Expert: Rod Powers - 5/18/2007

Question
In 1998 I enlisted into the Army to find refuge for me and my pregnant(homeless) wife. During basic training she began having complications, while still homeless. Red Cross would not grant us any reprieve on me coming home on a hardship. I would up having a melt down in basic and was separated with a JGA and RE Code 3.

For the last 9 years, things have dramatically changed in my life. I have secured my family and we have a beautiful 8yr old daughter. I am a college graduate now and am looking back into my military options, if I have any. If it were possible for me to get back in, is it possible for me to go to OCS at all, or is that out completely? As stated I have a perfect background, now law issues, criminal convictions and I have great credit.

I just wanted to know if I had any options on becoming an officer? Would I need some sort of congressional approval, etc?

Answer
Hi Desmond,

An RE Code of "3" generally means that re-entering the U.S. Military (either as enlisted or officer) is possible, with a waiver.

In order for a waiver to be considered, you would have to convince the Military that the original reason for discharge is no longer a factor.

I'm afraid I can't tell you, for sure, whether or not the waiver request would be approved. Each and every waiver request is evaluated individually, based on its own individual merits. This includes factors, such as, the exact nature of the waiver request, how much time has past, your overall qualifications, and current "needs of the service" you're trying to join.

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