Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 11/18/2009

Question
I'm 32 and now I want to join the coast guard. I'm a proir active army (19-k) w/ a re code 3 (hardship). I have since served w/ usar twice (88-m)up untill my 8 yr obligation that ended 09/07 with good standings and w/e-4 but no new dd214. My question is what do i got to do now to get in the coast guard? I know my time is almost up and I've heard there is like a one year wait to get in the coast guard and only a re code 1 is excepted. Its something I really want. Please help. Any good ideas? I know special recruters can make magic happen. :)Thx

Answer
Dear AZ --

You must go to your last reserve unit and get your new DD 214!  You had a new period of service and that service now characterizes your discharge. If they cannot give it to you, you should petition management branch to send you a copy of your discharge.

With a new honorable discharge, and re-entry code you should be able to enlist in the Coast Guard, if the Coast Guard has need for your skills.  There is no guarantee that the Coast Guard will have need of your skills.  The Coast Guard is a highly sought after service, so they rarely give waivers of any kind.

However, you may add your number of years of honorable service to the maximum initial entry age, and that is your maximum age to return to service.  That gives you more time to work out the details which will allow you to enlist in the Coast Guard.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Thank you for your service.