Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 7/4/2010

Question
I was recently discharged from the Army on 12/15/09 and i would like to try to get back into the military, preferably Navy. My separation code is JFV, Re entry code is 3, and the chapter i was discharged under is Chpt 5-17. It is an entry level separation, since i was only in basic when i was discharged. I have obtained and filed out a copy of the form dd293, I am preparing a letter for the discharge review board stating why i feel my discharge was inequitable, I am in the process of getting my medical records, I am also in the process of getting a few Fit For Duty evaluations from a couple different psychiatrists. I would like to get back in but I don't know if I even can, or (if I can) what route to take to do so. I understand that you are not liable...etc, please save me the legal disclaimers...if you can just give me the "what you would do in my situation" info.

Answer
Actually you're doing everything you should.  You need to get your discharge re-evaluated in order to be eligible for re-enlistment. Without that RE code raised you won't be able to get back in. As far as Navy criteria goes, I'm unfamiliar with those so you'll have to talk to one of their recruiters but I would focus all of your efforts on that discharge characterization upgrade.