Expert: Rod Powers - 12/13/2007

Question
I am currently in the Army National Guard RSP program and have been there for 1 year.  I have yet to ship out to training because of a recruiter who doesn't know how to properly do his job.  Two different times I have missed my dates because of him.  I joined the National Guard because I wanted to get my commission and that was the best way for me to do it.  Now, after having to deal with this recruiter and wondering if the Guard is going to be this slack about everything, I decided to go ahead and start my discharge process. However, I did not want a discharge, I wanted to get released into the Coast Guard.  I talked with a Coast Guard recruiter and explained the situation and he filled out a DD368 for my release.  I was then told by the guard that I couldn't get released, rather, I would have to discharge out if I wanted to go into the Coast Guard.  My question is what kind of discharge should I receive and what do you think my RE code will be.  I really want to serve my country and I would rather be in the Coast Guard while doing it even though I am giving up a guaranteed commission.  

Thanks

Brandon

Answer
Hi Brandon,

The Army National Guard will *usually* not consider a DD Form 368, until six months after one has completed initial entry training (basic training and AIT -- job school).

I can't say what kind of discharge your National Guard unit commanding officer would request, nor what RE Code your unit commander would impose. You're going to have to ask them. As you've been in for more than 180 days, the ball is in your commanding officer's court.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com