Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/24/2009

Question
MY HUSBAND SEPARATED FROM THE U.S. NAVY ON MARCH 31, 2008.  IT HAS ALMOST BEEN ONE YEAR AND WE HAVE DISCUSSED HIS REENLISTMENT.  CAN HE ENLIST IN THE NAVY AND BE ABLE TO OBTAIN HIS SAME RATE AND RANK WITH OUT HAVING TO GO BACK TO A SCHOOL OR ANOTHER TYPE OF TRAINING?  AND IF SO DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG THIS PROCESS WOULD TAKE?

Answer
Heather,
Yes, in all likelihood he can if his discharge orders say he's eligible.  Have him look at his DD214 form.  Down at the bottom is a block containing his reenlistment code.  It should say something like RE-1A, or something that starts with the letters RE.  RE-1 is great, it means he can re-enlist with no restrictions.  RE-2 and RE-3 means he can re-enlist but may need a waiver or have some restrictions.  RE-4 means he was a bad boy and they don't want him back.  Exactly, it means "not eligible to reenlist in the Navy, nor join another service."

If he is eligible, he needs to talk to the recruiter NOW !  If he applies before 31 March he's safe.  Most Services have a 1-year deadline.  Also, the Navy will reduce him in rank by one grade.  The Navy recruiter will send his application to the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tenn.   Once a month, the command reviews all applications and makes their decision.

They may or may not put him in his old job, it depends upon how many people they have in that career field right now.  If he gets to stay in the same career field he won't have to go to technical school over again.  If he wants to enter another career field of course he'll have to be trained in it.  If the Navy won't let him reenlist in his career field because it's overmanned, he can increase his chances if he's willing to convert to an undermanned rating.  The recruiter can tell him what's currently undermanned.

He may also be qualified for a reenlistment bonus.  Right now the Navy’s reenlistment offerings are broken down into three maximum award levels, $45,000, $60,000 and $75,000.  Most skills are in the $45,000 range.

I wish you both lots of luck and thanks for wanting to continue being a military family.
Colonel H