Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/29/2010

Question
I am currently getting a chapter 13 discharge for failing pt.  I will be getting an honorable discharge. Will I be able to reenlist and will there be any waiting period

Answer
Alisha,
I'm sorry you've had to go through all this.  It's one rule I absolutely hate.  As a commander I've had to discharge people from the military because they did not conform to "standards" and I absolutely hated doing it.  All our lives we are taught that we're individuals and we can be anything we want to be.  Then we join the military and discover that's not true.  We must all be alike, weigh the same, look the same, perform the same, etc.

Anyway, enough of my opinion and on to your problem.  As you know,a Chapter 13 discharge is "SEPARATION FOR UNFITNESS OR UNSUITABILITY."

You're lucky (if you can call that luck) that you will be receiving an honorable discharge.  That will mean a lot to you from now on.

There are 2 things that are very important and will determine if you can re-enlist.  The first is your Separation Code.  This code explains the reason why you were discharged.  For example, you may receive a code of FFT, KHK, OR LHJ meaning Unsatisfactory Performance or Failure to Meet Standards.  Be sure they explain to you what code you are receiving and exactly what it means.

Of utmost importance is your Reenlistment Eligibility Code.  This code is contained on military discharge documents and at the bottom of your DD214 Personnel File.  It determines whether or not you may reenlist or enlist in any Military Service at a later time.  In general, if you receive an RE-1 Code you may reenlist in your Service or another Service with no problem.  If you receive an RE-2 Code you may usually reenlist in your Service or another Service with various restrictions, or if the circumstances which resulted in the discharge no longer apply.  If you receive an RE-3 Code you can normally reenlist in the your Service or another Service, but will probably require a waiver to be processed.  An RE-4 Code means you are normally not eligible to reenlist in your Service, nor join another Service.  So it's very important you receive the code you wish.  You have the right to bargain with them at the time, but once you receive a code, it's nearly impossible to change.  Be firm in your bargaining... what're they going to do, kick you out?  Even if you have no intention of ever reenlisting, you want a favorable RE Code.  Civilian employers use RE Codes when hiring, so it'll follow you around forever.

Usually, there's a one year waiting period, but not always.  That, also, will depend upon your RE code.
I wish you all the best, and thanks for your Service.
Colonel H