• The Navy will take prior service into account when processing your enlistment.us navy granite image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  If you have prior military service, whether in the Navy or another branch, the Navy will take into account your prior service record when processing your enlistment. In most cases, personnel with prior service can enter at an elevated pay grade, and without having to attend the Navy's boot camp. In some cases, the information can affect what pay grade you enter the Navy under for your new enlistment, and whether you are eligible to enlist at all. Keep this information in mind before going to talk to the recruiter.
  
  

Reenlistment Code

• The first thing the recruiter will look at from your prior service records is your reenlistment code. You need to have an eligible code (RE-1) in order to be eligible to enlist in the Navy. If you have any other code, then enlistment may still be possible, but you will have to apply for a waiver, which will have to be approved by the Chief of Naval Personnel. This can greatly extend processing time for your enlistment, so be sure to plan accordingly.
  
  

Length of Break in Service

• Normally, if you have been out of the service less than three years, you will enlist in the Navy under your old pay grade. For breaks in service longer than three years, you will usually be enlisted one pay grade lower than you had attained previously.
  
  

Fitness Standards

• Regardless of previous service, you will be required to be within the Navy's standards for physical fitness in order to enlist. You must be able to pass the Navy height and weight measurements and physical fitness assessment. You will also be required to undergo a full physical at a military entrance processing station before your enlistment is official.
  
  

Civilian Service

• If you served in the civil service during your break from the military, this can also be taken into account when processing your enlistment. In some cases, depending on the nature of your service in the civilian sector, your civil service can make you eligible for enlistment into a different rating or at a higher pay grade.