Expert: Howard Lorenz - 4/4/2008

Question
Sir,
In 2003 I was discharged from Active duty in the Navy General under Honorable Conditions with an RE-4 for a personality disorder. Since a week after discharge I have been searching and fighting to go back in the service. I have had psychological evaluations done. Since 2003 I have gone to college and now have a diploma in Medical Assisting. But I realized my biggest mistake was letting one bad incident fog my judgement and therefore lead to saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. I do wish to return to Active Duty which in all of my evals say there should be no problem in reinstating me to full active duty.  At the age of 18 I was foolish and now at 23 have realized my mistake and have  learned from this. However knowing that there are waivers for certain things I do not think that this would be a problem. However, every time I request my records from the military they continually say that there are no records with my service number, how can this be possible? Is there anything I can do to either go back Active Duty or Reserve/National Guard?

Answer
Your records are not with the military anymore, they are at the National Archives. You can request them at www.archives.gov   This is a lengthy process and sometimes you may have to request them twice.. When requesting be specific in what you are looking for...I would ask for the entire record.