Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Age Waivers / DD 214 Question

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/18/2009


Question
I was in the Air Force way back in the early 1980's and unfortunately was too young and dumb (and in love) to complete my first 180 days of service and my DD Form 214 says I have a General Discharge with service less than 180 days.  I have often regretted what I did and now I am 45, intelligent, college educated and wondered and wondered if there was a possibility that I could rejoin the military.  I have taught school and have a great resume of things I have done since I left the Air Force.  If I could not go back into full time service...could I go into the Guard?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Cheri,
You make me sound old when you say "way back in the 1980's" :-)  Unfortunately you're over the age limit for any Service, even the Army Guard (their limit is the highest at 42).  Have you considered Federal Civil Service?  They're in all the Services working right alongside military folks, even overseas, the only difference is they don't wear uniforms.  Also, the good thing about it is military veterans get priority in the hiring system.  You're a military veteran even if you only spent one in the military.  You can't beat a steady government paycheck.
It may be worth your while to check into it at:  http://federaljobs.net/
Best of luck in whatever you choose, and thanks for wanting to serve your country in uniform.
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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