Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/16/2009

Question
My son was home over the Christmas holiday and did a very stupid thing. Upon his return he tested positive and was given an Article 15. He was totally crushed when they told him they were discharging him. His Sgts. tried to keep him in with good references and showing the commander that he had no misconduct, was a leader, scored remarkable on all his tests.  They let him graduate with his A.I.T. class. He was Squad Leader and loved being a part of the Army.  He regrets what he did and wants back in in the worst way. The whole time he went through the program they kept telling him he can re-enlist in 6 months. He contacted a Recruiter the second day home and my son explained his Seperation Code JKK and Re-4 and that it was an Honorable Discharge the recruiter told him that they will be accepting waivers again in October 2009 to come in then and start the process. My question is, does he have a good chance of getting back in and does he have to wait that long.

Answer
Dear Debra --

Morality waivers are available for re-entry code 4, on occasion.  Since a lot of new high school grads are applying to enlist, waivers are not available right now.  Waivers are unlikely to be available until next fiscal year (1 October 2009).  

Unless the economy becomes great very suddenly, and all the potential recruits find great jobs, it is best if your son waits until the new waivers are available, rather than pushing his luck now.  

Good luck to him.