Can Someone Rejoin the US Navy After Leaving?

Reenlisting in the US Navy after leaving it can be a complex and often challenging process. The success largely depends on the nature of your discharge. If you received a general under other than honorable conditions, an other than honorable discharge, a bad conduct discharge, or a dishonorable discharge, reenlisting may not be possible. However, if you feel unfairly discharged, there is a process called the Board for Corrections where you can have your case reviewed, though the chances of success are very rare.

No

If you were kicked out for a specific reason, the military does not want you back, and other branches of the US Military will likely not accept you either. This attitude stems from the belief that the discharge was justified, and new opportunities in the civilian world are preferable.

Special Considerations

I am not certain about the current policies as I retired from the Navy over two decades ago, but during my time, I saw many people from all branches of the military who had served and decided that life in the civilian world did not meet their expectations. They chose to rejoin. These individuals had to go through a condensed version of boot camp, focusing more on classroom instruction and further training rather than full boot camp procedures.

Conditions for Reenlistment

If you had an honorable discharge, reenlisting might be possible, but age plays a significant role. Historically, the age limit used to be 36, though there might be some flexibility in terms of age if joining the reserves. The reenlistment decision also depends heavily on your RE code on your DD-214, which provides relevant details about your service. Additionally, any medical or ethical changes that occurred during the time you were out of service could impact your eligibility.

Conclusion

Reenlisting in the US Navy is not a straightforward process and is heavily dependent on the circumstances of your previous discharge. If you have the right conditions, such as an honorable discharge and are under the age limit, you may have a chance to rejoin, but it is always best to consult current policies and possibly seek professional advice.