the same thing I heard. I'm going to try to submit another package sometime in August or early September. If that doesn't work out I'm probably going to look into the Air National Guard like Sgt Lep said. I'm afraid I'm starting to get too old for Marine Corps life.

[AlohaBirk]

Really information that had been brought up here. My MOS is a 0621, so communication is mostly needed through out the corps. My local units are a field artillery battery and a tow unit. Never thought of the air guard. My current cillivian job has a similiar job in the guard. So there alot to considered but thanks fellow Marines.

[Vandrel]

I did 9, got out and havn't looked back. Contractor life is good

[AlohaMarine]

Aloha, Birk.

[cucinae5]

I have been off contract since 2001. It seems HQMC tries to deny anyone trying to get back in for any reason. Unless you have a PSR that is really willing to put time and effort in you are screwed. Luckily for me mine seems to continue the fight. Two weeks ago he called me and told me they held my packet up because some paper had by GT score from my ASVAB below the required number. So of course I had to go retake the damn think all over again. Luckily for me I actually scored even hire than when i was in high school. It sucked because they couldn't find my scores in my record since it was so long ago.

But I got my new scores in about 2 weeks ago and now I am waiting again for word of approval. My PSR says it will be 2 to three weeks. This Thursday will be 2 weeks since submitting the scores.

So we shall see. The fight is ridiculous going back in. But don't give up.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Good.....keep us updated!