Stamped as Unsuitable for Service?

[ACADMann]

I was enlisted in the USAF from '88-'92, and was honorably discharged to attend college. I had a service related disability (from 1988), for a chronic sprained ankle, but it doesn't bother me. All I need is a Ace wrap when running.
Back in 2001, pre 911, I tried to get back into the military as an officer since I obtained my Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2000. I believed then, as I do now, that I could still offer the military my skills as an architect/ engineer and gain back the pretige of serving in uniform. I tested with the USAF and Navy to rejoin as an officer, and I passed all physicals (without any Ace bandages) and written tests, but the SG in both services denied my re-entry because my disability posed a risk to the government. I even told them that I would forgo my disability to get back in, and wave any future claims.
Since then, I've been very active in local law enforcement as a Reserve Officer, and I wish there were some way that I could gain the military's confidence that I am suitable for service. I am now 38 years old, and working as an architect for a national firm. I don't want to grow old and say that I didn't give my all to get back in. Other countries would love to have prior service members want to rejoin their ranks, and not shun them away for a physical problem that poses no real danger. Is there any hope of getting back in, or am I sol?

[matthew.ritchie]

You are welcome to try again, but be up-front with your recruiter about your situation. The more medical documentation you have about your condition, the better. You may not have enough time to complete OCS before your 42nd birthday, so call your Recruiter TODAY.

[ACADMann]

I have sent my local recruiter an email of the same question. Thank you for responding so quickly!
Your answer also gave me another question. I don't know what the best route would be, to become an officer or an enlistee in the Guard? With my schooling, I am qualified to pursue OCS, but because of my age, and timing, this may not work. If I cannot be an officer, since I have 8+ years of college, and I was discharged as an E-5, would I regain my E-5 status, or would I qualify for a higher grade?

[matthew.ritchie]

I have sent my local recruiter an email of the same question. Thank you for responding so quickly!
Your answer also gave me another question. I don't know what the best route would be, to become an officer or an enlistee in the Guard? With my schooling, I am qualified to pursue OCS, but because of my age, and timing, this may not work. If I cannot be an officer, since I have 8+ years of college, and I was discharged as an E-5, would I regain my E-5 status, or would I qualify for a higher grade?

Speak to your Recruiter about OCS enlistment option.