Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/1/2009

Question
Dear Colonel Bedell,
I asked you a question 1 year ago pertaining to re-enlistment into the ARMY and you did respond. I am still working towards my goal of becoming eligible to re-enlist in the ARMY and I have another question for you. I will include at the end of this email a copy of my original question from a year ago, and your response to it, to help with understanding my entire situation. At this point, I have not given up on my goal of re-enlisting.

In summary, I was given a general discharge under honorable conditions with an re-4 from the ARMY after getting an underage dui and testing positive for Marijuana. I appeared in front of the ARMY review board in September 2008. The board did in fact change my Discharge type to Honorable but did NOT change the re-entry code. Since September I completed a 90 day inpatient alcohol rehabilitation program, completed a 12 step program, and completed community work all with the intention to prove I am still an asset and took measures to prove myself as a competent and healthy person. I have also either been employed or a student since the discharge. I am in the process of completing paperwork to request another hearing in front of the ARMY review board to prove I am serious and capable of serving my country responsibly. My Congressman is again offering his support by forwarding my paperwork to the board on my behalf. I did not complete the rehabilitation prior to the September 2008 board meeting (as you previsously suggested) because I didn’t have the means to pay for the expense of a program at that time.

My question to you is simply to request any advice or input you may have to offer to make my meeting successful. Thank you again!
Daniel

THE FOLLOWING IS A COPY OF MY FIRST QUESTION TO YOU FROM A YEAR AGO AND YOUR ANSWER.

ARMY review board - appearing in front of
Dear Ms Bedell,
I served in the ARMY for 1 year before getting a general discharge under honorable conditions for testing positive for marijuana in September 2007. Prior to the marijuana test I got a DUI on base. My work performance was above average. My re-entry code is re4.
I requested to have my case reviewed and my re-entry code changed to a code that will allow me to work with a recruiter and use waivers so that I am eligible to reenlist and again serve. My state congressman gave support and backing to my endeavor by writing a letter of support and he forwarded my formal request to the board.

I got notification of my day to appear in front of the board (sept 8 2008)  What suggestions or input can you provide that will make my appearance in front of the board successful? Should I wear class a's? And in your opinion do you believe I stand a chance at having the board agree to change my re-code?
thank you
sincerely
Dan
________________________________________
Dear Dan --

Since you are no longer in the Army, I do not recommend you wear your class As.  I recommend you wear a nice suit, and look "military" in your grooming and haircut, despite not being in uniform.

The biggest thing you can do to prove you are serious about your change in behavior and desire to serve successfully this time, is to complete a substance abuse avoidance program.  This can be a simple classroom program, that teaches you about yourself and what your triggers are that cause you to behave dangerously and abuse alcohol and other drugs.  Complete one of these programs and bring the certificate with you to your board hearing.

At the board hearing you should be able to articulate:

1.  Why you want to return to military service.

2.  How you have matured since you left the service.

3.  How you know you have a better understanding of yourself, and how to resist misconduct and temptation.

4.  Jobs you have held on the outside that show your new maturity and dependability.  These may be paying jobs, or volunteer jobs as long as you had to report regularly and you were dependable and effective.

If you can do all of that you have a very good chance of winning your appeal and having the board grant you a better re-enlistment code.

If you can do the top three but not the 4th, you have a fair (but still possible chance) of succeeding.

The most import things for you are to be able to show you are not a habitual substance abuser, and that you have overcome the issues that caused the abuse during your first military tour, and that you have achievable goals for yourself and your military service.

Please write back, if you wish to discuss any issues further.  Good luck to you.

Cynthia Bedell
Colonel, US Army

US Army


Answer
Dear Daniel --

My advice to you really remains the same.  You successfully petitioned the Board to upgrade your discharge last time.  This time with your successful treatment to understand yourself and why you might abuse illegal substances, you have a fair chance of success to get your RE code improved.

If the board does not change your RE code, you can still petition for a waiver to that code, and try to re-enlist, now that you have an honorable discharge.  Understand that during the current economic climate, many people with no history of misbehavior are applying to enlist and that reduces your chances.

Good luck to you.  I wish you much success.