It is possible to return to military service after a discharge, a process known as re-accession or re-enlistment. This opportunity is not guaranteed and is highly contingent upon an individual’s specific background, the nature of their previous service, and the personnel requirements of the various military branches. The decision to accept a former service member depends on a careful evaluation of their historical records against the current demand for specific skill sets and experience. Successfully returning requires navigating administrative hurdles that differ significantly from the initial enlistment process.
Determining Prior Service Eligibility
The first step in seeking re-accession is establishing “Prior Service” (PS) status, which generally applies to anyone who has completed 180 days or more of active duty in the Armed Forces. Prior Service applicants compete for a limited number of specialized re-entry slots designated by each service branch. The applicant’s value is often weighed against the immediate need for their former Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or rating.
The time elapsed since separation also plays a significant factor in eligibility. For instance, the Air Force often limits its prior service recruits to those with a break in service not exceeding six years. Longer breaks often trigger additional reviews or may result in the loss of previously held rank or specialized qualifications, requiring the individual to retrain for a new role.
How Discharge Characterization Affects Re-Entry
The characterization of a veteran’s discharge is the most influential factor determining eligibility for re-entry. Only an Honorable discharge presents the least barrier to re-accession, indicating a service record that fully met the standards of duty performance and conduct. A General Discharge, issued under honorable conditions, is also considered but often necessitates a specific waiver.
Discharges characterized as Other Than Honorable (OTH), Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable are almost always automatically disqualifying. These discharges signify a severe failure to meet standards, making it exceptionally difficult to obtain the necessary eligibility waiver. The veteran’s only pathway back often involves first applying to a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) to formally upgrade the discharge characterization. For example, former service members can file a DD Form 293 to request a review if the separation occurred less than 15 years ago.
The process of upgrading a less-than-fully-honorable discharge requires demonstrating that the initial characterization was unjust, erroneous, or warrants correction. Veterans may have a strong case for an upgrade if their discharge was connected to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although a successful upgrade can restore eligibility, the administrative weight of the original discharge documentation remains a significant hurdle.
Navigating Service Branch Quotas and Requirements
Even with an Honorable discharge and a clean record, re-entry is fundamentally controlled by the fluctuating personnel quotas and specific needs of the individual service branches. Each branch—the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—maintains different policies regarding the number and type of Prior Service individuals they will accept in a given fiscal year. The Army has historically maintained more Prior Service quotas than the more restrictive Marine Corps or Air Force.
Current quotas prioritize applicants who possess certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) or ratings where the service is experiencing a shortfall. The Army publishes specific Prior Service Business Rules listing which grades and MOSs have vacancies or are open for retraining opportunities. If an applicant’s former job is not on the in-demand list, they may be required to retrain into a new specialty, determined by the service’s current manpower requirements. These service-specific policies are dynamic and can change rapidly.
The Process for Re-Enlistment or Re-Commissioning
The procedure for a veteran seeking to return to service is structured and begins with contacting a Prior Service Recruiter or an Officer Accession Officer. The applicant must compile a comprehensive packet that includes their DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and all performance reviews from their prior service period. This initial review focuses on the applicant’s Re-entry (RE) Code, which determines eligibility to rejoin, and their Separation Code, which specifies the reason for separation.
Following the initial eligibility determination, the applicant must undergo a medical screening at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to ensure they meet current physical standards. If any disqualifying conditions are identified, the packet must include a request for a waiver, which adds time and complexity. The final submission is then reviewed by a senior authority, who makes the ultimate decision based on both the applicant’s qualifications and the service’s immediate need.
Overcoming Common Personal Obstacles
Even when administrative records and quotas align, former service members often face hurdles related to their current personal status. Age limits apply to Prior Service applicants, and an age waiver is often necessary. Additionally, new medical conditions developed since separation, or pre-existing conditions that have worsened, must be disclosed and may require extensive medical waivers.
Physical fitness standards must be met, and applicants may be required to pass an Initial Fitness Test (IFT) during the screening process. Waivers for age, medical issues, or fitness are often approved only if the applicant possesses a highly sought-after former MOS or skill set. The applicant must demonstrate that they can immediately meet the physical demands of their intended role.
Returning as Enlisted Versus Returning as an Officer
A veteran’s path back into the military is significantly influenced by whether they seek to return as an enlisted member or an officer. Returning as an enlisted member means competing for specific Prior Service slots based on former rank and job, often retaining the rank previously earned. This process involves coordinating closely with a Prior Service Recruiter who manages the limited number of openings available for retrainees or direct-duty accessions.
Re-commissioning as an officer is a more selective and competitive process, often requiring a college degree and specific professional experience. An officer commission is an agreement to serve an Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO), and the application is reviewed by a separate selection board. Former officers who did not complete their initial service obligation may face additional scrutiny, as the path back requires meeting selective standards for age and physical fitness.