Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/11/2010

Question
good morning sir, I have been separated for misconduct for a positive UA back i July 11 2008. I was told i will have to wait 2yrs to be able to come back and said i would be able to. Came my 2 yr time limit i was told i cannot currently re enter, and was told maybe in fiscal year in October. I have been through a lot of life changing experiences since then, got married, my wife hates the stuff, back in school with a 4.0 GPA so far in Criminal Justice, and would like to re enlist. i was in the army for 3yrs, and been deployed to Afghanistan once. I can say i really enjoyed the army life. What are the possibilities, if any to resume my career?. thank you sir.

Answer
Steven,
I'm glad to hear you got your life turned around.

Individuals with an RE Code of "3" can normally reenlist in the Army or another Service, but will require a waiver to be processed.  Right now all the Services have used up their waiver quota for the year.  August is late in the fiscal year because the new fiscal year for all the Services begin on October 1.  That's why the recruiter mentioned October.  So October 1st you need to be first in line to apply for a waiver.  From the sounds of things you should be approved.

When you say a RE code of 3, there's usually more to it.  The Army usually uses a letter after the number to further define why you were discharged, such as RE 3A.  If you're sure it's just a "3" with no letters after it, (which is possible) it means "Individuals who are not qualified for continued Army service, but the disqualification is waiverable.  Ineligible for enlistment unless a waiver is granted."

So you definitely do have a chance.  Because you're prior Service you reentry is consider a "re-enlistment" and not a "new enlistment."  The recruiter has only a small quota for these people also.

The recruiter is supposed to complete the paperwork required to apply for a waiver.  Don't be surprised if your recruiter is less than eager to help you because he gets $0 for a re-enlistee.

I hope it all works for you and thanks for wanting to serve again.
Colonel H