Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/re enlisting after 6 years seperation

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/21/2009


Question
Hi, my husband is thinking about rejoining the military.  He served for 8 years in the USMC and was honorably discharged in December 2003 as an E-5 with 4 years time is grade. He is now 33.  Would it be possible for him to rejoin?  Would he lose his ranking?  What would be the process to rejoin?

Thank you,
Lisa

Answer
Lisa,
He's in luck.  The normal age limit for the USMC is 28.  But if you have prior service, the age limit is extended 1 year for each year he served.  So 28 + 8 = 36.  His new age limit is 36.

Normally he will be reduced in rank by only 1 grade, so he would reenter as a Corporal.

All he needs to do is go see a USMC recruiter and start the re-enlistment paperwork.  He should go soon as the quota for his category of re-enlistments is small.

I wish you both well,
Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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