Infantry vet wondering about re-enlistment.

[Gunni101st]

Hi, I have been dreaming about going back in the military for 10+ years. I got out of the 101st ABN in 2004 after going to Iraq in '03. I've missed it every day. So I just recently spoke to my battalion commander on FB. He said he would write a recommendation letter for the recruiter. He was an O-5. I currently am 60% service connected but not for anything physical. What are my chances of getting back in? I spoke to a recruiter a couple years back. He said I would have about a 20% chance of going back in. This was before I knew about the letter.

 

[DocIllinois]

The recruiter and MEPS will have the best current picture of what the needs of the DoD are concerning prior enlisted entering the career field you're wanting, or the Army altogether.

It sounds like you're ok with hoop jumping, which is a plus.

Be warned, the Infantry suck can be even suckier in your 30s if you're desiring that job again.

 

[compforce]

BTDT... Infantry from 86-91, break in service, Signal 2005-2012.

Long story short, I tried to go back active from 1999-2004 (age 30-34). Any medical waivers have to go through the Surgeon General of the Army's office. You are allowed to reapply one year after you are turned down. I had a TON of letters of recommendation including an O-6 and the (at the time) Commander of the 82d Airborne Division Association. I was also a personal friend of the CSM at USAREC. None of that matters until you get the reason for that 60% waived. It's a long haul for sure, be ready for a lot of rejection. Have your paperwork really squared away before you try.

Ultimately I went the National Guard route as a last gasp and got the med waiver approved. If I were to recommend anything, I'd suggest trying the active route once. If you don't get the waiver, try the National Guard. I'd hate to see you wasting the time reapplying for AD for years like I did. The declination goes in your record and each time you try again, they look back and say "this has already been declined, what's changed?...nothing, OK, nope!"

 

[Gunz]

I feel your pain, bro, and wish you well. If you've been dreaming about getting back in then you better go full bore and try to do it or you'll regret it to your dying day. You may not be able to pull it off, or you might have to settle for something less than your original goal. But give it everything you've got.

 

[DA SWO]

60% for mental is not (IMO) conducive to re-entry.
You'll have to prove that behavior health issue has cured or reduced itself to a non-issue.
Good luck.

 

[Red Flag 1]

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