Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Re Apply USMC

Advertisement

Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/24/2009


Question
I joined when I was 18, got sick in boot camp and was sent to a recovery platoon. Started talking with the wrong recruits and got the idea in my head that I wanted to leave and that joining was a bad idea. So to get out I did an attempted suicide to get out(stupid thing to do). Well I got a medical discharge and it has been 7 yrs since then. I would like to rejoin and Yes my head is on straight and I am A Lot more mature then I was when I was 18. Do you think they will let me rejoin if I can prove that I'm not Suicidal(See a Shrink) and Fully aware of what I'm getting into?

Answer
Bob,
It all depends upon what your separation documents say.  On your DD214 form you'll see a 3-digit code (it could be 3 numbers or 3 letters) which is a Separation Code which translates into why you were separated.  Also on that form there is a Reenlistment Code which looks something like this:  RE-1M

These codes are contained in your military records and may be annotated on various other military separation documents. The Department of Defense will no longer allow the military services to release the meanings of these codes to the general public, but I can tell you what yours mean.  Send me a follow-up question with your specific codes and be sure to mark it "private" and not "public".

Colonel H

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.