Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: Colonel:

I was discharged back in 1986 after 2 yrs of service.  General discharge under honorable conditions.  RE code 3 separation code kfs.

During my service I received an army achievement medal and never had problems, the situation is that I was 19 and went out with a 16 yrs old girl two or three times.

Today I posses a bachelors in business, have a family and never had any conduct problems.  Do you think I will be able to reenlist? (obtain a waiver).

I sincerely appreciate your answer.

Thanks in advance.


ANSWER: Dear Gonzalo --

It is possible for you to enlist, but it will require a lot of determination on your part.  You will need a waiver for the RE 3 on your DD 214.  You will also need a waiver for your age.

However, the Army is accepting enlistees up to 42 years of age.  Since you have 2 years prior service, it's possible you could enlist up to the age of 44.  You will still need a waiver for your age.

Further, the service could choose to disregard your prior service because you got a general discharge rather than an honorable one.  That would mean you can be no older than 42 when you re-enlist.  My calculations show that you are either 42 or 43 already, and so may be ineligible to enlist, if your prior service time is not allowed.

You can chat directly with a recruiter at: http://www.goarmy.com/ChatIndex.do?redirect=true

The recruiter there will be able to give you the latest details on Army recruitment needs and whether you are likely to receive your waivers.

Good luck to you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Colonel Bedell:
I had my first telephone interview with a captain last week and he recommended favorably for reenlistment.  Today I personally met with the Battalion Commander (Major) and after a two hours interview he told me that he would recommend my reenlistment.
He would have to send the documents to Miami to a General and my question is: What are my possibilities with the recommendations of the Captain and Major in the chain of command?

Answer
Dear Gonzalo --

The General will review the issues with your prior performance, your discharge, and your recent achievements.  However, based on positive interviews with both the captain and the major, I expect that he will approve your re-enlistment.

Good luck to you.  Let me know how it works out.