The Air Force is the hardest active duty service for prior service to enlist, and the Army is the easiest. The Marine Corps and the Navy accept prior service, but not in large numbers. Some of the services do give “enlistment credit,” but not until the applicant goes on active duty (which might take a year or more).

Does prior service have to go to basic training?

When you want to re-enlist, in order to get prior service, you must have 6-months of post basic-training experience at minimum. You may have to go back to basic training even if you do have 180 days in the military if you were still in AIT or ADT.

Can you go from reserves to active duty Air Force?

With very few exceptions, one cannot simply transfer from the Reserve component to active duty. One must get an approved discharge from the Reserves component of service and then separately process for enlistment or commission for an active-duty service.

Do prior service get bonuses?

A qualifying Prior Service Soldier can receive a bonus amount of up to $20,000 for enlisting into designated skill positions. To determine your eligibility, ask your recruiter for more details.

Does the Air Force get paid more?

EARN WHILE YOU TRAIN, EARN MORE WHILE YOU SERVE In the Air Force, every Airman is paid equally based on their rank and years of service. But your base salary is only part of the over-all package you receive.

Is it better to go active duty or reserve?

Active duty is a better option for those looking for a secure full-time job with numerous benefits. Reserve duty is a better option for those wishing to serve their country, build career skills, earn extra money, and access military benefits without making a full-time commitment.

Is the ASVAB outdated?

But, to answer the question, your ASVAB score expiration is two years after you take the test if you don’t enlist and, if you do enlist, your ASVAB score doesn’t expire. However, you’re not necessarily stuck with that initial score if you’re active military.

What does prior service mean in the Air Force?

In the Air Force, Prior Service refers to persons who have served at least 24 months of active duty service regardless of regular component or continuous service in the armed forces. Those who have served less than 24 months of active duty are defined as Previous Service and are processed in the same way as new recruits.

Is it possible to re-join the military with prior service?

Given the choice, the military will allow someone currently in the service to re-enlist before they allow a prior-service applicant to re-join. The Air Force is the hardest active duty service for prior service to enlist, and the Army is the easiest. The Marine Corps and the Navy accept prior service, but not in large numbers.

How old do you have to be to serve in the Air Force?

See the age requirements for Active Duty enlistees of each branch below: In general, the Defense Department restricts enlistment to those 35 and younger. Prior enlisted service members can subtract their previous years of service from their age in order to extend eligibility. For example, the current age cutoff in the Air Force is 39.

How to apply for the prior service officer program?

Prior service officer applications are considered by the Air Force Personnel Center on a case-by-case basis. For more information, or to apply for direct duty or retraining, talk to your local Air Force recruiter.