How to Join the Army With Prior Service

Soldiers with previous Army experience are eligible for special benefits.

The United States Army has special provisions outlined in Army Regulation (AR) 601-210 for the enlistment of soldiers with prior military experience. Enlisting as a prior service applicant is much different than joining with no military experience and separate requirements are to be met during the recruitment process. Meeting these requirements, however, ensures that prior service applicants are eligible for specific benefits. These include the ability to join at their previous rank or pay grade and within their previous career field.

Things You'll Need

• Latest copy of DD Form 214

Instructions

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.

Tips & Warnings

• The Army offers a number of bonuses to prior service enlistees that depend on highly specific criteria. These are outlined in AR 601-210. Ask the recruiter about qualifying for one of these bonuses.

• Soldiers are assigned a reenlistment code upon separation from any branch of the armed forces. This code reflects the terms on which the service member left the military and, if negative, can greatly effect a prior service candidate's ability to reenlist. Note this reenlistment code on the DD Form 214 and, if needed, inquire about receiving a waiver to reenlist.

References

• U.S. Army: Army Regulation 601-201