Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/9/2008

Question
I have been wanting to go back into the military. I was in the Marine Corps in 2003 I was discharged for fraudulent entry for a history of depression that I never had. I was just stupid and said things I shouldn't have. I have a RE3 code which requires a 2 year waiting period and a waiver. I have talked to 2 recruiters from the Army and 1 for the National Guard all who have disappeared. They stopped returning calls and just gave up on me. I'm not sure why this is. I have recently talked to another Marine recruiter who said it will be know problem getting me back in. I was just curious if you think he is just jerking me around like the rest or do I really have a chance to go back. I have been going through this for the past six years. I'm 25 and I really want to be in the Military. Is there anything else you could suggest for me to do? Sorry this is kind of long. Thanks for any help you can suggest.

Answer
Dear Hollie --

You will need a waiver for both your RE 3 re-enlistment code, and for the condition for which you were discharged.

Since you were discharged for a history of depression, you need to get a psychiatric analysis done that shows you do not have depression, or other mental disorders, in order for the recruiters to help you apply for a waiver.  If you cannot get that analysis, the recruiters cannot help you.

An alternative route to re-enlistment is to appeal your RE code to the military board of corrections.  If they approve your appeal, they will change your RE code on your DD 214, and you will be able to re-enlist without a waiver, if you are otherwise qualified.

Good luck to you.