Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/20/2009

Question
First of all, I received a General Under Honorable Conditions discharge from
the U.S. ARMY in 2003, and on the DD214 it states an SPD CODE of JKA
(Misconduct), and an RE CODE 3. Can I rejoin the Military, specifically the
Navy? I've heard that it is waiverable if it is 3A? Also, did I lose my G.I. Bill and
VA Home loan and life insurance benefits? If I did not lose my G.I. Bill, can I
possibly give that to my sister, at least partially? Lastly, if by God's good
graces I am accepted to rejoin the military, can I make my parents and sister
my dependents, with all the same benefits as me, I.E. Healthcare, base
housing, space A flights, etc. None of them are working, I've pretty much
supported them since I was 15.
I thank you wholeheartedly for taking the time to answer my questions, my
apologies for being long winded.  

Answer
Joe,
Short answer is probably.

As you already know, a separation code of JKA means "Discreditable Incidents" or as you said misconduct.  Your re-enlistment code of RE-3 means "Not qualified for continued Army service, but the disqualification is waiverable. Ineligible for enlistment unless a waiver is granted."  Individuals with an RE Code of "3" can normally reenlist in the Army or another Service, but will require a waiver to be processed.  At least your discharge is "Under Honorable Conditions."

If your Navy recruiter has not already reached his quota for recruits he'll help you apply for a waiver.  With an RE Code of "3" it is usually granted.  If he has already met his quota, he may be less eager to spend time with you.  Just to be safe, you may want to wait until 1 April before trying, that way you're sure he hasn't reached his monthly quota yet.  No, you didn't lose your G.I. Bill benefits as far as home loans go.  The education and insurance benefits are very confusing and vary from case-to-case.  You can make your parents and sister your dependents but they won't necessarily have the same benefits as you.  Dependant parents and siblings have some special rules different from dependent spouses and children.  They can have a home with you, and it means they can get on and off base, and fill their prescriptions at the base clinic, but they won't necessarily be eligible for free healthcare under the new Tricare rules.

Best of luck and I hope you get your waiver.
Thanks for wanting to serve again.  Now that you're "older and wiser" I'm sure you'll do OK.
Colonel H