Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/27/2009

Question
I have come to you for advise in the past and your responses have helped, so I am back. I was discharged from the Army in 2004 with a RE-3, JKQ, general discharge.  I had the general discharged upgraded to an Honorable a couple years ago.  I finally found a recruiter that was willing to do the work to help me reenlist but I am now told the regulations have changed.  The Army is no longer taking waivers for prior military with a discharge involving drugs but my recruiter pointed out that my DD 214 does not state drugs, it states misconduct, a serious offense.  Everything else is a go for me to go to MEPS but she said that when they get my results back from my finger prints it will state the reason for my discharge and I will automatically not qualify to rejoin.  She stated she will get back with me after she speaks with her 1SGT but that was over a month ago.  Please let me know if this true or should I attempt to go through the process.

Answer
Dear Tammy --

Continue to try.  Your waiver may be approved.  

In the current environment, the military does not need to offer as many waivers.  However, if they need someone with your skills in a certain month, and your packet is there, you could well get your second chance.  

Understand that graduating high school seniors with no prior offenses are starting to sign their contracts now to enter the service upon graduation.  Timing is everything when you need a waiver, so you may have to be patient until a time of year when few new recruits are applying.

Good luck to you.