Expert: Rod Powers - 10/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was discharged from the Marines with an RE3P re-entry code from bootcamp. I was wondering if I was found fit for duty can I join a different branch or will I have to go back to the Marines and if so can I choose a different job.

ANSWER: Hi David,

I'm confused. Were you discharged from the Marine Corps, or were you transfered to the TDRL (Temporary Disabled Retirement List), awaiting re-evaluation for duty?

Transfer to the TDRL, and receiving medical retirement pay from basic training is extremely rare.

Rod Powers
About.com US Military Guide
http://usmilitary.about.com

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

QUESTION: Yeah I was discharged from the Marines with an RE3P but I dont know if I get the benefits because I read that with an RE3P that I can get a fit for duty.

Answer
Hi David,

Okay, the subject line of your question (TDRL) confused me. People on the TDRL have not been discharged. Instead, they receive monthly medical retirement pay for a period of time (maximum of five years), and are medically re-examined every 18 months during that time to see if they can be restored to full-time active duty.

I've never seen anybody placed on the TDRL, unless they had at least six years of active duty service. I suspect you were simply medically discharged from basic training.

You can (if you wish) apply to enlist in any of the military services. However, and RE-3 code means the service you want to join would have to issue a waiver. To even be considered for a waiver, you would have to convince the service you are trying to join that the original reason for discharge no longer exists, and is not likely to happen again in the future.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my US Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
About.com US Military Guide
http://usmilitary.about.com