Have you recently separated from the military and had a change of heart? Have you been out of the service for a few years and miss the military lifestyle and benefits? Good news! You may not only be eligible to re-enter the military, but you may be able to change branches, come back in as an officer, or qualify for a reenlistment or enlistment bonus.
Who Qualifies as Prior Service?
Each branch of the military has its own guidelines for those who want to re-enter the military as a prior service member. Depending on how long your break in service was, whether you want to enter into a new career field, or if you want to switch military branches, you may have to attend basic training or an orientation program before you can rejoin the military.
Each service also limits the number of prior service enlistments (including Guard and reserve personnel who want to go active-duty) they allow annually. In most cases, you will have to enlist in the job you had at the time of separation, unless there are no active slots open. In this case, if you are allowed to re-enter the military, you can select another job that you are qualified to hold (based on your ASVAB line score).
Age Limits and Waivers
Federal regulations set the baseline maximum enlistment age at 42, but individual branches are able to set their own limits. If you are prior service, you may be able to add your prior years of service to the age limit.
- Air Force: 42
- Army: 42
- Coast Guard: 42
- Marine Corps: 28
- Navy: 41
- Space Force: 42
Reenlistment/Re-Entry (RE) Codes
Your military reenlistment code (RE) (Box 27 on your DD-214) is one factor in determining your eligibility to rejoin the military. Generally, if you leave with an RE-1, you face the least number of obstacles trying to rejoin. With an RE-2, you may have to meet certain conditions before being allowed to rejoin. RE-3 codes will need a waiver, and RE-4 means you are ineligible to reenlist or join another service without a special waiver.
Separation Code
Your separation code (Box 26 on your DD-214), along with your RE code and type of discharge (honorable, other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable), will let your recruiter know what you need to do to rejoin the military.
Break In Service Thresholds
There is no set legal time limit that stops you from rejoining the military, but each service will enforce limits for training, retraining, and rank retention based on how long your break in service is. Ultimately, being allowed to re-enter the military will depend on the branch, your RE code, your age, and the number of prior-service quotas the service is allotted.
Eligibility by Branch
Although each military branch has its own set of rules on who they consider prior service and what the requirements are to rejoin, there are some general rules.
Typically, if you completed basic training and technical school, and became fully qualified in your career specialty, you have a better chance at rejoining the military. However, if too much time has elapsed, you may have to go back to basic training, or requalify in your job, especially if you have changed career paths, or wish to transfer to another branch of the military.
For example, when re-entering the Regular Army (RA) or US Army Reserves, you are considered prior service if you have 180 days or more on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces. If you are a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) qualified soldier, you are considered prior service, no matter how long you served.
Army
For the Regular Army, the Prior Service Business Rules outline when and how a Soldier can reenlist and which MOSs are available. Factors like the length of your break in service, your last MOS, and the current needs of the Army will determine your eligibility.
If you want to rejoin the military as a member of the Army National Guard from any branch of the military, you will likely keep your rank, and continue to earn time in service towards retirement. Depending on availability, you will likely be able to keep your MOS, and depending on your MOS, you may be eligible for a prior service enlistment bonus of up to $20,000 for a six-year enlistment commitment.
If you are a currently serving enlisted member who moves directly into the Guard, you may also qualify for a bonus of up to $20,000, based on the length of your contract.
Navy
The Navy has a variety of opportunities for former service members.
If you are interested in joining the Navy Reserves, you must be 41 years old or younger, and able to complete 20 years of service by age 62 (officer age requirements may vary).
If you are a former sailor or enlisted member of another service, and are within six years of discharge, you will likely re-enter at your then-current rate/rank; otherwise, your pay grade may be modified based on the needs of the Navy.
If you were a commissioned officer, you may apply for a Naval Reserve direct commission.
You should check with your local recruiter to discuss requirements for your specific case.
Air Force
The Air Force welcomes all those who have serviced in the military, regardless of branch, to serve again. Typically, you will retain the rank you earned (or an AF equivalent), in a prior-service career field with the Air Force. If you were an Air Force officer, and want to rejoin as an officer, you must meet all eligibility requirements. The number of prior service slots changes based on the needs of the Air Force.
Age requirements are not concrete and vary depending on your career path.
Marine Corps
The Marines highly value and encourage prior service and reserve Marines to return to the active component. All prior enlisted Marines of any rank can apply for the Prior Service and Reserve Augmentation Enlistments Program (PSEP) through their local recruiter at any time. All applicants must be able to complete at least 20 years of service on or before they reach age 62.
If you currently have a fully Medically Ready status, you qualify; otherwise, you will need to complete a Report of Medical History. RE codes, other than RE-4 (which must be modified before consideration) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You should check with your local recruiter to discuss requirements for your specific case.
Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is looking for those who have prior service experience to help meet their current mission. You will enter with the rank and pay grade that reflects your service and expertise.
