Is it possible to commission as an officer in the Army Reserves with an Honorable Army Medical Discharge for PTSD and an RE-4 code?

2023-10-27T22:24:00-04:00

I was active duty enlisted for 3.5 years. Highest rank E4 SPC. Went through a med board for PTSD and was medically retired and receive 90% VA disability. RE-4 code on DD214. I’ve been out 5 years, got my bachelors, graduate with my masters in 3 months, and have received treatment for my PSTD. I have been wanting to commission to an Army Reserves job.
Wondering if this is worth talking to a recruiter about.
My MOS was 68N. Hoping to commission as 70A.
Thanks for any help.

Edit to add: Box 25 is AR 635-40, Chap 4. Box 26 is SEK. Box 28 isDisability, Temporary (enhanced).

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2023 11:38 PM

2023-10-27T23:38:51-04:00

Here is a previous post.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/is-it-possible-to-reenlistment-into-a-different-branch-after-an-army-medical-retirement-with-an-re-code-4-and-honorable-discharge

Is it possible to reenlistment into a different branch after an Army medical retirement with an...

Hypothetically speaking, if I wanted to join a different branch after a Medical Retirement, but my DD 214 shows RE Code 4, how hard would it be to get a waiver approved? I heard waivers are a possibility, I’ve also heard they are not. Recruiters, specifically Navy, please help. Thank you.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Oct 28 at 2023 7:14 AM

2023-10-28T07:14:00-04:00

Your absolute best answer is talking to the recruiter as none of us on here know what their needs are and that really dictates what 'baggage' they are willing to accept. I would be very surprised if they commission you as the bar for officers is generally much higher and you need to be prepared for a no. But it will always be a no if you dont speak with a recruiter.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2023 8:21 AM

2023-10-28T08:21:49-04:00

Maybe not impossible (that is an absolute), but I think it unlikely:
1. The RE-4 makes you not qualified. It would have to be waived at DA level.
2. The Medical Service Corps generally draws sufficient commisions from the military academy, ROTC, and OCS to fill the authorizations. Thus the principle of supply and demand; it is difficult to get into unless through one of those routes. Having a medical speciality degree is another pathway, but you didn't mention that.

If you want to work with the Army check USAJOBS.gov for civilian opportunities to serve.

Admiring your desire to serve, try another pathway.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2023 9:15 PM

2023-10-28T21:15:41-04:00

The RE 4 alone makes you ineligible. Medical retirement means you're medically unfit for continued Service.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 30 at 2023 10:28 AM

2023-10-30T10:28:03-04:00

What did a recruiter say? It all depends on the details which we don't have. RE-4 will make it a slim possibility but you need to verify with a recruiter. It may be waiverable but that isn't for anyone here to confirm. The only person who can give a current response would be a recruiter.

Response by SPC J Durh made Nov 2 at 2023 9:27 AM

2023-11-02T09:27:50-04:00

After speaking with an AMEDD recruiter…
Interestingly, the RE4 is seemingly the easiest obstacle to overcome. Even the regular recruiters said they could get that upgraded or waived without much effort. (Probably because the RE4 code is for PTSD and not conduct issues.)
VA disability, whatever percentage, is not paid during active service. However, you never have to relinquish the payments in the future.

The real hurdle is that 70A is overmanned and slots are usually filled by senior 70E or 70K.
Currently, there are only openings for 72 series, which doesn’t interest me at all, but may be the best way to get a commission and transfer later.

I’m still a bit confused as to why 70A would be an option for Direct Commission if they are filling the slots internally.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Dec 15 at 2023 12:20 PM

2023-12-15T12:20:45-05:00

What have you got to lose, nothing all they can say is no. Semper Fi

Response by SSG Stewart Stanfield made Dec 23 at 2023 5:36 PM

2023-12-23T17:36:10-05:00

You can talk to a recruiter; however, unless there is a great need in a specific combat mos, the recruiter probably will not even consider working up a one-year enlisted waiver package. Complete a Doctor in Health Administration Degree and gain at least five years experience in a civilian hospital administration position if your goal is to commission as a 70A.

Response by LCpl Gary Edwards made Dec 24 at 2023 1:46 AM

2023-12-24T01:46:33-05:00

Talk to a recruiter which can talk with their liaison. They alone will be able to determine any sort of waiver for your situation. Without any special considerations, it's likely you cannot enlist. Only shot at that point is to have your reenlistment code change via the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR). Recruiter may have a contact or direction for that. There typically is a form that you fill out and you can attend a hearing via telephone or travel in person to the board. Good Luck!

"RE-4 - Individuals separated from last period of service with a nonwaiverable disqualification (refer to AR 601-280). Ineligible for enlistment except as provided for in paragraphs 2-7c and 2-7d. (See waiverable moral and administrative disqualifications.) Disqualification is nonwaivable."

Response by PFC Edward Krinsky made Dec 24 at 2023 10:40 AM

2023-12-24T10:40:06-05:00

You served your country. Remain retired..

Response by PFC Edward Krinsky made Dec 24 at 2023 10:40 AM

2023-12-24T10:40:45-05:00

You served your country. Remain retired............

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2023 6:42 AM

2023-12-25T06:42:14-05:00

Try Joining the USPHS its the 7 Uniform Service and they are all commissioned officers

Response by SGT Michael Heim made Dec 25 at 2023 10:10 AM

2023-12-25T10:10:58-05:00

As stated before talk to a recruiter. But, I’ve been out since 2006 with a medical discharge RE-3. Back when I asked about going back in I was told that IF and only IF they accepted me back, I would forfeit my disability until my service was complete. As I had been out for a while and now had a family, I chose to remain separated.

Response by LTC Thomas Riney made Dec 28 at 2023 2:30 PM

2023-12-28T14:30:11-05:00

Go for it! You can get a waiver if denied. Just depends how much they need you

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Jan 11 at 2024 9:09 AM

2024-01-11T09:09:35-05:00

if you are asking opinion? I would say NO! you were Medically Discharged that does not change the ability to do the Job, either your are 90% disabled or you are not.
Officially you need to see a Recruiter they can get a waiver for just about anything these days.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2024 12:20 AM

2024-01-22T00:20:25-05:00

Honestly, I'd be happy with receiving a 90% VA disability rating!

Response by SSG Juan Garza made Feb 18 at 2024 6:36 PM

2024-02-18T18:36:22-05:00

I don’t think you can double dip like that, especially for ptsd was the primary reason you were discharged.

Response by 1SG John Millan made Feb 23 at 2024 1:22 PM

2024-02-23T13:22:36-05:00

No, zero chance