Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 9/2/2009

Question
QUESTION:  I would love to rejoin the Army. when i was 17 i went to basic and went awol after a month and turned myself in about 40 days later. i have a reentry code 4. i was told by a recruiter that i would have to go in front of a board to have a chance to get it changed. i have matured since then and i am now 20 years old. look forward to hearing back from you. thanks

ANSWER: Dear Christopher --

The recruiter you spoke to is correct.  You must petition for a waiver of your re-entry code.  It will be very difficult to receive a waiver for a re-entry code of 4.  You will have to be able to demonstrate with clear evidence that you are now mature, reliable and dependable.  Unless you have held down a job, or completed a degree or certificate program, you may not be able to show those attributes.

You may petition the Military Board of Corrections to request your discharge be changed.

Good luck to you.  Please write back if you have additional questions.




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

QUESTION: Thank you very much for responding. I have been working for the past two years and currently in school for my EMT certification and will be done in December. So by showing this to them would this make the chances alot better. Does it make a difference that i was 17 at the time? Thanks.

Answer
Dear Christopher -

Your work and school history will help your case when you petition for a waiver.  The EMT certificate will also be helpful to show that you can be calm and capable under stress.

Unfortunately, your prior misconduct (AWOL) happened while you were in the service, so you are not considered a juvenile, you are considered an adult.  You will have to show you learned from your mistake, and it will not happen again.

Good luck to you.