Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/16/2009

Question
Col. Howell,

I went to go into the US Army around 1998.  I didn't get into Basic Training with the platoon I came in with and after waiting almost a month waiting to get into Basic I just gave up.  I was given an Entry Level Code 3, Uncharacterized Discharge on my DD214.  I also declared Ch. 13 Bankruptcy in 2003 but have paid it off successfully!  I really want to get into the Coast Guard Reserve as an officer (I just graduated with a bachelor's degree in Corrections Adm. and Mgmt. from a Regionally Accredited School with a 4.0 GPA) but they say that it would be very hard to get accepted into their officer program with my discharge, plus they also said that with my bankruptcy that the it would be almost impossible for the Coast Guard to wavier it!

I contacted the Navy Reserve and they said it is no problem getting in with a bankruptcy, as long as it's resolved I can get a wavier and they said the same with my discharge.

I know that it may be hard to get accepted into the Coast Guard Reserves as an officer with my faults in the past, but not even being able to get in "enlisted" with a wavier for my bankruptcy ... is this true?

I am soon to start a graduate degree and I am willing to go into a branch of service enlisted and then after a couple of years try to apply for officer candidate school but I really wanted to go into the Coast Guard Reserve.  The recruiter said I have to be out of my bankruptcy for 7 yrs before seeking a wavier.  But my bankruptcy was a Ch.13, I paid it off!?  Not sure if he meant with a Ch.7 Bankruptcy it will take 7 yrs?

I have 12 yrs law enforcement experience in the corrections profession, have an associates in Criminal Justice and now a bachelor's in Corrections Mgmt. ... I know the US Military is still needing good people!

Thanks,

Answer
Mike,
As I'm sure you already know, an entry-level separation, or "Uncharacterized Discharge", is given to individuals who separate prior to completing 180 days of military service, or when discharge action was initiated prior to 180 days of service. This type of discharge does not attempt to characterize your service as good or bad.

It is Extremely difficult to transition from enlisted to officer in any branch of the Service, despite what any recruiter may tell you. (If it's so easy, why isn't the recruiter an officer?)  The odds are against you if you try this route.

The USCG recruiter isn't quite up to speed on bankruptcy law.  (makes me wonder what else he doesn't know)  The only time the number 7 comes into play is when after having declared a Ch 13 bankruptcy, you must wait 7 years before you can do it again.  If I were you I'd say screw the USCG and enter the Navy.

You'll be better off by far in the Navy anyway.
Good luck,
Colonel H