Could I re-enlist with an RE-3 code? How about as an officer?

PV2 John Ashford — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 21:44:53 -0400

I have been out of the military since 2014. I served my full contract, however, I did get in trouble before I got out. I lost rank but still deployed to Afghanistan with my unit in 2012. I am finishing my Finance degree at a university and also in my senior year. My question is, could I rejoin as an officer if have a RE-3 on my DD-214? I have done some research and know I will require a waiver. One recruiter said it was near impossible, but that was the only recruiter that I have talked to so far. He said that it would be easy to go back in as enlisted, arrive at my unit, and then wait for X amount of time until I asked to drop an OCS packet. Moreover, I only talked to the Army recruiters about this. Would it be possible, or easier, to go through a different branch? I made a mistake, I paid for it, and really would like to go back in to try to help soldiers who were as lost as I was at the time I got in trouble. Maybe I could be an example and use my mistake as a positive to help guide and lead troops. Any answers, testimonies, or tips would be very much appreciated.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2019 9:47 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 21:47:25 -0400

An re3 is ineligible for reenlistment unless a waiver is granted.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2019 9:52 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 21:52:02 -0400

If the circumstance that caused the 3 no longer exist you might have a shot.. you just need to talk to someone that knows what they doing and how to push that paperwork though.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2019 9:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 21:53:35 -0400

I would agree with your statement. Get in then drop OCS. Aside from your re code, what is the SPD code (3 letters) and narrative.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2019 10:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:14:04 -0400

Even if you achieve the waiver to enlist in the Army, with a DUI you have almost no chance of getting commissioned.
If you're trying to come straight in on a commission, with an RE3 and a DUI, I'd say your likelihood of success is less than zero.
You might have a better chance trying to commission with a national guard or reserve unit through a state OCS program or something similar.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Apr 23 at 2019 11:05 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 23:05:54 -0400

I get we all make mistakes. I've made a bunch, but career stoppers.
My question is why are wanting to come back in as an officer? What changed since you got out that made you want to go the officer route?

Here's why I ask. You served for three years, correct? How many safety briefings did you hear before weekends, passes, and leaves where you were informed of the dangers of drunk driving? How can OCS or the Army be sure you'll actually act accordingly as an officer and leader, when you couldn't as an enlisted man?

When you can answer those questions honestly and without reservation, the Army may grant you the waiver, but it will be a tough go getting it.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Apr 24 at 2019 9:53 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 09:53:18 -0400

You would require 2 waivers, RE code waiver and a misconduct waiver for the DUI conviction. The misconduct waiver likely would disqualify you for an OCS enlistment. I only say "likely", because I haven't been in USAREC since 2013 and don't know the current operational policy on OCS. But I highly doubt that the officer strength in the Army is so critical that they are allowing RE3 prior service with a misconduct waiver to enlist for OCS. One thing to remember, no matter many how many recruiters you talk to, and varying degrees of slim hope you hear, it will all boil down to what the regulations and current operational policy allow.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2019 10:40 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 10:40:38 -0400

PV2 John Ashford I was able to get back in (via the MO Air Guard - was actvie AF) with an RE-3 code and a disability of 10%. My fight only took me 18.5 years and 4 recruiters before I found one that wasn't afraid of the fight.
I would mirror SFC Private RallyPoint Member 's comment; you may have better luck going Guard/Reserve, as they can send folks to OCS if the person proves themselves & the unit thinks they would make a good officer for the unit.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 24 at 2019 11:32 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 11:32:52 -0400

Also, you have to been enlisted before applying for OCS. You might check ROTC, but the RE-3 can bite you still.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 24 at 2019 8:17 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 20:17:45 -0400

You could be waived to enlist. I have no doubt you have matured and realize your mistake, but there are many people out there looking for a commission that didn't make the mistake, they'll get selected for the commissioning program before you.