Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Rentry code 3A

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/8/2009


Question
I seperated in 2006 because of pregnancy with a RE code of 3A, what does this mean and is there an AFI or pub. with the information for reference purposes. I would like to try and re-enlist but the recruiter said it's a no-go for waivers in the Air Force. Why would I need a waiver?

Answer
Lindsay,

Congratulations on having a baby!

Separation and re-entry codes are not releasable in total to the public, however I can tell you what 3A means.

An RE-3A means exactly "First term airman separating before 36 months; or 1st term, no prior service; females learning of pregnancy prior to enlistment."

A few months ago the Air Force announced it had reached its quota for the rest of the fiscal year so it was no longer granting waivers for anything.

As to why a waiver is necessary is beyond me.  Pregnancy is obviously not a permanent condition, but for some reason the military requires it.

As you know, the new fiscal year begins 1 October, so if I were you I'd be first in line on 1 October to apply for a waiver.

Good luck and thanks for wanting to continue to serve.
Colonel H

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

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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

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