Have you served in another service and are considering moving to the Navy? That is where the OSVET (Other Service Veteran) enlistment comes in.
It is a special program for veterans of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard who want to continue their military career in the Navy.
However, switching branches does not happen automatically. You will be responsible for managing unique eligibility limits, documentation requirements, and training adjustments.
If you skip a step, you may experience delays or even disqualification. That is why understanding the process, policies, and expectations is critical.
This guide explains everything so you can make the transfer as seamless and successful as possible.
What Is OSVET Navy Enlistment?
Those who served in a branch other than the Navy who want to transfer to the Navy can enlist as OSVETs (Other Service Veterans). In contrast to new recruits, OSVETs have previous military experience.
Key Differences Between Regular Navy Enlistment and OSVET
Having prior military experience is one of the major distinctions between entering the OSVET and the Regular Navy. While OSVETs have already finished their training, Navy recruits who have never served in the military before (known as NPS) start at the beginning.
Experience Requirements
OSVETs may not need to attend a complete Navy boot camp; depending on their previous experience, they may only require an orientation course.
Job Selection
New recruits can apply for any open Navy ratings (jobs), although OSVETs may be eligible to receive specific assignments due to their previous service.
Rank and Pay
OSVETs can sometimes preserve their previous pay grades, however this is subject to the demands of the service and the rules.
Why OSVETs Have a Different Process
The Navy isn’t training civilians here. OSVETs already know military life, so the transition process is adjusted—less training, different job options, and rank considerations.
Know Your Eligibility
Don’t assume you qualify. OSVET requirements are strict. Get it wrong, and you could waste time or get denied.
Who Qualifies as an OSVET?
OSVET Definition According to OPNAVINST 1100.4C
When determining who is eligible to be an OSVET, the Navy follows strict standards. To meet the requirements, you need the following:
- Served in a Non-Navy Branch
- Your last military service must have been with the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard.
- If you previously served in the Navy and want to return, you’d fall under a different category (NAVET—Navy Veteran).
- Discharged or Released for More Than 24 Hours
- If you separated from your previous branch but never had a break in service (for example, transferring directly to another branch), you might not qualify as an OSVET.
- You must have been out for at least one full day before trying to enlist in the Navy.
- Completed a Minimum of 12 Consecutive Weeks of Active Duty
- This applies whether you were on Active Duty (AD) or Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA).
- This requirement ensures that OSVETs have basic military training and aren’t coming in with only minimal service experience.
Who Does NOT Qualify as an OSVET?
Not everyone with prior military experience qualifies as an OSVET. The Navy has strict criteria, and falling short on any requirement means you’ll be classified differently—possibly as Non-Prior Service (NPS) instead. Here’s who doesn’t make the cut.
1. Service Members Who Didn’t Finish Boot Camp
You are ineligible to be an OSVET if you joined another branch without completing basic training. The Navy won’t count your time toward OSVET eligibility if you don’t finish boot camp since you won’t be regarded as a fully trained military member.
Examples:
- You enlisted in the Army but were released before completing boot camp.
- Your medical separation occurred before you finished your Marine Corps recruit training.
In these cases, you’re not seen as a prior-service veteran—you’re still considered NPS (Non-Prior Service).
2. Those Who Completed Basic Training but Didn’t Serve 12 Consecutive Weeks on Active Duty
Completing boot camp is a prerequisite, but it’s not the only one. Additionally, you must have been on Active Duty (AD) or Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) for at least 12 weeks in a row.
Examples:
- You completed Air Force Basic Military Training but were discharged after only 8 weeks of active service.
- You went through Army boot camp and then National Guard training, but your total active duty time was less than 12 weeks.
You don’t meet the requirements for OSVET status since you didn’t serve the minimal amount of active duty time, even though you formally finished training.
3. Individuals Classified as Non-Prior Service (NPS) Due to Insufficient Active Duty Time
If your total active duty time doesn’t meet the threshold, the Navy won’t count you as an OSVET. Instead, you’ll be categorized as Non-Prior Service (NPS)—meaning you’ll have to enlist just like someone with zero military background.
Examples:
- You did Reserve or National Guard training but never hit the 12-week active duty mark.
- You had a short-term enlistment contract but left before meeting the minimum active duty requirement.
OSVET-Specific Enlistment Requirements
OSVETs don’t go through the exact same process as new recruits, but they still have to meet strict Navy requirements. If you don’t check all the boxes, you won’t make it past processing.
General Eligibility for OSVET Applicants
To qualify for OSVET enlistment, you must meet the following:
Meet the Navy’s Physical and Medical Standards
Prior service or not, you still have to pass a MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) physical. That includes:
- Height, weight, and body fat checks.
- Medical history screening.
- Vision and hearing tests.
Even if you were cleared in your last branch, the Navy will reevaluate you. Certain conditions might require a waiver—or disqualify you altogether.
