Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/22/2009

Question
Hello.
I am a SSgt/E-5 Air Force with a bit over 7.5 years of service. I was selected for PRP. During the "Drug Use" portion I stated that I have use marijuana more than once, and ecstasy. The issue is that my initial sheet did show that. I had notified my recruiter too. I'm now facing an Art. 83 as well as a recommended, by my commander, Honorable Discharge. My issue is if I should go in front of the board trying fight it and risk receiving something less than Honorable or accepting it now and cutting my ties? To be more honest, my EPR's are not that great and this isn't my first time in trouble within the past 2 years. Another thing, do you have any clue on to which RE code I would be issued with that type of discharge even with it being Honorable? I do understand the numerical meanings of the RE codes. Lastly, if I were to waive my right to a board and request the Honorable along with a "decent" RE code, could/would that work and go through? Your honesty/thoughts are appreciated and welcomed. Thank you VERY much sir.

Answer
Eddie,
Do you WANT to stay in?  I assume the only reason you're worried about your RE Code is that you'll probably try to enter another Service.  Otherwise the only thing that's important is that your discharge is Honorable.  Civilian employers look at your records and understand what an Honorable Discharge is, but they don't have a clue as to what your Separation Code and Reentry
Codes mean.  So it may be hard to get a civilian job if it's anything other than Honorable.

You need to go see your Area Defense Counsel right now.  Depending upon how bad your previous troubles were, they may be able to get you off.  If not, only they can bargain with your commander as to your type of discharge and negotiate a favorable RE Code.  That's what they're there for, use them.

Meanwhile, try to get your act together and get some decent EPRs.  An E-5 going on 8 years should have stellar EPRs.  You don't need a lecture from me, but ask yourself what you can do to shape up some.

Good luck,
Colonel H