Expert: Jason Grabill - 8/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: To make a long story short, I went into Marine Corps boot camp at MCRD PI and didn't make it. I was wholly unprepared and Marine Corps lifestyle was unlike anything I had ever experienced before in my 18 years then. You put it very well when you told another questioner "perhaps the easy way out wasn't so easy after all."

I am 21 almost 22 now, I have years of job experience, better physical fitness than I've ever had, no drugs, no criminal history, no disorders, and over 70 college credits. I am planning to get two references from professors when I go back to school.

I regret my decision greatly, and after seeking assistance from a Marine recruiter, I tried to get a waiver for my RE-3F/JGA but it didn't work. From what I was told, the waiver request didn't go very high and I have to admit that didn't surprise me. So I am hoping that joining another branch and serving would be a path back to the Marine Corps, or even if not that, military service is what I still want to do in life and another branch will do.

I went to an Army recruiting office and was told that my waiver process was moving 'fast' about a week after they sent it in. Suddenly, however, both my recruiters and I can't get an update on where it stands now. I had hoped that I would be able to get back in before the Fall semester of college so that's why I'm kind of antsy right now. I just want to know if I even have a chance at joining here.

What does this standstill mean for my odds, and should I even bother with a DD 149 form to "upgrade" my discharge? Have you ever heard of someone in my situation getting back in?

Thanks for your time.

ANSWER: Robert:

 As you have discovered, it's extremely difficult to re-enlist with the discharge you have.  The Army several months ago would have been your best option, but as I understand things now, even the Army is denying reenlistments to those in your situation.  Basically, their quota's are overflowing and they can afford to be more 'choosy' in who they enlist.  

 I'd say this would be the reason your paperwork has slowed down.  Doesn't mean it's not going to be approved, but the process may take longer.  

 As far as upgrading your discharge/RE-code, it's almost an impossibility to get the RE code changed.  The discharge can be upgraded with some time and paperwork.  (Of course if you are able to reenlist, it won't be a concern).

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I really wish I just tried the Army from the get go but it was hard to detach myself from the idea of getting back into the Marine Corps asap. I should have known better. In any case, I would be more concerned if it were impossible to re-enlist with this waiver than if I simply have to wait until the next fiscal year, so your answer helps a lot, thank you.

My only follow-up question would be about the last paragraph - I understand that RE-3F is pretty normal for Failure to Adapts, and that it probably won't be changed through any effort. But you said 'the discharge can be upgraded' - what do you mean by that? I was in for less than 180 days so the discharge was a 'uncharacterized entry level separation.'

Thanks for your time and thanks for your service

Answer
Robert:

 My mistake/confusion on that, I was unsure of the character of your discharge.  Discharges are easier to upgrade than RE- codes, believe it or not.  With this type of discharge, (entry level) you might stand a chance of re-entry into the army, as I said above.