Qualify for a Critically Undermanned Rating or Program
The Navy isn’t taking OSVETs for just any job. You have to:
- Match into a rating (Navy job) that needs personnel.
- Be willing to retrain if your prior service role doesn’t translate.
Some jobs are in high demand, while others are closed off—so you’ll need to check current Navy needs.
Have Valid ASVAB Line Scores (Less Than Two Years Old)
Your ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) scores must be current—meaning less than two years old. If they’re expired, you’ll have to retake the test before moving forward.
Documentation Required for OSVET Processing
When applying as an OSVET, you need to bring the right paperwork. Missing documents? Expect delays or even disqualification.
Provide an Original or Certified DD Form 214 (Copy 4)
This is mandatory. The DD-214 (Copy 4) shows your discharge status, service history, and eligibility for reenlistment. No certified copy = no enlistment.
Meet Specific Reenlistment Code (RE) Eligibility Requirements
Your RE Code (found on your DD-214) determines if you can reenlist. The Navy categorizes these codes as:
- Eligible – You can reenlist without issues.
- Waiver Required – Some RE codes allow reenlistment, but you’ll need special approval.
- Ineligible – Certain RE codes completely disqualify you from returning to service.
If your RE code requires a waiver, expect additional paperwork and processing time.
OSVET Paygrade & Service Time Limits
OSVET enlistment isn’t just about getting back in. Time matters. How long you’ve been out, how much time you served before, and your rank all play a role in whether the Navy will take you.
If you don’t meet these limits, you’re out. No waivers. No workarounds.
Broken Service Limits (How Long You’ve Been Out)
Step one: How long have you been separated from the military? If it’s too long, the Navy won’t bring you back.
- E-1 to E-3: No more than 5 years of broken service.
- E-4 to E-6: No more than 6 years of broken service.
The longer you’ve been out, the more out-of-date your skills are. The Navy doesn’t want to waste resources retraining someone who’s been out too long.
Prior Service Limits (How Much You Served Before)
Even if your break in service is within limits, the Navy caps total prior service based on rank.
- E-1 to E-4: Max 6 years of prior service.
- E-5: Max 12 years of prior service.
- E-6: Max 18 years of prior service.
More than that? You’re done. The Navy doesn’t bring in prior-service members with too much time under their belt.
High Year Tenure (HYT) for OSVETs
For E-5 and above, there’s another filter: High Year Tenure (HYT). This is the max time the Navy allows for each rank before requiring separation.
- HYT applies to E-5 and above. If your total service time is over the HYT limit for your rank, you can’t reenlist.
- HYT does NOT apply to E-4 and below—unless you were previously in the Navy.
Examples:
- An E-5 with 10 years from the Army? Still eligible.
- An E-6 with 19 years from the Air Force? Over the limit. Not eligible.
Time isn’t on your side if you’re an OSVET. Too much prior service? Disqualified. Been out too long? Disqualified. Over HYT limits? Disqualified. Before you even think about reenlisting, check your numbers. If you don’t fit the requirements, don’t waste your time.
Retirement Eligibility & Restrictions for OSVETs
The Navy doesn’t just let anyone in. If you can’t hit 20 years of service before turning 60, you’re out. No exceptions. No waivers.
You Must Be Able to Reach 20 Years Before Age 60
If you’re trying to come back in as an OSVET, the Navy looks at your total potential service time. The rule is simple:
- You must be able to reach 20 years of total military service before you turn 60 years old to qualify for retirement.
- If your age plus remaining eligible service time doesn’t add up to 20 years, you won’t be allowed to reenlist.
No Waivers. No Exceptions.
This is a hard stop. If you exceed the age limit, you’re done—no waiver, no appeal, no workaround.
Example Scenarios
Eligible:
- You’re 45 years old and have 10 years of prior service. If you reenlist, you can serve at least 10 more years and reach 20 before turning 60.
- You’re 50 years old with 15 years of service. You can still hit 20 years before 60.
Not Eligible:
- You’re 50 years old with 9 years of prior service. Even with a new enlistment, you’d only reach 19 years by age 60—disqualified.
- You’re 55 years old with 16 years of service. No way to hit 20 years before 60—not happening.
If you can’t hit 20 years before 60, you’re not coming back in. The Navy won’t bend on this one. Know your numbers before you try to reenlist.
Severance Pay & Financial Considerations for OSVETs
Getting severance pay doesn’t stop you from reenlisting in the Navy, but it will affect your future retirement pay. If you’re coming back in as an OSVET, you need to know how this plays out.
Severance Pay Doesn’t Disqualify You from Reenlistment
Whether you took voluntary or involuntary separation pay, you’re still eligible to reenlist as long as you meet all other OSVET requirements.
The Navy won’t block you just because you took a payout when you left your last branch.
