Expert: John L - 4/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was in the United States Army and i went awol from AIT. Well i really had no choice i had convelecent leave because i had pneumonia and they recycled me to another unit and i had to start over,i wasnt better when i came back and they stuck me back and training and i couldn't keep up so i went AWOL! i am older now and i heard that i could get a dd149 and they may fix it and get me back in. Is there a chance that i could fight it and get back in?
Thanks for your time
Ryan Teixeira

ANSWER: A DD149 is used to correct records.  You went AWOL, did you ever turn yourself in?  If not, you may want to find out if you are discharged or still "at large".

If you went awol, you will probably not get back in any service right now since recruiting is doing well.

make sure you are still not wanted if you are unsure.  Protect yourself.




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

QUESTION: I turned myself in and was in lockup for a little while but yeah its all said and done. I have a other than honorable discharge and a level 4. But now since i am older i want to try to fix it or get it up graded or something. Some one told me that if i get it upgraded i could have a chance getting into the national guard and then go active. Is that true? What should i do?
Thanks Ryan Teixeira

ANSWER: Even if they do upgrade it, they do not change RE codes.  Re4 bans you from coming in the military anymore.

The National Guard does not allow waivers of that type anyways.

You can still get it upgraded, but only to "General under honorable"  but there is a process.

Go to www.va.gov

The site covers it well.

Good luck

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

QUESTION: I tried looking that up on the website you gave me and i cant find what i am looking for! My recruiter said that there was a way to get back me back in but i would be a long process. There really isn't any hope! Can i write a letter stating that i am sorry for what i have done and that i was young and stupid? Who could help me with this? The marines said get it upgraded and come talk to them!
Any suggestions would me great!
Thanks again Ryan

Answer
Rules as they stand right now are no waivers for re entry for RE4.

The reason of young and  stupid does not fly with the military.  It specifically states in regulation that those excuses are not good anyways.

Try to get it upgraded, you have nothing to lose, but right now, you will not get in. However, the process to get it upgraded takes 6 months to a year.  By then, regulation might change to your favor.

The spot you are looking for is on the main page of va.gov  labeled board of veteran appeals.