Not too serious at this point but the thought has crossed my mind. I got out in 1987 and have always regretted it. I’m not finding a lot of stuff online on this, anyone got a link or advice?, I’m really just looking for the facts right now. btw USN if it matters and an honorable discharge.
There should be a local prior service recruiter. You can contact the local recruiting office and they should have contact information for you.
You’ve been out 20 years? I know they raised the max age recently, but I’m curious why you’d want to re enlist in what I would consider a younger man’s job (not that you are not physically it). Lots of other Fed jobs where you could use your military training.
Hadn’t decided to re-enlist just yet, just really dissatisfied with my current lot in life and am exploring options. It does appear i am too old for the USN to take me back. Also my military job doesn’t translate into anything I would want to do in civilian life. I probably need to look at the government job boards also.
You might consider the guard or reserves. I think they are a little more flexible on age restrictions. Once you get in you can apply for full time positions locally or world wide. Some of the local positions you are actually a GS, but still wear your uniform.
Ive been out for along time 1981 USN, and there were times when I had the feelings you are expressing,you need toget on your bike now and do a 100 miler.Just kidding but nothing like a bike ride to open your mind.You dont sound that old , how about schooling , new trade, follow your heart. God speed
I am guessing the local recruiting office would love to talk to you. I am further guessing the USN would consider you to be a pretty valuable commodity.
Knock on their door and let us all know how it goes.
Always pursue your passion. You live in a country that allows you to do, largely because of our military. If it is what you want to do, get out there and do it.
You sound like me and a lot of my buddies from active duty in the Army. We all got out, and are now all back in the Guard or Reserves (well, 1 to go, and he’s thinking of returning to active). The military life pulls at you, doesn’t it? Like others said, talk to a recruiter. You can definitely make it advantageous to you- if there’s a job where the military is short, and it interests you, you can often snag some pretty good bonuses. Depending on the state, the education benefits can be outstanding. Do it for the right reasons, and good luck.
Actually tried talking to the local office a year and a half ago, basically they brushed me off. I have since learned that re-enlists don’t count towards their quota, nor do they get a bonus for enlisting us. I am gonna try getting some info from emailing another office.
Jim,
My wife and I have some friends who were in the army as nurses. They were honorably discharged at the end of their stints at the time (early 90’s). They both worked in local hospitals and finished their bachelor’s degrees (BSN’s). They both were involved in the active reserves 9 (or whatever they call it). After 9/11 they both left their hospital jobs and reenlisted accepting commissions. They have been in Germany ever since. We know them primarily because my wife and the woman finished their BSN’s together. Carol (she outranks her husband Harold) actually accepted a promotion since that required her to do an 8 month stint in Iraq. She is back in Germany now though. They are always writing fun e-mails about the stuff they are doing.
For what it’s worth, they seem to think that it was a great decision, and it doesn’t seem like they would have done anything different. Thank God for people like that.
Bernie
Always pursue your passion. You live in a country that allows you to do, largely because of our military. If it is what you want to do, get out there and do it.
Good advice Art. I see evidence of that everyday now, and you are spot on.
Jim,
If you’re dissastified with your current life, getting back into the Navy might not make it better. I got out in mid 2000 after 6 years - I would do it all over again if I had the chance. But I can’t imagine elisting would make my quality of life better. I had a pretty decent Naval life too, IC2sw, nice ship (DDG63 USS Stethem), nice shop, good buds. But it’s the away from family stuff that wore on me after a while. I didn’t have kids when I was in, not sure you do now, but i couldn’t do a deployment now, away from them. Couple weeks sure, 184 days, nooooo.
Although, I do miss being out at sea. That was the best, no land, great air…(not kidding either) good stuff.
Someone here said it. Check out the USA Jobs, there’s always a huge list. And your time counts.
Good luck in what ever you do.
Scott
And your time counts.
After you buy it back. I think it is 3% of your income while on active duty, and you can pay it off over 3 years.
So, if got a gov job, my 6 years counts, but i have to pay for my time?
Scott
That is correct.
Jim,
I wouldn’t enlist in the Reserves or NG, it’s been my perception they have poor leadership. It could be tough for you being older and not being able to deal with the BS.
The Army has ships however the Army even has joint ships with the Navy http://www.eustis.army.mil/ocot/MQD.htm It is set up more in line with the Merchant Marine than the Navy. Two MOSs Engineer and Deck depending on your rate in the Navy you should qualify for one of the positions. You also keep your time and sea pay however you are gone quite often just like the Navy.
If you would rather stick with the Reserves depending on your qualifications you could apply to be a Warrant Officer. The Army’s ships are all commanded by Warrant Officers. Being a Warrant would probably be better in the Reserves.
I’ll have to check that out, I wasn’t aware of that and as luck would have it my former rating was deck, BM to be exact. I was thinking of re-enlisting and getting into another MOS as I’m not sure i want to go back to being a deck hand.
Interesting. Heck, I thought I already did pay for the time.
A Bos’n Mate would be a good fit for a deckie however deckie’s on the Army Vessels do much more than deck hand work. They also help with fire, celestial navigation, quartemaster work and communication. The Army puts about 32 soldiers on a 300 foot vessel where the Navy would put about 100.
Here is a link to an article I found that might be useful to you. It’s the Army experimental vessel. It’s a Bos’n Mate’s dream no painting. http://www.penfed.org/usawoa/TSV-1X.htm
Good Luck
Interesting. Heck, I thought I already did pay for the time.
The retirement systems are different, so you are basically buying into FERS by paying the additional 3% of you salary that you didn’t pay while you were in the military. For most, the amount is pretty small, and for all, it is well worth it.