Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 2/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Col.

I was in the Active Duty USAF back in the mid 90's. I was discharged with my DD214 with Honorable but my separation code is KBD ( USAF for Hardship) and my reentry code is 4A which is (USAF HARDSHIP).

Now some time has gone by and the world has changed .my neighbor told me that I could get in the reserves  with a wavier.Now I have my "Boot Camp" basic training certificate and I have two certificates of the Tech Schools AIT (Advanced individual training School) AISPEC CODES from Sheppard Air Foce Base Wichita Falls Texas.

Could a wavier help me apply for the reserves



ANSWER: Vince,
Yes, for once a neighbor is correct.  Sheppard AFB is a training base for several different career fields.  Most commonly they train Communications and Electronics, such as Radar Maintenance, NAVAIDs Maintenance, etc.  Right now there's a shortage in those career fields.  If that happens to have been your career field, you stand a good chance of entering the Reserves.  Since a considerable amount of time has passed, they may send you to refresher training, but not the same thing all over again. Right now, the best thing for you to do is talk to a recruiter before you pass the age limit, etc.
Good luck,
Colonel H

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

QUESTION: Hello Col.

Sir, given the following: a Honorable discharge and a separation code KBD ( USAF Hardship) and a re-entry code of 4A(hardship). I could still possibly get into the reserves?? is that solely for the Air Force Res ....what about the Air Guard or USCGR?

Answer
Vince,
What's your age and what was your rank upon separation?  Do you no longer have the hardship situation?

If you have prior military service, then the Air Force Reserve/ANG is an excellent way to serve your country and use your experience and knowledge but you must be under age 34 for both.

However, prior service enlistees can receive an "age waiver."  In most cases, the amount of age that can be waived depends upon the amount of time the individual previously spent in the military.  For example, let's say you had 4 four years of credible military service in the AF and want to join the AFR/ANG. The Air Force Reserve/ANG could waive your maximum enlistment age to age 38.  (Maximum age of 34 for the AFR/ANG, plus four years credible service in the AF).

For the USCGR:  if you have prior military service, you must be under age 30 with prior military service below E-3, or be under age 40 with prior military service above E-4.

Hardships are seldom permanent (e.g., only-child with impending death of a parent.)  Therefore your re-entry code will quite often be upgraded.  If this is your case, you should have no trouble.

Call 1-800-257-1212 to talk to an AFR recruiter and get his take on the matter without making a commitment.  Tell him you're just curious for now.
I hope it all works out for you.  Let me know how it goes.
Colonel H