Expert: Rod Powers - 3/20/2007

Question
My husband signed his Army contract in Dec 2006, left for boot camp Jan 2007 to Fort Benning, GA.  While in boot camp, he had problems breathing (which most likely was because he quit smoking right before he went in after 15 years of smoking).  The DS' sent him to Johnson hall to be eval'ed and sent him to Martin Army Hospital for chest X-rays.  The doctors there also did a breathing test.  They told him he had chronic bronchitis and the beginnings of emphysema.  They gave him a RE code of 3.  Since coming home last week he has already seen our family doctor who says he does not have the beg of emphysema, he has a problem with seasonal allergies, and the change in weather from MD to GA probably brought on a bout with sinuses, that turned into bronchitis.  I understand a RE 3 means re-enlist with a waiver, exactly what is involved to do this?  How long will it take?  He wants to go "home" to Ft Benning and finish what he started.

Answer
Hi Charity,

Your husband apparently had problems getting through the training. That's why they discharged him.

An RE Code of 3 means that a waiver is possible, but he's going to have to show some kind of proof that his condition has improved to the point that he can meet the Army standards and get through the training. It doesn't matter whether whether it is emphysema, or seasonable allergies. He's going to have to convince the Army that he is medically able to do his job, regardless of time, location, or circumstances. If he can't even make it through basic training, that's going to be tough.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com