Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 10/12/2008

Question
i want to know what are my possibilities to reenlist on army active duty, i was
discharge with a chapter 5-13 and my re-entry code its 5. the reason why i was
discharge was due to a depression after going through 2 miscarriages and a
divorce. Im finishing my bachelors degree on business administration and want
to join after the completition of a master on the same

Answer
Dear Mary B.

I cannot answer your question because your psychological diagnosis will play a large part in whether you can get your re-entry code changed.

You will have a few options.

One is to appeal to the military board of corrections to have your re-entry code changed due to improvement in your psychiatric health.

Another is to apply for re-enlistment with a recruiter and have your re-entry code waived.  An appeal for an RE Code 5 is going to be very difficult.  That code indicates that there is virtually no likelihood that you will ever recover enough to serve successfully.  You will need a very strong waiver package to overcome such an RE Code.

Finally, you could join the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at your university or a nearby university and earn your commission via that route.  You would still need a waiver for your RE Code, but you would have up to 4 years to prove you have improved and will make a good Army officer.  You may continue this program into your graduate studies, if you have not completed the program by the time you earn your bachelors degree.

Good luck to you.  Please write back, if you have additional questions.