Posted on Feb 28, 2017
Is it possible to reenlist with an RE-4 (honorable discharge)?
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Lost security clearance because they said that I had bad credit. I had re enlisted for 5 more years at my second duty station. But then they told me I was out. I desperately need to get back in on active duty. I miss it. And I felt I had a real purpose in life. I need some help getting my code upgraded. I was not a bad or anything. Please help you guys and gals. Thanks
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 22
"Is it possible to reenlist with an RE-4 (honorable discharge)?"
RE-4 - Individuals separated from last period of service with a nonwaiverable disqualification (refer to AR 601-280). Ineligible for enlistment except as provided for in paragraphs 2-7c and 2-7d. (See waiverable moral and administrative disqualifications.) Disqualilication is nonwaivable.
So NO you can't unless the need out weighs the available, then maybe.... but likely once the need is no longer (draw down) there you'll get the boot anyway.
What was your time in service when you separated? How many years and months total active service?
RE-4 is typically given for very negative reasons. ....... "having bad credit" is not the whole story..sorry, just not. unless something went wrong.
Each service has a e Administrative Discharge Board.. Hire a lawyer and PROVE your RE-4 discharge was erroneously given... thats the only way discharge codes are upgraded.. So a SM discharged on Chap 14, but later its proven they had a documented and provable case of Severe PTSD service related and untreated MIGHT get a discharge upgrade... MIGHT.
You have no obligation to tell us the rest of the story and background that lead to your RE-4 discharge code... but doing so and verifying your account might lead others here with knowledge and experience to better offer assistance..
however, unless something went terrible wrong in the admin process (it happens, see example ) or the criminally negligent leaders that pushed for and approved it (it would have to be a conspiracy, not just a single commander) ... Those with an RE-4 earned it. And those that earned an RE-4 are not needed in the Military service. There are simply too many available without that baggage. If it was an unjust discharge, get it changed and get back in.....
RE-4 - Individuals separated from last period of service with a nonwaiverable disqualification (refer to AR 601-280). Ineligible for enlistment except as provided for in paragraphs 2-7c and 2-7d. (See waiverable moral and administrative disqualifications.) Disqualilication is nonwaivable.
So NO you can't unless the need out weighs the available, then maybe.... but likely once the need is no longer (draw down) there you'll get the boot anyway.
What was your time in service when you separated? How many years and months total active service?
RE-4 is typically given for very negative reasons. ....... "having bad credit" is not the whole story..sorry, just not. unless something went wrong.
Each service has a e Administrative Discharge Board.. Hire a lawyer and PROVE your RE-4 discharge was erroneously given... thats the only way discharge codes are upgraded.. So a SM discharged on Chap 14, but later its proven they had a documented and provable case of Severe PTSD service related and untreated MIGHT get a discharge upgrade... MIGHT.
You have no obligation to tell us the rest of the story and background that lead to your RE-4 discharge code... but doing so and verifying your account might lead others here with knowledge and experience to better offer assistance..
however, unless something went terrible wrong in the admin process (it happens, see example ) or the criminally negligent leaders that pushed for and approved it (it would have to be a conspiracy, not just a single commander) ... Those with an RE-4 earned it. And those that earned an RE-4 are not needed in the Military service. There are simply too many available without that baggage. If it was an unjust discharge, get it changed and get back in.....
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SGM Erik Marquez
CPT Christopher Autumn
Thanks for the suggestion to check myself sir
I did just that and I’ve come to the conclusion my 28 years of experience culminating as a senior enlisted person in 1st Cav division as the G3 SGM and my check MYSELF position is I stand by it
my observations are accurate my experience relative to the topic and I stand by my statement with a few exceptions I outlined clearly for those willing to read
Those who have a reenlistment code of RE4 earned it
If you have knowledge of an outlier I wouldn’t be surprised but that doesn’t alter my personal observations over 28 years.
Thanks for the suggestion to check myself sir
I did just that and I’ve come to the conclusion my 28 years of experience culminating as a senior enlisted person in 1st Cav division as the G3 SGM and my check MYSELF position is I stand by it
my observations are accurate my experience relative to the topic and I stand by my statement with a few exceptions I outlined clearly for those willing to read
Those who have a reenlistment code of RE4 earned it
If you have knowledge of an outlier I wouldn’t be surprised but that doesn’t alter my personal observations over 28 years.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
The only caveat I would add to this conversation (which isn't applicable to the PO's situation) is that not ALL re-4s are bad. Retirees ALSO get an RE-4. Once you retire, you're done... Unless the service ASKS (or demands) you to come back.
Got my RE-4 in 2017. Also got my e-mail from HRC in 2020 asking me to come back and help with COVID. (They ended up not using me, but I was on standby for 3 months.)
