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Rejoining and Re-Enlistment In To The Regular Army

army crest As an ex-Regular soldier and/or Reservist you may wish to consider opportunities available to return to regular service in your former Capbadge or look forward to different challenges within another Corps. All enquiries and applications to re-join the Army or to re-enlist are processed through Armed Forces Career Offices. Details of your nearest Office are available in your telephone Directory under 'Army' or by logging on to Army Jobs. Your local Army Careers Office will advise if you are eligible to apply. You may also wish to compare the benefits shown on the  Doing Alright Site with your current situation.

The time taken to process a request will depend on individual circumstance but a delay can be expected where the applicant did not leave the Army at their own request, or security clearance or a character reference is needed. Possible engagements on offer include the following:

  • Open Engagement Ex Regular soldiers with no regular reserve liability who are within the current Corps age limits for initial entry may be eligible to be considered for re-enlistment to the Open Engagement.
  • S Type Engagement. Ex Regular soldiers with no Regular reserve liability who do not qualify for the Open Engagement due to age may be eligible to be considered for a Short Service Engagement. This is normally between 1 and 3 years but may be up to a maximum of 12 years in total before the soldier has to again re-enlist.
  • Special S Type Engagement. TA soldiers can enlist into the Regular Army normally for 1 year (maximum 2 years) to fill vacant Regular posts in Northern Ireland. Mobilised Reservist and FTRS are ineligible to serve in this theatre.
  • Rejoin Reservist. Members of Section A or B of the Regular Reserve may be allowed to re-enter Army service on their original engagement provided that at the end of 22 years total service they are not older than the Army's upper age limit. Rejoined reservists do not re- attest.
  • Note: A special Bounty may be on offer to individuals who meet set criteria and rejoin into specific trades. Note that these may change regularly.

All applications are carefully considered and take into account age, experience, career and promotion opportunities balanced with the needs of the Army at the time. Re-enlistment is subject to full medical and selection procedures in accordance with current Recruiting Instructions. Change of circumstances since discharge, reason for discharge, references and necessary security clearances are all relevant factors.