Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Army National Guard enlistment

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/7/2009


Question
Hello Colonel.

I was separated from the Air Force back in March 1996 with an Honorable
hardship 4A discharge.  I was looking into joining the Army National Guard
and was told that a code of 4A disqualifies me from reenlistment.

Is this true and if so how do I go about getting this waived or fixed?

Thank you for your help.

Answer
Tom,
A Reenlistment code of RE-4A means exactly, "Hardship or dependency discharge."

Usually, individuals with an Air Force RE Code of "4" are not eligible to reenlist in the Air Force, nor join another service.

If the hardship reason for separation no longer exists (for example, say you were released because of an impending death in the family and now that person is deceased), the Army recruiter for your area can help you submit an application for a waiver, but lately the Army hasn't been granting many waivers.  Your recruiter has the latest statistics and can advise you of your chances.

Good luck,
Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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