Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 3/11/2010

Question
i have a separation code of jkk and a re-entry code of 4 from active duty army. 1)is it possible to join the national guard with these codes? (2 if not, how can i go about upgrading the necessary codes to re-enlist. active duty is my first choice. i am currently waiting to hear back from the review board regarding my discharge upgrade.  In my personal letter to them i requested that both me discharge and my re code be upgraded, but my va rep told me that the discharge upgrade was likely, but i would have to seek other routes to upgrade the codes.  the circumstances are very unique regarding the incident that lead to my separation..if these details will be helpful please let me know for it will require alot more typing...lol. in my research i found that a separation code jkk meant that i was unable to be rehabilitated(jkk referred me to jpc)i failed one drug test and checked my self into the ASAP program. the counselor deemed me to have no criteria for any extensive rehab program and was not considered a habitual user. i was referred to ADPC and completed that three day course.  it was after all this that my chain of command still pursued my discharge. i know this seems very confusing but ive been everywhere looking for help and i loved the military. i made one mistake and its haunted me ever since.if you can offer any assistance it would be greatly appreciated....thank you so much for your time

respectfully
nathan j. ohmer

Answer
If you are pursuing the discharge upgrade that is a big part of the issue. As far as the separation code and the like, I would have assumed you applied through the VA for the RE code upgrade as well. My personnel specialists say that they dont do it, so you'd have to apply to DA if the VA isnt the one to do it. I would talk with a recruiter once you get the rest of your ducks in order and see what they can help you do. I can't tell you what the requirements for National Guard are, as they can vary from state to state and you'd have to check with someone in the state you're interested in working in.