Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/17/2010

Question
Sir
I received a RE-4 from the Navy about 15 years ago. Due to having smoked marijuana 6 weeks prior to boot camp.
Since then I have served proudly in the Royal Danish Cavalry. I also have a Master of Science degree from a Norwegian university. I have never gotten into trouble since then either. At 38 I am a good soldier, I am smart and I can show great deal of empathy. I think that I could do great service in the US Army.
Sincerely
Mr. B

Answer
Dane,
What an interesting career you've had so far.  I have a close friend in the Royal Danish Cavalry, in the Gardehusarregimentet.

As you probably know, individuals with a Navy RE-4 code are normally not eligible to reenlist in the US Navy, nor join another US Service.  Note, the regs say "normally" which leads one to believe there are exceptions, so you may have a chance.

Your MS degree won't help you any pay-wise or rank-wise because the US military only recognizes colleges accredited in the U.S. due to international political reasons.

Talk to an Army recruiter today and see what he can do for you.  Your foreign military service, your MS degree, and your maturity may work in your favor and will certainly look good on a resume.

I'm glad you've learned from your momentary lapse in judgment all those years ago.

I hope you can get in.  Please write and let me know how it goes for you.
Colonel H