Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/20/2009

Question
Hi sir, I am 22 yrs old and I was a Spc in the Us Army.  I had an overall good track record up until my deployment to Iraq last year. During that deployment I went through a lot of home front issues that was just very hard for me to deal with at the time.  I started not caring for a period of 4 months in Iraq. Well the counseling statements added up so they recommended me for discharge.  I did not try to fight it until I got back to the states and got married, but by then it was too late and they let me go with a Ch. 14 general, under honorabe conditions discharge with an RE code 3.  I would like to know how I would be able to join the Army again? When the best time to do it is for waivers? I need this more than anything sir, please help me out.

Answer
Jonathan,
Thanks for having done time in Iraq.  To have done that and survived is Honorable in my book.
And congratulations on your marriage.  Sounds like you fell victim to depression like so many others over there.

You're lucky if you got a General, Under Honorable Conditions discharge.  Most misconduct discharges are usually Under "Other Than Honorable Conditions".  If your RE code is just plain 3, not followed by a letter, like A, B, or CA, it means exactly, "Individual is not qualified for continued Army service, but the disqualification is waiverable.  Ineligible for enlistment unless a waiver is granted."

So you need to talk to an Army recruiter and have him process your application for a waiver.  Now is a excellent time because the new fiscal year began 1 October and you'll be first in line for a waiver before they run out.

Depending upon how long you've been out you may be able to return as an E-3 and you can skip Boot Camp.

Thanks for having served and wanting to serve again.
Let me know how it goes for you, I like to hear success stories.
Colonel H