Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 9/3/2008

Question
Hello,
I read this on another question. I was curious to see if you had the regulations behind losing rank and going to basic. My roommate has about 17 years of service and reentered the Army recently as a specialist. I'm wanting to try to find a loophole for him in the regs. Thank-you for your time.

"Unfortunately, more than 3 years has passed since you last served.  You will most likely have to attend some version of basic training.  Also you may not get your rank back.  However, you should be able to get a rider on your contract to award you your rank at an advanced pace based on your performance in training."


Answer
Dear Jeremy --

I cannot fully answer your question because I do not know what you are trying to achieve.

If your friend has already entered the service as a specialist, his contract is signed and activated.  There is nothing he can do now to change it.

The Army accepts returning Soldiers and officers based on the Army's needs, not the Soldier's desires.  If the Army offered your friend the rank of specialist, and if your friend accepted it, the contract is done.

I have known Soldiers to return to service as privates when they really wanted to serve, but the Army did not need them at their former rank and occupational specialty.

Highly qualified recruits, based on education, or test scores, can get accelerated promotions, if they do well in basic training and advanced individual training.  The clauses for accelerated promotions must be in the original enlistment contract, they cannot be added after the fact.

Good luck to you and your friend.