For a multitude of different reasons, some servicemen who have retired or who have perhaps neared the end of the first term commitment and are thinking about reenlisting need to understand the requirements that may need to be completed for prior service enlistment.

Some of the most common questions of those considering re-enlisting are:

• Will I receive my same pay, or do I have to start at the bottom?
• Do I have to go through basic training again?
• Will I be able to keep my former MOS?
• Am I eligible for special benefits or bonuses?

In most cases of prior service entry, military personnel may reenter the same branch of service in the same position or MOS that they enjoyed before and be approved for the same pay scale and rank, if enlistment occurs within a certain amount of time.

For those enlisting from other service branches, determination will be made upon job designation, history record, as well as job pay considerations.

The Navy considers prior service as anything comprising up to 180 or more days of consecutive active-duty service. Anyone who has accrued less than 180 consecutive days of active duty are considered to be non-prior service applicants and must meet various eligibility requirements or receive an approved waiver.

In most cases, basic training may have to be required if over a certain extent of time has passed since termination of first service commitment.

Rank may be maintained if prior service has occurred within the last 12 months. When enlisting within 12 months of release from active duty, the pay grades for enlisted men will maintain at the same level as the time of release.

Considerations for reenlisting or prior service joining take a certain amount of thought. In some cases, prior service enlistment bonuses may be offered. When considering rejoining any military service, a sailor or soldier needs to be aware of the possibility that they may be relocated or even sent overseas, or transferred to other bases throughout the United States or the world, or be assigned to ship duty.

While there are many benefits to joining the Navy, including excellent training and job opportunities as well as careers, and of course, the steady pay as well as educational and