Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/2/2008

Question
I'm interested in rejoining the Navy Reserve after I was honorable discharged a couple years ago.  I was training at Quantico with the FBI when I received a letter telling me to either affiliate with a drilling reserve unit or resign my commission.  Since I was at training, I did not promptly respond.  To my surprise, a couple months later I received my honorable discharge certificate.  

Is it possible for an officer to get back in after they resign their commission (or was resigned in my case)?  Of course, I'm specifically interested in the Navy.  I have no idea how to go about requesting this.

Thanks,
Bill

Answer
Dear Bill --

Yes, you can rejoin a service after an honorable discharge due to resignation of your commission.  However, the Navy does not have to accept you, if they do not have a current need for your specialty.  Further, they do not have to re-instate you to the rank you had at the time of your discharge.

Unfortunately, I do not have the details of how to regain your Navy Commission.  You can ask your question at this web-site:
http://www.navy.com/careers/officerplanner/

I wish you the best of luck.  Thank you for your service.