Severance Pay Will Be Recouped from Future Retirement Pay
Here’s where it hits your wallet. If you received severance pay when you left the military, that money isn’t free. The government will take it back—dollar for dollar—out of your future retirement pay if you serve long enough to qualify.
Examples:
- You received $30,000 in separation pay when you left the Army.
- You reenlist in the Navy, serve until retirement, and start receiving retirement pay.
- The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) will withhold your retirement pay until they recover the full $30,000.
This applies to both lump-sum severance and special separation benefits (SSB). The only way to avoid repayment is to not qualify for retirement—which isn’t exactly a good trade-off.
Know What You’re Signing Up For
Reenlisting is still an option, but if you’ve received severance, expect to pay it back later. If retirement is your goal, plan for the financial hit when that time comes.
OSVET Training Requirements in the Navy
OSVETs don’t have to go through the full boot camp experience like new recruits, but they aren’t skipping training entirely. The Navy still requires them to complete an orientation course to get up to speed.
Do OSVETs Have to Attend Boot Camp?
No, OSVETs do not attend standard Navy recruit training at RTC Great Lakes. Instead, they go through a Naval Orientation Course, which is designed for prior-service veterans transitioning into the Navy.
This training covers:
- Navy customs and courtesies – Every branch does things differently. OSVETs need to learn Navy-specific traditions and protocols.
- Basic seamanship – Even if you were in the military before, working on a ship is a whole different environment.
- Physical readiness training – OSVETs must meet Navy fitness standards, just like any other sailor.
What to Expect from OSVET Orientation Training
The transition process isn’t instant. Expect processing and training to take time, depending on where you’re stationed.
- Stateside (CONUS) orders: Processing typically takes 30 days.
- Overseas (OUTCONUS) orders: Processing can take 45 days due to additional logistical steps.
- Total possible wait time: Some OSVETs may experience up to 60 days before fully integrating into their assigned command.
While this isn’t as intense as full boot camp, OSVETs still have to prove they’re ready to serve under Navy standards. The transition takes time, but it’s a streamlined way to get prior-service veterans into the fleet without starting from square one.
Special Considerations: TDRL & OSVET Enlistment
Being on the Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL) doesn’t automatically disqualify you from reenlisting, but it complicates the process. If you’re on TDRL and want to come back in as an OSVET, expect extra steps before you’re cleared.
What TDRL Means for OSVET Enlistment
TDRL is for service members who were medically retired but could recover enough to return to duty. Since your status isn’t permanent, reenlistment is possible—but it’s not a simple process.
Before the Navy lets you back in, you’ll need:
- A full medical review to confirm you’re fit for duty.
- Possible waivers depending on the original medical condition.
- Clearance from the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) to ensure you meet retention standards.
Talk to a Recruiter First
If you’re on TDRL, don’t assume you can just reenlist. Processing is handled case by case, and the exact steps depend on your medical history.
- A recruiter will guide you through the medical clearance process.
- Some cases require additional documentation or waiver approvals.
- If the Navy determines you’re still unfit for service, reenlistment won’t be an option.
If you’re on TDRL and thinking about coming back, get in touch with a recruiter early. The sooner you start the process, the better you’ll understand your chances of reenlistment.
Next Steps for OSVET Applicants
OSVET enlistment isn’t a guarantee. Openings depend on Navy manpower needs, and the process can be longer and more complicated than a standard enlistment. If you’re serious about reenlisting, you need a plan.
OSVET Openings Are Limited
The Navy only takes OSVETs when it needs them. If your desired rating isn’t undermanned, you might have to:
- Wait for an opening
- Retrain into a different job
- Accept that reenlistment isn’t an option
These quotas change constantly, so timing is everything.
Expect a Complex Process
Even if you qualify, OSVET enlistment isn’t fast or simple.
- Medical screenings
- ASVAB validation
- Rating availability
- Documentation reviews
It takes patience. If you expect to walk into a recruiter’s office and ship out next week, you’ll be disappointed.
Talk to a Recruiter—Not Just the Internet
This guide gives you a strong starting point, but Navy policies change all the time. Relying only on online resources—even official ones—isn’t enough.
A Navy recruiter will:
- Confirm your eligibility
- Check rating availability
- Help with paperwork and waivers
- Give you up-to-date information
If you’re ready to move forward, reach out to a recruiter ASAP. The sooner you start, the better your chances of securing a spot.
References:
- Prior Service Enlisted Reserve Opportunities – Navy.com
- MILPERSMAN 1133-061 (PRISE-R) Program – MyNavy HR
- MILPERSMAN 1160-010 Age Limitation of Enlisted Personnel for Enlistment or Reenlistment – MyNavy HR
- NAVY RECRUITING MANUAL ENLISTED: COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8M 20 Jul 2022
