Does anyone have advice for me regarding possibly enlisting again at 25, or should I just focus on my career as a security guard?

PVT Stephen Osenegg — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 22:11:12 -0500

Hi there, I'm hoping someone up to date will help me out with this question here:
In 2016 I received a General Discharge under Honorable Conditions for Patterns of Misconduct, with an RE-3 code.
I attempted to re-enlist about a year later, realizing how badly I screwed up, and it wasn't possible at the time. Then I found out under President Trump RE-3 codes became waiverable and I attempted to enlist yet again.
This time, I went to MEPS, and got cleared for the medical. Most unfortunately 1 week prior to going to MEPS to ship out my recruiter had told me his commander wanted to speak to me. Rather than ask me anything, he bluntly made it clear to me that he personally will under no circumstances so much as consider looking at my paperwork without a letter of recommendation from my former commander.
I couldn't find him.
It is now 2020, and I still really, really want to go back into the military - albeit I'm kind of put off from even speaking to my local recruiters at this point. I know for a fact if the recruiters who had initially enlisted me were at the office I'd have little-to-no problem making a case, as most of them knew me throughout my entire highschool career, and would've vouched for me. Obviously I had no such rapport with the new recruiters, and I'm not about to request time off from my full-time work as a security guard just to be ran around a second time.

With this said, I'm now 25, turning 26 in October. Does anyone have advice for me in terms of possibly attempting to enlist again, or should I just call it quits, and focus on my career as a security guard at this point?

Response by CPL Earl Kochis made Feb 12 at 2020 10:18 PM

CPL Earl Kochis — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 22:18:52 -0500

Join the national guard and go active a year later you won’t need a waiver

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Feb 12 at 2020 10:52 PM

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 22:52:33 -0500

I wish I was remotely versed in this area do that I could give you a suggestion. But I know this you are a veteran. Call your Regional Veterans Service Organization (they are located in the Regional Federal Courthouses or bear them) Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, etc tell them your concern and ask them if they can direct you to the best resource to give you the help you need. Then consider going to a different recruiting station to see if you encounter the same problem. Plus, only you know what is written concerning your RE3 designation. The specifications of the narrative may be the reason you are not getting a more seamless assistance from the recruiting office you are working with . So consider, yes, you qualify to get a waiver but us there something documented that is making it hard for those reading your records to make that consideration. Best to you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 10:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 22:57:21 -0500

President Trump didn't make RE3 waiverable. RE3 literally means Requires waiver. It has always meant Required Waiver. RE4 in on waiverable and RE1 means eligible for reentry to Active Duty. They told you to get lost because there's usually a waiting period to reapply after getting an RE3 and you would have been a waste of their time and energy if you didn't have a strong supporting case. Of course your separating commander wasn't going to give you a recommendation or else he wouldn't have separated you.

Enough time has probably passed that you can reapply and get the waiver.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 11:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 23:25:36 -0500

The biggest hurdle you are going to have is proving that you arent going to have another pattern of misconduct. It’s up to you to explain why the military should give you another shot.

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 12 at 2020 11:40 PM

SPC David S. — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 23:40:35 -0500

The good news its not an RE4 and your not trying to go Air Force. I believe the waiting period is 2 years however waivers are not blindly handed out as a lot depends on the reason for separation code. This should be listed on your DD-214 near RE code. As well I'd find a military law layer for help in the matter. Good luck

Response by Gary Hadden made Feb 13 at 2020 12:47 AM

Gary Hadden — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:47:40 -0500

Not sure what your civilian life has been like, but as long as you don't have a criminal record, my advise would be look at becoming a police officer. Every police department in almost every State are hurting for help. If you have what it takes, go for it! It won't make you rich, but it's a rewarding career.
Good luck, sir

Response by SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins made Feb 13 at 2020 7:48 AM

SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 07:48:50 -0500

You still can't find your old CO?

