Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/12/2010

Question
I was a YN2(SS) and discharged after 7 years with an honorable discharge. I am 37  and interested in re-enlisting in the Coast Guard. Can I, what are the limitations and will I loose a pay grade?

Answer
Dear Stephen --

If you have an honorable discharge, you should be able to re-enlist in your service -- IF they have the need for your skills at your discharge pay grade.  If they do not, you will have to re-classify, and doing so could require you to accept a reduction in grade until you have completed your training, and served at least a year in that specialty.

If you have been out of the service more than three years, you will likely lose a paygrade also, but it is determined case by case.  You will have to go through military refresher training if you have been out more than three years.

To re-enlist you will have to, once again, meet all the enlistment standards for health, fitness and morality.  Since you served seven years honorably, the maximum age at which you can re-enlist is 49, so you are age eligible.

The biggest factor will be "Does the Coast Guard need your skills?"  The Coast Guard can be highly selective since so many young people want to join.

Please write back, if you have additional questions. Good luck to you and thank you for your service.