Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/7/2007

Question
I was an Army National Guard officer who was in the IRR and then resigned my commission. I am considering rejoining and want to find out my options. I am 44 and know about the age requirement. I meet the h/w requirements and can pass a PT test. When I enlisted I was trained as a 13B Field Artillery fire direction control. After ROTC commissioning I was a Combat Engineer Officer. I have a Masters degree in public administration and a civilian career as a Information Technology Director. My questions are what options do I have for active duty? Must I enlist or is there another option? Do I have a choice in specialty?  Is this even possible?

Answer
Dear Jay --

You should be able to get your commission reinstated if you resigned at the rank of Captain or lower.  The Army needs mid-rank officers right now.  You need to find the right recruiting office to work with you to determine the best path for you to re-enter the service.

You might have to enter into a different specialty (shortage specialty) and attend their career course to retrain you.

If one recruiting office will not work with you, try another.  Some offices are more willing to make the extra effort to work with someone to get them back into the service.

Good luck to you.