Response by SPC Ryan D. made Feb 13 at 2020 9:43 AM

SPC Ryan D. — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 09:43:54 -0500

Honestly, don’t bother with the military anymore. Your prior discharge would always haunt you and you’ll never make as much money as you can in the civilian sector.

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Feb 13 at 2020 10:44 AM

SFC Carlos Gamino — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 10:44:56 -0500

What benefits do you get by being a security guard. Weigh your options.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2020 1:23 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 13:23:30 -0500

Depends on how much you want it. Don't let age, work, "no" stop you. If you really want it, you won't stop until you get back in or get a very clear answer of, "No way it's not possible."
I was told I had no hope of getting in for almost 12 years. Went to MEPS 6 times, took off from work to talk to a dozen recruiters. Wrote letters to my Congressman, educated myself on procedure.
Then, at 33, after trying since about 20, I got the nod. Ironically, I was also a security supervisor, and let me tell you, there's not a lot of upward mobility in the field. Once you get to area manager, if you can, that's pretty much it for a loooong time.
I'm not telling you to give up on your career, just offering pro/con.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 13 at 2020 2:42 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 14:42:17 -0500

The advice in this string is excellent. I like the idea of working with a VSO as PO3 Phyllis Maynard suggested. Check with ArNG or ANG recruiters in your area. If you like your job as a security guard, you can keep it while a Guard member. Your military duty after initial training will be part-time. If you keep your record clean with the Guard, it can be an excellent source of a second income with opportunities for training and education.

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Feb 13 at 2020 3:21 PM

SPC Richard Zacke — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 15:21:11 -0500

PVT Stephen Osenegg Hell no don't give up!!!! You sound like you have matured and grown up and now see the errors of your past. This country was built on second chances but you need to compair the difference between a full time security job and pay for military service...if you just feel you have to serve dispite the pay and danger fight like you were tought in BCT. And if all else fails send a letter to The White House for help...it takes time to get an anwser so you might want to send it now with your evidence and explain that at age 25 your a totally different man and would make a great soldier. If it's your dream don't let it die without a hell of a fight!!! Good luck!

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Feb 13 at 2020 6:56 PM

SPC Richard Zacke — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 18:56:31 -0500

PVT Stephen Osenegg Hey small world, I jusr read on a post that you are from Brevard County...I'm in Palm Bay.

Response by PVT Stephen Osenegg made Feb 14 at 2020 11:00 PM

PVT Stephen Osenegg — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 23:00:36 -0500

Thanks to the advice provided here (from everyone), for now I have contacted my local congressional representative, and I also sent a letter to the White House (albeit maybe that was going a little bit far in retrospect). I also found 2 possible emails that might, maybe belong to my former commander (through a records search) and sent an email to him.
I'm going to wait a little bit, to see if I hear back from anyone first, in case anyone I wrote to has more advice for me, and then depending on that advice, I intend on proceeding with trying to re-enlist into the US Army once again. I'd prefer active duty, but if necessary I am also very willing to go to the National Guard/Reserves, and then transfer to active duty from there.

I'll update here, as events develop if anyone cares to stay tuned.

Thanks again everyone for your support, and your advice -- you guys rock!!!

Response by SSG Ron Bogard made Feb 21 at 2020 8:25 PM

SSG Ron Bogard — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 20:25:11 -0500

I personally believe that if you want this bad enough, make a plan and stick to it!!
And don't take NO for an answer.
Ron Bogard
U.S.Army
Retired

Response by SGT Robert Schaefer made Feb 24 at 2020 12:26 PM

SGT Robert Schaefer — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 12:26:11 -0500

First I would try to contact your old commander. And secondly, I would talk to another recruiter somewhere else.

Response by Cpl Richard Besser made Feb 29 at 2020 7:16 PM

Cpl Richard Besser — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 19:16:07 -0500

Hi Stephen, looks like you might be "not recommended for reenlistment.
I have the same thing although I'm 75 so it does not matter in my case.
Since you are a veteran, why not call the VA and explain the situation to them.
At the very least, they should be able to send you a copy of the regulation and sent
written info on how to resolve your problem.
Why would you want to reenlist?
If you're having problems dealing with civilian life, a VA hospital might at least help you deal
with that.

