Hearing Problem: Can I still Re-Enlist?

[J-Man]

Hello, I was a previous member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. My MOS was 11B (Infantry), and I was honorably discharged. Here is my question/situation. I am trying to find out if I'm able to re-enlist in the National Guard. I'm in my late 30s, and did my initial 6-year enlistment right out of high school and into my mid 20s.

After I got out of the Guard I developed a problem with my hearing which resulted in my losing almost all of my hearing in my left ear. My right ear is fine and has perfect hearing.

Is there any way I can re-enlist? I'm in great physical condition, and have no other physical problems other than the hearing issue. The hearing problem really doesn't affect me in every day life. I simply listen to people more closely and pay attention more when people are talking.

What are my options? And if I can't re-enlist in an infantry MOS are there other types of MOS positions that I can re-enlist in? Thanks!

[J-Man]

Can I get some feedback on this? Thanks!

[Mtlupo]

I am not completely sure on this, but I would guess that the hearing would limit you at least from combat arms MOS. My brother who is a 11B lost partial hearing in Iraq and he is now sitting in Texas in a disabled unit. I would talk to a recruiter and see what they have to say.

[J-Man]

Hi there. Thanks for your reply. What exactly do you mean that your brother is in a "disabled unit" down in Texas? What kind of unit is that? Thanks.