Expert: Rod Powers - 11/21/2007

Question
I got discharged during bootcamp for phycological problems with my family and not being able to train. I got an re-4 code. I truly want to re-enlist into the navy again or even the army i got my ged as well. I wanted to if there was any way of getting re-enlisted.
thank you,
adam irani

Answer
Hi Adam,

I'm afraid the chances are small -- very small. In general, an RE (Reenlistment Eligibility) Code of "4" means your commanding officer made a determination that you are forever ineligible to reenlist. Waivers for RE codes of "4" are so rare as to not even be worthy of mention. The active duty Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force probably would not even consider a waiver.

I initially thought that possibly the Army would consider a waiver (as they do consider some RE "4" codes issued by the Air Force), but I just looked it up in the Army regulation, and RE Codes of "4" issued by the Navy are not eligible for reenlistment in the Army, unless there is clear and concise proof that the RE Code was issued as an administrative error (see Army Regulation 601-210 at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyreg/l/blar601210.htm), paragraph 3-19 and table 3-2.

The other services flatly reject any RE-Code of "4" from any branch.

Your only chance would be to apply to the Navy's Board of Military Records Correction, and convince them that an error was made in issuing your RE Code. For details, see my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/airforcebase/a/chgrecords.htm

I'm very sorry to say that my professional opinion is that you don't have a very good chance of getting the board to change your discharge characterization. In order to do so, you must convince the board that there was some type of "error" or "injustice" in your records. As the Navy routinely issues RE-4 codes for psychological discharges, I don't think you're going to be able to convince the board that there was an "error" or "injustice" in your dicharge.

However, I am not an attorney, and you should not consider this "legal advice." For legal advice about the possibilities of changing your RE Code, you should consult with an attorney, who is experienced in Military board procedures. You can view a partial list of such attorneys at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/lawyers/Lawyers_Who_Specialize_in_Military_Law.ht... Keep in mind that I do not recommend or endorse any of these attorneys. They are simply law practices who have contacted me and let me know they specialize in Military Law.

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