Response by SFC José Velázquez made Mar 9 at 2020 12:46 AM

SFC José Velázquez — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:46:06 -0400

I don’t going to give you false hope but this are my findings:
”It prevents future service.”
Individuals who receive a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions are not allowed to re-enlist once the dismissal has been completed. The discharge type prevents individuals from entering a different service of the armed forces as well. Receiving this discharge virtually guarantees life as a civilian from the moment is has been completed.“
You can appeal and you can contact your last CO but will be up hill trying to change your last CO mind.
The above statement also mentioned that prevents individuals to entering a different service of the armed forces. You can keep checking for any change on regulations.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 9 at 2020 11:29 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 11:29:31 -0400

The answer depends on your willingness to go the distance and put in the time. A waiver will need letters of recommendation. That is a given. In the age of social media and linkedin I think you will have little problem tracking down anyone you need to get a reference from. I would recommend getting no less than 3 letters of rec from anyone ranging from your previous leadership to current supervisors. Even if it is from local VA, VFW or American Legion. The recruiting Command won't waste their time, effort and energy on you unless there is proof of people willing to vouch for your work ethic and character. But again this won't be easy or quick. You will need to work for it and show you are worth the time because you put in the time to get there. Don't expect them to bend over backwards for someone who got pushed out due to a pattern of misconduct. You will need to work back with a pattern of good conduct. This may not be the answer you want but the majority of this weight will need to be carried by you to display you have what it takes to regain the status you desire.

Response by PO3 Michael MacKay made Mar 16 at 2020 10:59 AM

PO3 Michael MacKay — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:59:28 -0400

Do whatever you can to get your waiver and re-enlist, if you don't you will regret this for the rest of your life. Once you get back in make every decision in every instance with a 25 year career in mind, and this time you know the right thing to do, just do everything you are supposed to with the best attitude and to the best of your abilities no matter what. You are going to be following some times people who are idiots and play politics and are only concerned about themselves, so defend yourself by being professional and knowing every duty station is not the end all, there will be another one, so assholes are recyclable...you just have to learn the art of eating crow and getting along.

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made Mar 21 at 2020 2:11 PM

SFC Howard Holmes — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 14:11:55 -0400

Okay, you stated that you received an RE3 for misconduct, which by regulation ALWAYS required a waiver, the standards have never changed. You then went to reenlist and you said they "cleared for the medical." When discussing your discharge you said nothing about medical, and on your attempt to reenlist you said nothing about the waiver for misconduct. The CO of the recruiting command generally doesn't do anything but sign off on the waiver prior to moving it up the chain for approval. I agree with the SFC who said that your previous CO gave you the RE3 and probably wouldn't give you a shining recommendation. Your decision on what to do is all up to you, how bad do you want to be in the military vs. being a security guard. If you want it bad enough you will find a way to pursue it regardless of what may happen to your security guard position. It's up to you to balance things out, look at long, medium and short term goals, benefits and opportunity. Measure all things up. Are you certain you can stay out of trouble? If you are not 100% then you need to focus on where you're at. This takes hones soul searching and personal evaluation, and you have to be completely honest with yourself. Others can not make this decision for you and you asking others what you should do shows signs of insecurity. If you want it bad enough, then you would lay everything on the line to achieve it, if you are afraid of losing your position, then you need to do what's safest for you. BTW, you CANNOT be punished, fired or disciplined for trying to get in to the military, that's the law.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Mar 31 at 2020 4:05 PM

SGT Charles Bartell — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 16:05:44 -0400

I have known people that have been in your shoe's.
Got the runaround. Told they had to wait two years then they could go back into the service.
However you can short cut some of this. Go into the Army reserves, Then you can go back to active duty after about a year or so. The reserve does not usually require a waivers.
See if you can get recommendations from you employer's after first time in the military.
This should make it easier to show that you have grown up, And can be trusted to do your job.

