Posted on Jul 20, 2020
SPC Ashley Brady
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I’ve been out of the army for 7.5 years now and miss it terribly. I was medboarded for patella femoral and curious if I even have a chance at getting in the ROTC program with an RE3 code. I would love to not only serve again, but be upon the leadership in the military and make a good difference in the lives of future soldiers. I will be 31 soon, does AD time get subtracted for commissioning purposes?
Posted in these groups: C4289f1 RE CodeThcapm08l9 ROTC
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COL Jon Thompson
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An RE3 re-up code is waiverable but will require CG of Cadet Command decision. Here is the verbiage from the Cadet Command pamphlet on contracting eligibility:
e. If the disqualifying RE code resulted from medical reasons, the applicant must clearly and completely state the reasons and produce an SF 88 and SF 93 stating the condition. Examining and reviewing physician statements must address the condition(s) that resulted in the disqualifying RE code. A copy of the disqualifying medical examination, or Medical Waiver Review Board results and current medical examination showing the condition no longer exits are also needed.

In terms of age, you are ineligible for a scholarship by US Code. However, you can still do ROTC as a non-scholarship cadet. Here is the verbiage from the same reference above:
(2) Maximum. Applicants must be young enough that they will not be 39 years old or older at the projected time of commissioning.
(3) Waivers. There is no longer a waiver requirement for Non-Scholarship Cadets thru the age of 34 year at the projected time of commissioning. The Brigade Commander is the waiver authority for applicants who will be between 35 and 39 years of age at the projected time of commissioning. Waivers must be approved prior to fully contracting the Cadet. See Chapter 3 for waiver processing procedures.
(4) Applicants who are to be appointed after their 39th birthday should be advised that they may not be able to qualify for retirement pay under 10 USC 1331, although they may be able to qualify for retirement pay under 10 USC 3911 if they have served on active duty for 20 years, at least 10 years of which have been served as a commissioned officer.

Finally, you start a new service obligation when you commission. Prior active duty time does count towards retirement time and time in service but does not change how long you will have to serve to meet your new obligation.

Let me know what other questions you have.
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COL John McClellan
COL John McClellan
5 y
You covered it!
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SPC Ashley Brady
SPC Ashley Brady
5 y
I would only be 34 at time of commissioning so your #2 response wouldn’t apply to me right?
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COL Jon Thompson
COL Jon Thompson
5 y
SPC Ashley Brady - You are correct. It is based on age at the time of commissioning. It is based on your age at the time of commissioning. The only way it might apply to you is if you pushed back your graduation/commissioning date after you turn 35.
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1LT Medical-Surgical Nurse
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I’m prior service and I was told I had to graduate the December before my 32nd birthday in order to commission without a waiver. I believe the age of commissioning waiver is up to 39 based on the needs of the service. As others have mentioned, I believe your biggest hurdle will be DODMERB. I encourage you to reach out to a ROO and start the process
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SPC Driver Manager
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The only way your going to get a true answer is call/go in and talk to the ROTC NCO
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SPC Driver Manager
SPC (Join to see)
5 y
SPC Ashley Brady an re3 code is waiverable tho! Give it a shot. I just got a waiver for a re 3
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SPC Ashley Brady
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SPC Driver Manager
SPC (Join to see)
5 y
SPC Ashley Brady no for regular reenlistment.
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PFC Rich Fly
PFC Rich Fly
5 y
SPC (Join to see) - I can give a confirmation for that. After fighting it for 8 months, I received a JFM separation (Existed Prior to Service Disability w/ PEB) back in 1999 and was given an RE3 for what was called PFS and retropatellar pain syndrome. This was following an accident during Victory Forge in BCT, in which I fell 12ft and landed on my knee. I held off seeing a doc until I was at AIT for a couple of months and couldn't stand the pain anymore. I completed AIT, but was prevented from PCSing due to rehab - PEB finally made a ruling 8 months later and that was it.

I tried to reenlist in Navy NF, but was rejected due to the RE3 - tried to reenlist twice after 9/11 in Navy and USAF and was rejected due to RE3, tried to join USBP and was rejected due to RE3. I even tried to leverage my existing senior leadership contacts (through my current career) and either do direct entry as a WO or enlist in ARNG a couple of years ago, but was told that the process is extensive to get a waiver for a PFS injury due to the nature of the issue. I am now too old to go back in.

I would be very curious as to how it worked out for you, SPC Brady, having gone through a similar fight for 20 years. Not to say that it's not possible - just prepare yourself.
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Being prior service with an RE3, am I eligible to join ROTC?
1LT Chaplain Candidate
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As far as I know, you just need an exception to policy aprroved and signed.
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