Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 4/1/2010

Question
I was active duty Army Military Intelligence (SPC) but had been release prior to my full term (3yrs 3 months) with a chapter 5-17 personality disorder, re-entry code 3.  My commanders were nice to wait until I had reached the min. time requirement in order to recieve benefits.  When I left I was awarded an ARCOM.  Prior to the marital issues I was an excellent soldier.

Now I have completed college with honors and am interested in ROTC while I get my masters degree.  First question:  Will the Chapter 5-17 prevent me from becoming an officer in the Army?  IF NO, question 2:  How likely would I be accepted into my branches of interest (Chem/Bio/Radio/Nuclear, MI, or Civil Affairs)?
Thank you.

Answer
In order to re-enlist you'd have to get your RE Code upgraded and have paperwork attesting to the fact that the reason for your discharge is no longer a factor. This would definitely be a hinderance to becoming an officer. Also, you need to be able to hold at least a secret security clearance, so if your clearance was revoked or suspended you'd have a more difficult time becoming an officer.

Chem and MI are branches that you can go right out of ROTC but you can't branch civil affairs until you are a captain.