Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 2/16/2011

Question
Sir,
  First of all I'm relieved to have found this site and thank you in advance for an honest and informed answer at last.
  I was in the ARMY National Guard as an 11B from 1999 to 2003 with 2 overseas deployments during that time.  In 2003 I had plans to marry and join the Active Duty ARMY.  I received a proper release from my unit to enlist full-time and also managed to change my MOS to something less combative(63B) for the sake of sharing my life with someone else.  During my retraining at Fort Jackson I failed a urinalysis which ultimately resulted in a Demotion from E-4 to E-1 followed by a General Discharge with an RE code of "3" (no modifier) and a Separation Code of JKD.  The Commander that reached the decision said that he did so regretfully as he believed I was a good soldier that made a stupid mistake. He explained that I would receive a re-entry code that would allow me back down the road should I choose it.  I'm still grateful for how supportive the NCOs and Officers involved were during that time.
  I was devastated by my mistake and spent the next year drinking which of course led me to nothing but more problems.  I received a DUI (my one and only) and a regular Battery.  These two events are unrelated and were both dismissed after successful supervision that ended in 2006.  These events were finally the wake up call to grow up and get my life on track.  I've not even received a speeding ticket since then.  
  After 7-8 years of thinking and embarrassment, I've decided that I'd really like to try and re-enter the ARMY and right my wrong.  I always excelled at being a soldier with the obvious exception of the urinalysis.
  I recently spoke to a local recruiter and laid it all out on the table expecting to hear that it would be a tough process but it was a possibility no matter how small.  Basically what he told me after he called his commander was that there was just no possibility at all of me gaining the proper waivers I would need.  Apparently the length of time between any of the offences and now makes no difference.  He also told me that there were no 11B jobs available in the ARMY right now but I should take his card and call him in a few months to see if anything has changed.  He said I shouldn't bother coming in so I didn't waste time and should just call.  When I asked if there was anything I could do in the meantime such as write letters to help my situation I was told that I would just anger people.
  Now I can understand that my simply saying, "Hey I used to be an irresponsible guy that made horrible choices 6 years ago but now I'm fine" isn't going to wipe the slate and inspire confidence.  All I'm looking for is an honest answer of possibilities and/or direction but I came away from that meeting suspecting if that's really what I received.  If there is NO chance of me ever getting back in at 30 years old with 3 marks on my record then that's just something that I'll have to live with but if there's even a slim chance then I'll work my butt off to get back what I threw away.
  Any input you could provide me with would be greatly appreciated.  Right now I'm trying to find somebody willing to put faith in me and I honestly don't know where to go without stepping on toes.  Thanks to you again Sir.

Answer
Clint,
I too am glad you found this website, you need some straight answers and I speak only the truth here.

First of all, congratulations on getting your life back on the right track.  It's admirable and not an easy thing to do.

Because this is a public site I can't say what I really think of your recruiter.  The bottom line is you mean no extra money for him and he doesn't want to fool with you.

Now, here's the facts:
1.  If you former commander was really a good commander and appreciated you, he had several options rather than discharging you.  So don't think too highly of him.

2.  Are you sure about the Separation Code?  JKD means AWOL or Desertion.  If that true, no wonder they don't want you back.  If it's untrue, then you need to get that code changed right away.

3.  A Re-Entry Code of 3 means you can normally reenlist in the Army or another Service, but will  require a waiver to be processed.

4. The length of time since an offence makes a lot of difference.  The longer, the better.  It shows you've indeed changed.

5.  Writing letters at this point wouldn't really help.  The only person it would ANGER is that recruiter.

6.  No 11B jobs in the Army right now?  Good lord, we're screwed.  What good is the Army without an Infantry?

7.  Do you really want to be an 11B?  If so, try the Marines.  They love infantrymen and you wouldn't have to repeat all of the training.

Even though you've been out of the Service for 7-8 years, you're considered a "re-enlistee" not a new recruit.  Recruiters get bonus $ for new recruits, and $0 for re-enlistees.  That's why he doesn't want to waste his time on you.  You need to find a good recruiter who cares more about his Service than he does a bonus.

I commend you for wanting to serve again.  All you need is a break.  I suggest you visit the Army website http://www.goarmy.com/talk-with-us/chat.html and chat live with a professional recruiter at their headquarters in Ft. Knox.  I'll bet you get a different answer than, "Go away, you bother me."

Be prepared to explain the AWOL/Desertion Code thing.

I wish you well.
Colonel H