Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 2/8/2009

Question
Hi Cynthia,

My name is James and I was discharged last febuary from the Navy for desertion for 31 days. I was seperated with an OTH and an RE-4 Seperation. I know that I made a big mistake by doing this and ive wanted so bad to rejoin. I regret ever leaving the military, because its something ive always wanted to do. Is there anyway I can have my OTH upgraded to a general and rejoin. Or is there any other process of doing so. Please let me know if there is any chance of me being able to rejoin.

Thankyou,

James Hoffman

Answer
Dear James -

You have two options to try and re-enlist in the Navy.  The first is to visit a recruiter, and see if they will work with you to waiver your discharge and re-entry code.  This route has a small chance of success.

The other is to petition the Naval Board of Review to change the characterization of your discharge.  This route will take longer, but if you are successful, you will be able to re-enlist, and you will have the chance to regain your VA benefits.

Go to the following website to read about the process and get an application to petition the board:

http://www.donhq.navy.mil/corb/ndrb/ndrbmainpage1.htm

If the Naval Discharge Review Board does not approve your petition, you have one last chance to change your files, by petitioning the Board for Correction of Naval Records.

Good luck to you.  Please write back, if you have additional questions.