Medal of Honor recipient; Marine Sergeant reenlists after 15 years

[Jersey mike]

Received Medal of Honor under Obama. Has never thought his job was done and just wants to serve. 



“ Why this Medal of Honor recipient is reenlisting after not serving for 15 years”

In a rare move for the U.S. military, Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer has reenlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve after 15 years out of uniform. Meyer says the decision comes from a deep sense of unfinished duty and a desire to inspire others to serve.

“There’s never been a better time to serve our country than right now,” Meyer said Friday on “America’s Newsroom.”

 “There’s never been a need, like we need right now, of good men and women who are willing to stand up and who are willing defend the beliefs of the American people, of the Constitution, and to protect all of those things against whatever enemy that is willing to try to step up and to try and threaten that.”

Meyer received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during a deadly 2009 battle in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province. Amid intense gunfire, he repeatedly drove into the combat zone in a Humvee to rescue fellow Marines and Afghans, saving doze


https://nypost.com/2025/04/19/us-news/why-this-medal-of-honor-recipient-is-reenlisting-after-not-serving-for-15-years/

[Jersey mike]

Video of Sgt. Meyer being sworn in. It’s just a little over a minute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeYch_N-Mxs


Another quick video of Sgt. Meyer speaking after being sworn in

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RHcZAQk3m_E

[scooperhsd]

Probably the ONLY reason he was allowed to reenlist as a Marine was the Medal of Honor. The Marines usually don't take  breaks in service reenlistments.

[Jess from VA]

Probably the ONLY reason he was allowed to reenlist as a Marine was the Medal of Honor. The Marines usually don't take breaks in service reenlistments.

That was my thought exactly Scott.  No branch of service would almost ever allow someone with 15 years out, back in.  Officer or enlisted.  But I'm glad they did for this guy.  If he meets all requirements, why not? 

[old2soon]

   Well the M O H Mght could have a little sumpin sumpin to do with him being back in the Corps. RIDE SAFE.

[Jersey mike]

Probably the ONLY reason he was allowed to reenlist as a Marine was the Medal of Honor. The Marines usually don't take breaks in service reenlistments.

That was my thought exactly Scott.  No branch of service would almost ever allow someone with 15 years out, back in.  Officer or enlisted.  But I'm glad they did for this guy.  If he meets all requirements, why not? 

I’ve never understood why this would be such a big deal. Yeah, ok, this man does have the Medal of Honor which probably weighed on the decision to allow him to re-up but why not change things up a little for servicemen and women who decide to try civilian life after their tours are up. If they kept their noses clean and can pass physical requirements they may be better off in service than out.

[Jess from VA]

The military has up or out requirements.  If a member does not get promoted within certain time requirements, he is separated.  He can't be separated for failure of promotion, then reenlist and start over.  

Then there are age and fitness requirements.  (I was granted a commission at 31, as old as you could be without some special waiver.  I met all fitness standards, but going through my basic training with a bunch of early 20 somethings was a little challenging.)

Being out for 2-5 years is one thing, but 15 years is another.  I suspect this guy was granted a waiver on the age limits.  He most likely met all fitness (and weight) requirements, or wouldn't have sought a reenlistment.  

Many who separate (but not 'for cause') do so with a period of active or inactive reserve commitment following separation.  Historically, when a need for more manpower comes along (war), those people can be recalled to active duty.  (I had a 17+yr inactive reserve commitment at separation.  They forgot about me and didn't issue me my honorable discharge until over 20 years.  They even apologized.  I wondered what had happened, but didn't think I'd get recalled to active duty near 60.  )