Expert: Howard Lorenz - 2/7/2010

Question
Please help! I cant find anything as far as getting a waiver or anyone who has gotten back in after signing dec statement.O have  an honorable discharge re3 MGH(for non retention not the warrant officer new designator.)

To whom it may concern:
My name is . (SSG. Prior service 11B3P)
I would like to start out by saying that I understand in today’s Army for prior enlisted it   is a privilege to get back in.  I know exactly what I am doing and would consider it an Honor to serve again.

When I had decided to get out of the Army in Vicenza, Italy in  1998 , I was coming towards the end of my 2nd enlistment and  I received orders to go back to Fort Bragg, NC.  It was at this time the retention NCO told me I had to sign a DCSS if I was declining the Orders.  I signed the Dcss under the understanding(According to AR 601-280 4-12 C (1)-(9) that  I would be prohibited re-entry into regular army for a period of at least 93 days if separated at normal ETS and at least 2 years if voluntarily separated before ETS. I opted to voluntarily separate a few months prior to ETS under the provisions of AR 635-200 16-5b or c. Due to signing the dec statement I could no longer further my career hence the Separation code MGH (non retention on Active duty) on my DD214. (AR 635-5-1 Separation Program Designator Codes 15 May 2006)  The only reason I have a re-entry code 3 is due to signing the dec statement . Reference separation Program Designator Code (SPD)/Re-entry(RE) Code Cross-Reference Table.  Dated 8 September 2005 .

 I  made E-6 in 5 ½ yrs. and was about to take DA photo for E-7 at 6 1/2yrs. when I ETSed. I also received very favorable NCOERs my entire career. I am still a highly motivated individual, in great shape, wanting to make the Army a career.

Thank you for considering my waiver.      
                                                                                      Respectfully,

Answer
It all depends on what the Armys needs are. With the current unemployment rates being as high as they are, it may be tougher for you to get in. You may want to consider the reserves first. I know that the army has a direct transfer from reserve to active duty. The reserve component and the active component are not separate entities like the Air Force is.

I believe that if you are persistent you will get what you wish for, but like I said, its not going to be easy. I look for you to be turned down several times. I would start with the Reserve or National Guard first just to see what your options are.