Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/6/2010

Question
I was discharged from the USAF in 2004 (Entry Level Separation) and I am now applying to the Board for Correction of Air Force Records to have my Character of Service, Separation Code, and RE Code changed on my DD Form 214 so that I may be eligible for enlistment in the Navy. I am currently filling out a DD form 293 Application for Correction of Military Records as well as a DD Form 149 for the same.  My current Character of Service is Uncharacterized; I am requesting it be changed to Honorable. Current RE Code is 2C, requesting it be changed to 3B.  My questions:  Which form is the correct one to send in? and, my current Separation Code is JGA and I'm seeking to have it changed to a hardship code (this was suggested to me by a recruiter that specializes in re-enlisting prior servicemen) but I do not know which one is acceptable for my situation/requirements (JGA is  Entry level status performance and conduct or entry level status performance - pregnancy).  I do not know where they got the pregnancy thing from as I never was nor claimed to be pregnant.  I was discharged after failing 2 consecutive tech school tests due to stress incurred from my marriage at the time.  Thank you for any information you can give me and please feel free to ask any questions.  

Answer
Melody,
Are you sure of what you're asking for?  An RE Code of RE-2C means exactly - Involuntary separation with Honorable Discharge.  An RE Code of RE-3B means exactly - a first term airman, ineligible to reenlist.

People with an Air Force RE Code of "2" are usually ineligible to reenlist in the Air Force, but might be eligible to join another military service, if the circumstances which resulted in the code no longer apply, or if a waiver is issued. Individuals with an RE Code of "3" can normally reenlist in the Air Force or another Service, but will require a waiver to be processed.

So your chances of re-enlisting are about the same with an RE-2 and an RE-3...you'll need a waiver for either.  But you're going from bad to worse with an RE-3B.

You're correct in that a Separation Code of JGA means exactly - Entry level status performance and conduct or entry level status performance - pregnancy.  What exactly would you claim as a hardship?

Trying to correct your records is very difficult, and it's deliberately made that way.  Basically you have to make the government admit they made a mistake, and they don't like to admit that.  In your case, it should be fairly easy to prove that you weren't pregnant, but be prepared to spend a lot of time and money trying to change your discharge record.

To answer your question,

If you need to change or correct your MILITARY SERVICE RECORD, you will need to submit DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Records to the AF.

If you need to change your DISCHARGE STATUS you will need to submit  DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States to the AF.

So you don't need the DD149 form since you're not changing things like job descriptions or assignment locations.

I've never heard of "a recruiter that specializes in re-enlisting prior servicemen" but if one exists then he should know how to help you.

Best of luck,
Colonel H