Is it possible to reenlist after a medical discharge?

SPC Christopher Sweeney — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 06:21:09 -0400

I'm an Army Veteran recently discharged from Active Duty: Honorable / Separation Code: JEB / RE Code: 3

From what I've gathered so far it's possible to get back in after a medical discharge (assuming waivers are approved), however recruiters I've spoken to so far won't even entertain the idea of reenlistment.

Anyone with first hand experience on this issue, PLEASE share your input. Thanks!

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Apr 10 at 2017 6:29 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 06:29:43 -0400

Here's a link to a thread addressing this issue.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/can-i-get-back-in-the-military-when-i-got-code-3-discharge-for-medical-with-60-disability

Can I get back in the military when I got code 3 discharge for medical with 60% disability? |...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 2:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 02:00:14 -0400

I was on ADOS recruiting orders for 6 months last year; we had two similar instances in this case:

1. A female that received a medical discharge from the USMC during her IET for sleepwalking. The USMC made damn sure with her RE code that she would never get back into the service. When I began my orders, she had already been in the process with my station NCOIC for months, by the time my orders were cut she was still fighting the waiver process. She never got back in the military.

2. A prior service E-5 was separated due to a DUI. His waiver process was just as complex, since his RE code was equally trash. It involved multiple letters being submitted, a huge packet, and lots of man hours being put into it. We were willing to put in the time. Other recruiters from other branches? Not so much. He ended up getting back in, it paid off.

Bottom line: nobody knows for sure whether you can re-enlist or not. Waivers are a toss up. Is it worth it to try? Definitely. Your recruiter makes a world of difference. Some won't touch your situation with a ten foot pole because they're either done with mission or don't want to put in the work. If you find that a certain recruiter or branch doesn't want to work with you, move on to the next one. Eventually you'll find one that will put in the work. Good luck!