Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Air force

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/24/2009


Question
Hi,
My name is Kim and My husband was in the Air Force for 7 years. We had decided to get out 3 years ago because he was unable to keep his cjr and they wanted him to switch career fields. He worked guidance and control systems on C-17's first and then H-60 helicopters. We had a daughter and he was away a lot and decided we would become civilian. We miss it terribly and due to the economy we have been thinking about getting back in. He was an E-5 and we were wondering if we did get back in if he would be able to keep his rank and if he would still have his 7 years behind him or how it would change.

Thanks Kim

Answer
Hi Kim.  The good news is he will keep all his prior service time.  The bad?  The Air Force is VERY reluctant to 're-hire' former members.  He should talk to a recruiter, and I'd advise doing so after 1 October, because that will be the best time if they are taking people back in.  He may have to re-class (get another job) but he'll keep his rank.  

If that doesn't work, try the Air National Guard, if he wants to stay Air Force, or the Reserves.  They have the ability to perhaps put him on active duty orders.  Check with an Air Guard or Reserve recruiter for info on that.

Jason

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.