AboutCynthia Bedell Expertise I am the Commander of the Surface Communications and Support Systems, contract management office. I am currently an active duty Colonel.
Experience I have bachelors and masters degrees in Engineering. I also hold a patent for a new way to process composite materials into complex shapes.
Question I have an RE4 code from the Marine Corps for an AWOL. I left before reporting to my SOI training due to my then girlfriend and now wife having a miscarriage. I stupidly did not tell anyone i just took the first bus right back home and then contacted my recruiter. My recruiter was less than a stand up Marine and told me I could not go back and that I was all done because I did not report for training. I originaly contacted him for a new date to report. I am now trying to enter the Army and need some help on what to do and how to get in, I just want to serve. this all happened years ago and the discharge is an OTH. Thank you for your time.
Answer Dear Christopher --
You have a long struggle ahead of you. You have two options that you may wish to attempt concurrently.
First, you must apply to the Naval Discharge Review Board to attempt to get your OTH discharge and your re-entry code 4 changed to honorable and at least RE 2 (preferably RE 1). Since you are unlikely to meet the time restrictions on this application, you will then petition the higher authority -- the Board of Military Corrections to change your discharge and re-entry codes. If you succeed in getting your characterizations changed, you will be able to enlist in the Army. This process can take up to two years in total.
Meanwhile, you can attempt to enlist in the Army requesting a waiver for your discharge and a waiver for your re-entry code. An OTH discharge is difficult to waiver, but if you can demonstrate that you are more mature and dependable, you might earn the waiver. Understand that each recruit is allowed a maximum of three waivers, so if you need an age, or a medical waiver, you will be at your limit. Any more wavers and you would be ineligible. If the Army turns down your waiver requests, you can continue with the Board review process. If successful, you will be able to enlist.
Please write back, if you have additional questions. Good luck to you.
