OK, here I go...

I got out as an petty officer 2nd class 16 yrs ago and going back in as an E7!!! Now that is not cast in stone...The reason I said E7 is I have not and probaly will not earn the respected title of chief petty officer from my peers for a very long time.

How I am approaching this is with the direct help of a reserve CEC capt whom I work with and with his influence and my experiences it seems a very likely at this present time, we shall see. So far there has been no resistance within the Navy reserves chain, I am very surprised to say the least...I was very reluctant to persue this at this stage of my life and on a bet said if he could get me back in as an E7 I would sign up, again we shall wait and see...

All comments are welcome "positive or not" whatdo you think?

You will probley find the Navy is a whole differant ball game now, than it was when you were in.I wish you the best of luck.

quote:

Originally posted by bakobill:
You will probley find the Navy is a whole differant ball game now, than it was when you were in.I wish you the best of luck.

Bill,

That is my greatest Fear, bar none! There is a roadblock Now! I just learned that during my medical checkout at the end of my EAOS almost 20yrs ago the Navy Doc that reviewed my records stated that I recieve a medical disability for injuries sustained during the first Gulf War? I have microfish copies of all my records including meidcal & dental, I reviewed them after hearing of this by my navy reserve liason (I mean recruiter). The Navy doctor (Capt L) stated that I recieve a medical disability for injuries sustained during or shortly ther after the gulf war invasion. He recommend a minimum 30% and he says he briefed me on this subject.
I don't remember him or the conversation, I was such an FTN'er back then all I cared about was getting out! If the Doc comments stick NO NEW Navy for me...

All is not lost and it depends on how bad you want it. Remember that Bees are expanding so they're looking for old hands like yourself to make it happen. You're still in the game so don't quit on you. Hang in there and you may be surprised. As long as you never took any disability money and can show progressive work experience without limitation you can fight it all the way to Bupers and most probably win on a "I have no idea what the frick he's talking about! Look at my civilian work record and see for yourself." Ha ha ha hey, whatever works Brother.

As far as being a Chief, you've got it hands down because Bees have always recruited like this because it's based on experience and the concept has worked so well the Navy opened it up to all ratings and called it the APG program. Why not take the time you have while you're fighting this and bone up on the Chief's exam? The only real difference is military requirements for 1st Class and Chief. Bet you'll surprise a lot of people if you can walk in, muster a formation, read the POD and then dismiss the detachment without a hitch. May want to practice your own commands and drill movements in front of a mirror to begin with. Just remember that command presence comes from within, not what we wear on our sleeves.

After all, you already know respect is earned so if you hit the deck professional and squared away from the git go you'll have no problems getting anyone to follow you anywhere. You earned your salt the hard way in the desert so use it wisely my Brother. Just lead your Bees the way you always wanted to be led because there was a reason you had a FTN attitude. This is a unique opportunity to correct those decencies if you do it right so just keep believing in you and you’ll do great things. I'd troop with you.

Semper Fi,
Dino

Dean,

I forgot I put a double posting on this subject. I have pulled my request for reinlistment for several reasons. I first was going in over a bet/dare which was foolish, I was trying to go back as only a chief and should have reconized that was wrong too.

Lastly I have already served honorably once and I didn't truely realize all I might give up until my good friend Fubis pointed it out what I have to be thankful for and what I could not get back if I pushed forward. These decisions were not easy to come to, but with my wifes support and my brothers involvement. I made the right choice for my family and I.

I really appreciate your support and positive comments, Thanks Dean!

You're welcome. Each of us has to follow our own destiny and I'm happy you made the right choices for you. It doesn't get any better than that Brother. Best wishes to you and your family. Semper Fi!