How to Join the Army With Prior Service
- 1). Ensure all eligibility requirements for prior service enlistment are met. In order to qualify as a prior service enlistee, an applicant must have at least 180 days of service on active duty or be fully qualified in a military occupational specialty. Note that applicants must be young enough that, once the number of years they served in the military is subtracted from their actual age, they must not be over 42-years-old. Reenlistment in the Army also requires that prior service applicants were originally discharged under amicable circumstances.
- 2). Visit with an Army recruiter. Before meeting with the recruiter, obtain a copy of the DD Form 214 received upon discharge form the military. This will serve as proof of prior service.
- 3). Discuss pay and rank issues with the recruiter. According to AR 601-210, those enlisting who previously held the grade of E-1 to E-4 are eligible to retain their former rank. Those ranked E-5 or higher, meanwhile, can reenlist at their former rank if it has been less than two years since they were discharged. Otherwise, they will be reduced in rank by one grade due to excessive time away from the service.
- 4). Undergo another entrance physical at a Military Entrance Processing Station. All prior service applicants must redo this physical in order to ensure that they meet medical standards, unless they have a current physical from another service or as a member of the Army National Guard or Reserve.
- 5). Reenlist in the Army. Note that in, in most cases, a prior service candidate will be reenlisted in their previous military occupational specialty.
- 6). Proceed to the Warrior Transition Course, which is the equivalent to Basic Combat Training (BCT) for prior service enlistees. Note that only those enlisting that have not completed the BCT with either the Army or the Marine Corps are required to enroll in WTC. Those who have, meanwhile, do not need to attend.
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