Do I have a good shot at getting my RE code upgraded on my DD214?

PO2 Robert T. — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 15:27:32 -0400

Hello everyone. I was ADSEP'd out of the Navy back in 2014 for failing the BCA portion of the PRT more than a couple of times. To my surprise, I was given and RE Code 4 and didn't pay it no mind at the time. Not until I wanted to join the national guard as an officer now that I have my 4 year degree. Obviously, I can't with a RE-4. But I did a little digging and found out that I was separated under MILPERSMAN 1910-170 which specifically states I should have been given an RE-3F for weight control failure unless a RE-4 is warranted (its not and it shouldn't have). Not only that, I have an official memo from my CO at the time regarding my discharge characterization. It specifically states that block 27 on my dd214 should have RE code 3F.

So finally, my question is, do I have a good case to get this changed and how do I go about doing that? Should I speak with a NG recruiter?

PS: I spent the last 4 years getting physically fit. I'm good now. Just looking for some guidance here. Thanks!

Response by MSG David Johnson made Jul 8 at 2018 5:28 PM

MSG David Johnson — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 17:28:22 -0400

Just a thought off the top of my head here. You're trying to come back into the military, you got a 4 year degree and want to become an officer. Did you have to take some kind of writing course? Or do you think it is more self deprecating to not capitalize the I in your post?
I'm not being critical, just pointing out something an officer and college grad should know.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 9 at 2018 2:00 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 02:00:50 -0400

You're applying for commissioning, not reenlisting. Presumably the NG officer accessions guide talks about how to deal with prior enlisted and the varied RE codes. I'd be surprised if it basically said take a look at RE-4s. However, that's the bible, and what the recruiters go by. (Hint, I just gave you some horses for the courses in forming some questions for a recruiter.)

I'm going off fuzzy memory on DD-214 stuff. You didn't mention the Block 26 SPN Code. That would be much more telling (JEM? LGH?). Nonetheless, first things first. You'll have better chances by showing up at a NG recruiters shack with a RE-3F. That's waiverable (not guaranteed) presuming the NG is interested and you skate the long and short program well. To obtain a real RE-3F, you'd request records correction through the Board of Correction of Naval Records. The only corrections they typically do is the obvious error. They don't change things that are "judgement". So submit your DD-214 with the Skipper's memo and request correction and issue a revised DD-214. Their turnaround time was 6-9 months in my day. I had an RE-4 FGM which made sense as I was accepted into a commissioning program. No going back at that stage.

Finally, I've seen many hidden pot shots taken with the SPN codes over time. You may have a piece of paper saying it should be 3F, but if the SPN is "damaging", the Board isn't going to try and unravel it. They wouldn't know if there's an obvious error. So Commands may slip a SPM in there, such as the one for slacker, because they're getting rid of you for a different reason. They may not have counseled you about it either. They simply decided the member won't be a mistake that gets passed on in the future. That's why the SPN matching the Skipper's 3F thing is critical. Interesting enough, the one waiverable category in the RE-4 arena are the varied codes for homosexuality as times and policies have changed. That's why I advise every MIL to go over the DD-214 carefully before you leave and grab the S-1 by the short ones if there is a glitch.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2018 11:55 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 11:55:22 -0400

You can obtain a waiver for the classification.

Response by SGT Christopher Combs made Jul 12 at 2018 1:35 AM

SGT Christopher Combs — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 01:35:43 -0400

Yes after 5 years you can also submit an exception to policy to D.C. through a recruiter but it would help to have a statement from an officer in the Military to help you out

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 12 at 2019 9:48 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 09:48:25 -0400

Whether the RE4 was warranted was your Commanders decision, not yours. Your Commander felt it was...

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Sep 25 at 2019 10:24 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 10:24:42 -0400

OK, since this question gets asked about once a week. Since you have an official memo from your commander that states the RE code is in error, you may have a chance. Fill out a DD form 149 and submit it. Then wait, there is generally a back log.
The ONLY way to change an RE code is to demonstrate that it was an in some fashion an error.
Be aware that RE Codes mean different things in different services. Unfortunately, RE 4 is ineligible in All of them.

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2020 2:40 AM

MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 02:40:46 -0400

Prob should have gotten an RE-3P but damn sure should not have gotten an RE-4. That’s a correctable error that can be submitted to BCNR. Roger that, you need to confirm the specific separation paragraph and the factual basis of the separation. You should have been given the Final Action letter signed by the Separation Authority and that information is on the document

Response by CPO Debra Jacobsen made Jul 28 at 2020 4:16 PM

CPO Debra Jacobsen — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 16:16:13 -0400

You can always request they review your paperwork and consider issuing you a DD215 to change your RE4 to an RE3F. Unfortunately, a recruiter is not going to be able to assist ... You'll need to reach higher.