How do I fight to change my RE code?

HA Jace Gallagher — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 07:34:29 -0500

I went to Captain's Mast in 2015. I was at a joint command with Army and Navy. My grandfather fell gravely ill and looked like he was going to pass away. I snapped off at an Army Sergeant and said some stuff I should not have said. I received an Honorable Discharge but an RE4 reentry code. I believe the RE4 was too severe and wish to fight to get it changed to an RE3 so I can join the Army National Guard. Since leaving the military, I have earned an Associate's Degree and am serving as a corrections officer for my county. My chain of command for the Sheriff's Office are willing to vouch for my work ethic and willingness to obey orders. I know it is a long shot to get an RE code changed, but how do I go about fighting it and who can help me prepare my case?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 7:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 07:48:16 -0500

If you search RP, you will find MANY MANY MANY posts/questions that are about this.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Jan 10 at 2021 8:17 AM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 08:17:50 -0500

Good luck. If your story is correct then it should be easy to change. But the guard does not have to accept you. Good Luck.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 10 at 2021 8:27 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 08:27:09 -0500

RE4 for one Captains Mast? What aren't you telling us? None of us can give accurate advice if you're giving us a one sided edited version of the story.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jan 10 at 2021 9:20 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 09:20:44 -0500

The RE 4 Code in the Navy has a different meaning the the one in the Army. The Navy RE 4 is simply not recommended for re-enlistment in the Navy, the same code in the Army means you are ineligible. This code may be eligible for a waiver. I would talk to a recruiter.
It is almost impossible to change an RE code unless you can show that it was given in error. The not recommended for re-enlistment is in large part dictated by the Command. Overriding command judgement in the Military is very difficult and this one is subjective enough that it will be difficult.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 9:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 09:33:40 -0500

Someone said it already, but its the best advice you have gotten, RE4 mean different things in each branch, and talking to a recruiter is the only way to get a correct answer. If the RE code was not erroneous, it will not be changed.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jan 10 at 2021 10:02 AM

SSG Brian G. — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 10:02:55 -0500

By what you are saying here, despite the emotional duress you did something and freely admit to doing it. Changes to RE codes and narratives are made when there are mistakes. This, by your own admission is not one. Still, go and seek out a recruiter and plead your case. They will tell you how it might be achieved or how a waiver might be attained.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 10 at 2021 6:08 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 18:08:21 -0500

Strange and it smells fishy. But according reenlistment code a USN RE4 means NO reenlistment. You can write to get it changed but ti will be a uphill, ;lengthy battle.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jan 10 at 2021 8:13 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 20:13:54 -0500

Something has to be missing from this scenario. Nobody that I ever knew, even in the Marines got an RE-4 (Not eligible and not recommended for re-enlistment). I think there is more to this story than we are being told.

Response by SSG Dale London made Jan 10 at 2021 11:27 PM

SSG Dale London — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 23:27:47 -0500

An RE code of 4 means not eligible and is non-waivable. The only way to change this is to apply to the Navy's board of corrections for military records and appeal. I would recommend speaking first to a Veteran's Service Organization like the VFW or the American Legion to see if they can point you to a lawyer familiar with the process.
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