Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 7/11/2009

Question
I am 40 spent 2 years active navy, went in open contract struck out of deck into gunner's mates got O.J.T but no school, counselor aboard ship if I didn't re-enlist he wouldn't let me take the 3rd class test so I got out unrated. then did 3 years reserves, But in the 3 years it was either didn't have the money or the school was full so again didn't go to school. now I've been in the national guard for 2 years and just went to supply school and have realized wether it the navy reserves or the national guard it's not the same as active duty can I still get in or am I too old ?

Answer
You have to ask your unit that question. National Guard has to release you and then Active Army has to accept you in order to make the transition. There is a formula that a personnel clerk or recruiter could give you as to how much your prior service counts towards lowering the age of enlistment, but I'm fairly sure the max is 42 so you're ok. You just have to go through the process of getting called to Active Duty and staying there. Your NG personnel clerk or chain of command would be far better versed in that than I.