Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Rejoining the airforce...

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/25/2009


Question
Actually my question is can I join the airforce?  I was in the Navy 98-02, Honorably discharged after four year term as an E4 EM (Electricians Mate).  I'm 29 years old, same great shape no criminal BG or drug use.

Answer
Paul,
You waited a little too long.  According to the regs, "A prior-service applicant must not have a break in service exceeding 6 years."  The Navy also won't take you back because their regs state no more than 5 years break in service.  Things change rapidly, especially in your career field, so it costs them too much to retrain you.  Sorry if that's not the answer you wanted to hear.

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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