You may be eligible if you separated from the military within the past two years and have an RE code of RE-1 on your final DD-214, have at least four years, but no more than 14 years of service, and meet all other enlistment eligibility standards. If you are currently serving in a branch of the military and have an approved Conditional Release from Service (DD-368), you are also eligible to join the Coast Guard.
How to Re-enter the Military as a Prior Service Member: A Step-by-Step Process
To return to the military as a prior service member, you must confirm that you are eligible, pass a medical exam, and secure an available slot from the branch you wish to re-enter.
Because you are not considered a new recruit, the process depends on your previous military history and the current needs of your chosen branch.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Confirm your RE Code: Locate your RE code from Block 27 of your DD-214.
- RE-1 code allows reenlistment
- RE-2 and RE-3 usually require waivers
- RE-4 code typically disqualifies you from returning unless the code is amended by a review board.
Review your Separation Code: Block 26 on your DD-214 will show your separation code, indicating your type of discharge.
Verify your Military Age: Your military age is your current age minus the total years of prior active service. Your recruiter will tell you if you meet their adjusted age requirements.
Gather Documentation: Get together all documents that make your case. Make sure you have hard copies of your DD-214, NGB-22 (for prior service National Guard), past performance evaluations, and any other documents, like medical records, that will help bolster your re-entry package.
Step 2: Contact a Recruiter
Contact your local recruiter and let them know you want to re-enter the military as a prior service member. Traditional recruiters may not handle prior service applicants, so they may put you in touch with a recruiter specifically designated to handle prior service applicants.
Step 3: Submit Your Application and Paperwork
Provide your recruiter with the required documents, and they will confirm your military history and separation records.
Step 4: Apply for Waivers
If you need a waiver because of your age, medical issues, or RE code, your recruiter will submit it to the approving authority. This process may be lengthy, so be patient.
Step 5: Complete the Physical Exam or Screening
If you are given the green light to process, you will have to be medically qualified (height, weight, and medical standards) to serve. You will be told how thorough a physical examination you must complete.
Step 6: Verify Career Field
Your chosen branch will assess if your prior job experience translates to their current needs. If your previous military job is overstaffed, you may be able to choose a new career path, if the branch will still bring you on.
Step 7: Sign the Contract
Before signing your DD Form 4 contract and taking your Oath of Enlistment, your branch will verify your pay grade. Generally, you will re-enter based on your prior rank, time in grade, and time in service.
Common Reasons Prior Service Applicants Are Denied
Prior service applicants are denied the opportunity to re-enter the military for a variety of reasons, but primarily those related to eligibility issues:
- Prior Service Quotas: Returning veterans are not treated the same as new recruits, and may be denied because services are bound by limited slots for prior service.
- Rank and Career Field: If your previous grade or job does not align with current openings, you may be turned away.
- RE Code: If your RE code was 2, 3, or 4, you may be denied a waiver, especially if there was any history of poor job performance, suitability, or disciplinary issues.
- Unfavorable Administrative Separations: Discharge for misconduct, drug/substance abuse, or failure to meet weight standards requires specific waiting periods, and waiver approvals are typically denied.
- VA Disability: If you have a VA disability rating for a service-connected condition, it is difficult to meet the physical standards required for military service.
- Newly Documented Medical Conditions: Any newly surfaced medical conditions since separation may result in unsuccessful waiver applications.
FAQ
Can I rejoin the Army after five years?
Yes. There is no rule that automatically prevents you from returning after five years, but eligibility depends on your age, RE code, type of discharge, medical qualification, prior job, and the Army’s available prior-service slots. A longer break in service may require retraining, a new physical, or limits on retaining your former rank or specialty.
What’s the age limit to re-enter the military?
The maximum age varies by branch and component. Your prior service can affect how the service calculates your eligibility. In many cases, your years of prior service can extend your qualifying age.
Can I switch branches?
Yes. You may separate from one branch and apply to join another as a prior-service applicant, subject to the gaining branch’s needs. Your former rank may transfer, but it is not guaranteed.
Can prior service members receive bonuses?
Sometimes, but bonuses are never automatic. Eligibility depends on the branch, your career field, contract length, available funding, and the job’s current staffing need. Most enlistment and reenlistment bonuses go to new recruits and current active-duty or guard/reserve members.
Your best chance to get a bonus for rejoining the military is to go into the reserves or National Guard. Check with your local recruiter.
Check with your local recruiter for current prior service bonuses.
Will I have to repeat basic training?
Maybe. Depending on the branch, your prior training, and the length of your break in service, you may need refresher training, an orientation course, or, in some cases, repeat basic training.
Your recruiter can determine this only after reviewing your DD Form 214, service records, prior occupational training, and the gaining branch’s current accession policy.
Can I keep my previous rank and military job?
Probably. Most branches claim that you will retain your prior rank and time in grade; however, they can adjust rank based on time in service, time in grade, break in service, and the needs of the military.
You may be able to return to your former career field if it is available, you are still qualified, and if the branch you are returning to has a slot open. If you rejoin the military in a new branch, and the job does not exist or translate, you may have to retrain into another career field.
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