Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: My boyfriend recently left for basic training for the Army. During receiving I believe its called he told them about a back injury he endured almost 5 years ago. It no longer bothers him, but he told them about it anyway. He was automatically disqualified. Will he be able to re-enlist and get his same top security MOS if his test scores allow and if he is seen and given the okay by a civilian doctor?

ANSWER: Amanda,
I don't quite understand what you've described.  How could he leave for Army Basic Training if he was disqualified?  Was he prior enlisted?  Is that how he got a "top security MOS"?  Please explain a little better so I can help you.
Thanks,
Colonel H

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

QUESTION: When he signed up for the Army he told his recruiter that he had a former back injury. The recruiter told him that if it did not bother him he didn't need to say anything. He then left for basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. He went through some of the process where you get your shots and other things to prepare you for basic. From what I gather he was sent on to other Army personnel who then went through all of his paper work and asked him all different things they need to know. He was told by one if he were ever to get hurt while in the army they would have to get his civilian medical records. If he was lying or not up front about stuff that had happened he could face fines or possibly go to jail. He got nervous and came forward about his previous back injury and he was automatically disqualified. He was never prior enlisted. He got a high score on his test when he signed up for the Army and he choose an intelligence job.

Answer
Amanda,
I'm afraid the damage is done now.  On his discharge papers there will be a Re-enlistment code such as "RE-1", -2, -3, or -4.  If he has a code of RE-1, RE-2, or RE-3 it means he will be allowed to reenlist at a later time after his medical problems have been taken care of.  RE-4 means he cannot re-enlist.  Let's hope the Army is kind enough to allow him to re-enlist later.  I believe they should.
Good luck,
Colonel H