What Happens When You Leave the Military but Want to Rejoin Later?

Leaving the military and later wanting to rejoin can be a complex process. Various factors like your discharge status, time since separation, and current military needs will play a significant role in your ability to re-enlist. This article explores these factors in detail to help you understand the process and what to expect.

Factors Influencing Military Re-enlistment

Several key factors will influence whether you can rejoin the military after leaving:

Type of Discharge

Your discharge status is one of the most critical factors. Depending on whether it is honorable, general, other-than-honorable, or dishonorable, your eligibility to re-enlist will vary. An honorable discharge allows for easier re-enlistment, while a dishonorable discharge may permanently bar you from rejoining the military.

Time Since Separation

The amount of time that has passed since your separation from the military can also impact your eligibility. Many branches have specific time limits, often up to a few years, during which you can re-enlist without requiring a waiver. However, in case of certain circumstances, a waiver may be necessary to meet these time constraints.

Re-enlistment Process

The re-enlistment process involves several steps that you must follow:

Application

You will need to submit an application to rejoin the military. This is the first step in the re-enlistment process, and it’s essential to gather all the necessary documents and information before applying.

Evaluation

After submitting your application, you will need to undergo a physical examination and background checks. These evaluations are necessary to ensure that you meet the health and security requirements of the military.

Waivers

If you have any issues such as a prior discharge status or the time since your separation, you may need to apply for waivers. Waivers are special permissions granted to individuals with certain limitations, allowing them to potentially overcome obstacles in the re-enlistment process.

Current Needs of the Military

The demand for personnel in your specific field or branch at the time you wish to rejoin will also play a crucial role. Certain skills or qualifications may make you more desirable to the military. The military’s current needs will heavily influence whether they are willing to re-enlist you or not.

Training and Rank

Depending on how long you have been out of the military and any changes in military standards, you may need to complete additional training. Furthermore, the rank you held previously may not be immediately reinstated. This depends on the military branch and its current staffing needs.

Exceptions and Special Cases

There are certain exceptions and special cases regarding re-enlistment. For instance, medical discharges have some conditions that are waivable for re-entry, provided they have been resolved. Additionally, some service members who complete their active duty obligations, get discharged and then decide to go back, may face challenges due to the military's needs at the time they wish to rejoin.

It’s important to note that failing to complete your active duty service obligation is generally a bar to re-enlistment, unless there are specific exceptions.

Conclusion

If you are considering rejoining the military, contact a recruiter for the specific branch you are interested in. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information and guide you through the re-enlistment process.

Understanding the factors that influence re-enlistment can help you determine your feasibility to return to active duty. Whether you completed your service time or left early, these factors will play a crucial role in your ability to rejoin the military.