Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/30/2008

Question
Almost 2 years ago, I was separated from the Army with an Honorable discharge under chapter 5-13, which is a personality disorder. I know that I am NOT crazy, I was depressed at the time and took an overdose of sleeping pills, and have since solved my life problems and am happy, healthy and stable. I want to get back on active duty and complete what I started. What are my chances of getting back in and what do I need to do to accomplish that goal?

Answer
Dear Erica --

With a re-enlistment code of 3, you would have to get a waiver to re-enlist.  However, you will have a difficult time finding a recruiter that would help you prepare a waiver for a personality disorder.

Your other option is to prepare a packet for the military board of corrections complete with doctor and psychiatrist diagnosis refuting your previous diagnosis of personality disorder.  If you can prove to the board, that you no longer have behavioral tenancies that are contrary to good order and discipline, they can change your DD 214  to show RE 2 or better RE 1.  If your record is changed, then you could re-enlist without a waiver.

Before you go through this process, consider how much the stress of military service contributed to your suicidal behavior previously.  That stress will not have changed, so you must have changed significantly, if you plan to be able to deal with that stress this time around.  Be certain that you are ready for that, you don't want to let your fellow Soldiers or yourself down, if you try again.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide to do.