Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am a former active military member with the us coast guard. I was discharged with an honorable (administrative) 3 yrs in my enlistment. I am wanting to re enlist but was given a RE4 what branch would I be able to join with that reserve or active or how would I be able to get the RE4 changed?

ANSWER: Robert,
You were given an Administrative Discharge for a reason.  Since it is Honorable it means you didn't commit a crime or anything of that nature, merely that you're unable to conform to military service.  You know the reason why.   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."
These codes can be upgraded but it's deliberately very difficult and time consuming.  To do so, you must prove the government made a mistake.  However, since you accepted the discharge at the time and presumably didn't fight it, it will be nearly impossible to fight it now.
Sorry, but whatever's in you past will keep you out.
That part of your past is over with, forget it and move on.
Good luck,
Colonel H

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

QUESTION: Thank you for the quick reply as before my question still stands if you would be able to give any additional information. When I was in process of being administratively discharged with a honorable I did fight it, I hired a lawyer, I tried appealing it at no time did i accept the discharge but was told there was nothing I could do about it. At no time was I given any formal paperwork stating that this is what they were planning on doing and I had a right to fight it. thats why I'm curious on re englistment into a different branch.

Answer
Robert,
As I said above, 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."  So you are not eligible to join the Army, Navy, AF, or Marines either, nor their Reserve units.
If you couldn't fight it successfully then, you'll never get it changed now.  You'd have to prove the USCG made a mistake "AT THAT TIME."  Your behavior/performance since then doesn't matter.
Sorry, but thanks for wanting to reenlist.
Colonel H


Robert,
Thanks for taking the time to give me a rating but did you really mean to give me a "1" for politeness?
Colonel H