Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/11/2009

Question
I was in the Navy's Nuclear power Pipeline.  I got discharged after some mental
health issues and was wondering if I could get a civilian job with that RE Code in
the same field.

Answer
Jesse,
I assume you mean a government Civil Service job, working with the Navy in that same career field, correct?  Short answer is yes.

A "ReEnlistment Code" of RE-4 means you are not recommended for reenlistment.  Regulations state:  "Individuals with a Navy/Marine/Coast Guard RE Code of "4" are normally not eligible to reenlist in their service, nor join another service."

The applications to enter federal civil service ask if you have military service.  It does NOT ask you the reason for discharge code nor your reenlistment code.  I have hired hundreds of civil servants during my career, most with prior military experience, and never once have I even seen their military records.  In fact, ReEnlistment Codes are strictly private, by law.

When I advertise a civilian job opening, the Civilian Personnel Office merely sends me a list of 15 names with a brief one-paragraph description of experience.  In your case it would say you spent X number of years in the Navy and what your rank was.  Period.  If I think I want to hire you, I can request a copy of your records, but not your discharge papers.  Most bosses don't even do that because it takes too long and they need a worker now.

Sorry for the long answer, but I think you're quite safe.  Nobody will ever know, that's your private business.

That part of your past is over with, forget it and move on.  
Good luck in your new civilian job.
Colonel H