Can I re-enlist with RE 3 and separation code JFW for flat feet?

DaVina Horne — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 15:59:44 -0400

Can I re-enlist with RE 3 and separation code JFW for flat feet. I was discharged in BCT and that was in 2015. I havent had any issues with my feet since then. I really want to go back in.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 29 at 2019 4:01 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 16:01:32 -0400

Have you checked with a recruiter or someone in personnel at an Armory.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 6:56 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:56:50 -0400

RE-3’s can still get in. It’ll take a moral waiver to go through the works though—about a 3 month turn around in best cases. If your feet are truly flat than you’d possibly need a medical waiver as well.

Response by MSG Robert Conrad made Jun 30 at 2019 9:04 AM

MSG Robert Conrad — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 09:04:51 -0400

I presume the RE-3 is for Training discharge Program, not a moral issue, like fraudulent entry. Flat feet will likely become an issue again once you are subjected to the stress of physical training. It is likely to be worse for you now, the PT standards have been changed. You may want to discuss your medical condition with an actual podiatrist and get an expert opinion on what your plan is. I think the waiver is going to be the least of your problem. Your ability to be an effective Soldier has already been questioned because of your unfortunate medical condition. Best of luck.

Response by COL David Turk made Jun 30 at 2019 10:04 AM

COL David Turk — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 10:04:24 -0400

Boy, times have changed. I went down to Fort Hamilton for my draft physical (Nov 71), with a doctors file covering my flat feet and fallen arches (trying for 4F, to not get drafted). At the end of the physical, to include an ortho consult, I was told I was fit for duty and that a profile for my feet would be waiting for me at basic (Fort Dix). Never saw the medical profile, which actually turned out to a good thing. Went through like everybody else.
Later on, I got some custom inserts at Valley Forge General Hospital when I was TDY there in support of the returning Vietnam POWs sent there (early 1973). I wore those plastic inserts for 15- 20 years. Still have them in my “military storage tote”.

Sorry, but that brings back a funny story. I was wearing those inserts in my books during a night patrol/attack in advance ROTC camp at Fort Bragg. We were moving quietly through a wooded area when the TAC officer stops and says “what the hell is that noise?” After resuming our approach, he stops us again, and comes up to me and says, “Turk, what’s with your boots?” Turns out the plastic inserts were rubbing up against the leather, making a noise. The inserts came out on the spot and I never wore them again on training or noise sensitive missions.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Jun 30 at 2019 3:03 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 15:03:04 -0400

I had a re 3 waiver and got back in so it’s possible. Also try the National Guard in your state and surrounding states

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2019 5:45 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 17:45:14 -0400

They’re doing this again? When I joined in 2002 my flat feet was a non issue. I got custom orthotics and got sent to basic. 17 years later, I still have no issues. It was my understanding flat feet went out the door as an issue decades ago.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2019 11:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 23:13:22 -0400

It’s an RE3 waiver. You will need to get an orthopedic clearance letter from your own orthopedist as well as treatment records proving the condition is healed and is not going to reoccur. You will redo the meps physical then have the records submitted for the waiver.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Sep 17 at 2020 8:31 PM

MSgt Neil Greenfield — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 20:31:01 -0400

Hmm, I’ve had flat feet all my life. I may have a very little arch. My wife calls them “chicklet feet” (check out chicklet gum). The point is I enlisted in the Army in 1978. The only time I had problems in BCT was after very long road marches, and Ft Jackson in August is hot!
The point is that I served for a total of 21+ years, in two different services. So it is possible.
My father-in-law wanted to join the Navy in the early 50’s, but they wouldn’t take him because of his flat feet. Mind you, he was a runner. He went next door to the Air Force recruiter, and guess what? He enlisted in the Air Force.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Check out the other services. You might get a break.