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I had been injured during basic in 2002, fractured hip. I was sent to PTRP, I was there for a few months and not healing, and being put on and taken off cruthches every other week. We were told by our DS (I believe) that we could chapter out if we didn't wish to stay and take a medical. We were told a chap 11 was general but under honorable circumstances, and we could re-enlist after 6mo. I took that chapter, because I wanted to go back in after I healed, life changed and I never did. I recently requested my dd-214 and it has uncharcterized discharge Ar 635-200 chap 11 reentry code 3. Can I go back? How does uncharacterized affect me applying for gov jobs? Can my discharge be up-graded? I trained for 5 week on that fractured hip because they missed it the first time and told me I had bursitis, I worked hard, passed everything, never was in trouble, I dont think uncharacterized is appropriate, if it had been explain, or had I thought to ask more questions then I never would have taken it.
Thank you for your time
Jocelyn:
It's 'uncharacterized', because you served for less than six months. By law, anyone discharged with less than six months service (unless for misconduct) receives a discharge like this. An RE-3 means you are ineligible for reenlistment unless a waiver is granted.
Basically, it is what it is. It doesn't affect you applying for gov jobs as it's not a 'bad' discharge.
Highly unlikely you will get an upgrade, as you didn't serve longer than six months, and likely you ever left training, so the discharge will remain as it is. It's still honorable service, just not what is required by law.
Jason
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Jason Grabill
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Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
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Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
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United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
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I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
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Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
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Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
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