Can You Rejoin the Military Years After Completing Your Service?

With the diverse landscape of the military, transitioning back into active service after completing your initial tour can be a complex but possible journey. This article explores the factors that influence your ability to rejoin the military and the steps involved in making that transition.

Factors Influencing Reenlistment

The decision to rejoin the military after completing your service is not a straightforward one. Several factors come into play, making or breaking your chances of re-entering this dynamic field. These factors include your discharge status, the time since your last service, the current needs of the military, and your physical and mental health.

Discharge Status

Your discharge status plays a crucial role in your re-enlistment prospects. If you were honorably discharged, your re-enlistment process might be more straightforward. However, if you were dishonorably or generally discharged, this could complicate matters, potentially leading to barriers in rejoining the military.

Time Since Service

Each branch of the military has its own policies regarding how long after your initial service you can reapply. Some branches have maximum time limits, while others might be more flexible. Understanding these timelines is vital to your success.

Current Needs and Opportunities

The military’s current personnel needs can significantly impact your ability to rejoin. If a particular branch or service is short on personnel, they may be more willing to accept former service members. Conversely, if there is an oversupply of personnel, your chances may be reduced.

Health and Fitness Standards

Maintaining or meeting current health and fitness standards is essential. These standards can change over time, and ensuring you are up to date with the latest requirements can increase your chances of reenlistment.

Reenlistment Process

The reenlistment process typically involves a review of your service record, interviews, and possibly retraining or requalifying for your military occupational specialty (MOS). It’s important to stay informed about the specific requirements of each branch and work closely with a recruiter to understand the process.

Notable Examples

Over the years, I have encountered several instances of military veterans successfully rejoining the military years after their initial tours. Here are a couple of notable examples:

Resuming Active Duty After Serving as a Major

One example is a Major who rejoined the military and became the Platoon Leader (PL) for a mortar platoon. He was a standout, as he consistently showed up with the platoon more often than any other PL I had served with. This high level of engagement and leadership was a testament to his dedication and experience.

Returning to Service After a Long Break

Another example is a Chief Warfare Officer (CWO5) who had a significant break in service. This individual served in Da Nang in 1965 and then rejoined the military in the late 1970s or early 1980s. By the late 1990s, he was attending NBCD (Nuclear Biological Chemical Defense) school at Marine Corps Air Base El Toro, which was shutting down at the time. His extensive experience and diverse service history made him a valuable asset to the military.

I have known many others who successfully re-entered the military after a significant break. However, these two examples are particularly notable due to their unique circumstances and exceptional contributions.

Conclusion

Rejoining the military after completing your initial service is a rewarding journey if you take the necessary steps and work closely with each branch's recruiters. Understanding your discharge status, time served, current needs of the military, and maintaining your physical and mental health are crucial.

If you are considering rejoining, contacting a recruiter from the branch you are interested in can provide specific guidance tailored to your unique situation. With the right preparation and a supportive network, you can make a successful transition back into the service.