Response by CPT John Hall made Apr 9 at 2020 7:47 PM

CPT John Hall — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 19:47:39 -0400

I ageree with everyone's advice. I especially like the idea of your doing the National Guard or secondly the Reserves if the Active Duty is not immediately available for you. I come at it from a different angle. I was an active duty Dentist and Captain. Went through officers basic course and did some challenging things but not as intense as Enlisted Basic. You are young enough to handle it if you prepare in advance. My point is that I left the Army after my original committment of 3 years. I was not planning to go back in. Later as I was getting married I was a part of an Army Reerve Dental unit. I got marreid and despite my wife reallly hoping I would stay in I left the unit and refused to stay in at the time or join another unit when I moved to another state. I was young and stubborn and did not take into consideration that I wolud be older, having to pay for my own health insurance, retirement, student loans and other benefits, that being a part of the military community sould address. Now 20 + years later my friends who entered with me are all retired, with Tricare health insurance, and student loans taken care of and are working on their 2nd or third retirement income. I have done contract work for aa number National Guard Units and/or reserves. I had treated and spoken with many diffrent units with young guys your age and even in their 40's. I talk to them about staying in or exploring their outside job aand/or career options. When I see someone who is about to make that same decision to leave early or not see the big picture for what may not be greeener pastures, I give them counsel and let them know about what decision I would advise my younger self to do or consider. Your current situation as a security guard begs for you to open up your options, you can do security guard and the Guard (MP is an option). Joining would give you more options and benefits and increase your pay especially if you plan to have a family. A career as a security guard fopr anything other than a large company or celebrity may put you in a position which at best will not givey ou any of the benefits you will get from the National Guard or from even better the Active Duty if you are able to transition. I will tell you the same thing I have told countless soldiers just in the 5-10 years I have seen or treated in 5-10 different states and bases. 20-30 years will past by quickly, don't take what you have before you for granted. Retirement age will come quicker than you think. I know I am in my 50's and staring at 60 approaching very fast. Hopes this helps. Not everyone loves it but I can tell you that the troops that are close to retirement ususally are in very good financially and approaching thier second career with hope and focus. You can always go back after you retire and then really sit back and be a security guard with security of benefits, health insurance and retuirement under your belt.
Take Care. God bless You and Stay Safe.
During these trying times read the Soldier's Prayer. Psalms 91

Response by SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales made Apr 13 at 2020 5:11 PM

SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 17:11:27 -0400

So the commander of the MEPS at that time stayed the HE personally would not send your papers thru? If he is no longer the CO. There by all means try again and state your case like you are now..

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2020 1:47 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:47:15 -0400

I just reenlisted at 30. I honestly can say it's the best decision I ever made. Look toward your future and think about the benefits of getting all your years in. Working at the VA I see a lot of vets and see how it can be very beneficial for you and your family.

Response by 1SG Steven Malkowski made May 3 at 2020 8:14 AM

1SG Steven Malkowski — Sun, 03 May 2020 08:14:41 -0400

Get back in whichever way you can, AC, NG or USAR. The Guard and Reserve are excellent options to continue your military service if you have a good civilian job you want to stay in. I was in your shoes. I fcrewed up toward the end of my first AD enlistment and got an RE-3C. I had no intention of re-enlisting at the time. About 3 months out I was going to college and realized I needed extra money to get by and also that I had screwed up and really missed the Army. So I went to the local NG armory and talked to a recruiter who happened to be the brother of one of my friends growing up. He got me a waiver and I joined up. I was a model soldier in the Guard. Within 6 months I was on temporary full time recruiting duty and nine months later got an AGR recruiting job for two years. I went to OCS, got commissioned and left AGR to pursue my dream of being a police officer. But I stayed in the Guard. Fast forward to today and I am retired collecting two good pensions with benefits from both my civilian job and the Army. I had great experiences in the Guard. The training, comradery, the chance to serve my country, deploying after 9/11. Everything I have today is due to my Army/NG service. Don't waste time in getting back in.