Again, not applicable to PO situation. But wanted to clarify that not all RE-4s are based on bad things, as implied throughout.
Got my RE-4 in 2017. Also got my e-mail from HRC in 2020 asking me to come back and help with COVID. (They ended up not using me, but I was on standby for 3 months.)
Again, not applicable to PO situation. But wanted to clarify that not all RE-4s are based on bad things, as implied throughout.
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SA Elishia Morse
I got discharged honorably re-4 for being prescribed ADHD med by a base physician. I had a waiver for ADHD itself. I'm currently waiting to hear back from MEPS going from navy to army. What do you think they will say.
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SSG William Craddock
NO ! Those whose Honorable Discharge indicates RE-4 Re-up Code didn't necessarily "Earn it". Recent to my forced Retirement I'd completed ALC at Ft. Lee, VA in mid 90th Score % on all areas evaluated. This was followed by myself plus Squad being selected for COVID Logistics Support Mission, plus unscheduled Riot Duty in a leading role resulting from George Floyd's In-Custody Death. I tried pursuing Fraud, Waste and Abuse Claims with both OTAG in Sacramento, as well as a similar Complaint with the NGB in Washington, D.C. to no avail.
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No, Re Entry code 4 means no re entry period. You lost your security clearance and were unable to fulfill your obligations in your MOS, that's why you got an Honorable with the RE code 4. If you can fix the financial problems that cause you to loose the clearance, you can request an upgrade on your RE code. This process is long and takes lost of effort and leg work. I seen RE codes change from 4, but you must do all the requests. There is a DD form, you can send to request the change, I want to say DD form 149, but is been to long since I left recruiting and dealt with this issue.
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LCpl Ian Tielking
(OTH RE4) Reason: Pattern of misconduct. I was in the USMC. Immediately you see that and see "shit bag" or a fcked up individual. Imagine the what that does to ones mental state, life...., friend's, family, kind of a big dark cloud hanging over you. Bottom line people make mistakes that's what makes us human, and you pay for the choices/decisions/lapse in judgment or whatever. I would love to get that opportunity just one more time in my life to put back on the Cami's. For other RR4s reading, you fcked up, I fcked up, there is like 99.9% we won't be taken back, but I can't tell the future.. Only chance of us getting back in is determination a good lawyer lol. Or maybe that one recruiter that actually listens and gives a fck about your situation. Just remember to there are stories, reasons why things happened the way they did. Let me say that if you have a TOXIC coc, that despise you does not help situation for either side.
Semper Fi.
Semper Fi.
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SGT Dukesta Haas
You are not correct. I have an Re Entry code 4 and that is not at all the case. Feel free to email me at [login to see] to get the real story
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SN Steven Fittro
I have an RE-4 for "Weight control failure" Honorable Discharge. Don't know which type of clearance I Secret or Top Secret, but, I do know that in for me to work with the Hoover Dam Police Department in 2008, I needed to have at least a Secret clearance.
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Can you enlist without a security clearance? Each job has a requirement of what type of clearance you need. If there's a job without a clearance level, that might be your best bet and I'd probably talk to a Prior Service Recruiter for that information.
But like you said, you weren't bad, you just had bad credit. Unfortunately, bad credit makes you a security risk because it means you are more likely to do illicit activities to settle up your debt.
But I would definitely talk to a Prior Service Recruiter because especially with bad credit issues, I believe those things stay on your record for 7-10 years.
But like you said, you weren't bad, you just had bad credit. Unfortunately, bad credit makes you a security risk because it means you are more likely to do illicit activities to settle up your debt.
But I would definitely talk to a Prior Service Recruiter because especially with bad credit issues, I believe those things stay on your record for 7-10 years.
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PO3 Ron Hinton
Ouch wow I never knew that. I want//wanted to be a lifer I. The navy. I understand the risk. But since I've gotten out I've fixed my credit and my score has got way up. Is there a prior enlistment recruiter hotline or number I should call??
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Cpl Justin Goolsby
PO3 Ron Hinton - I'd probably just go to a recruiters office and they should be able to put you in contact with someone.
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Yes it is possible! Was in the Navy during the early 80's and got injured with
a recurring shoulder injury due to no fault of my own. Ship was going out to sea
but got put on medical hold due to surgery for my shoulder. Faced a medical board
who found me fit for duty as my enlistment was ending. and veteran rating of compensation upon leaving. Got an honorable with an LBK code. Re 4. Still held me in the inactive reserves.
They did well on fixing my shoulder temporarily and got a job with the Govt. which
i served well and retired along with obtaining college degree. Shoulder still gives me problems.
My re 4 got changed just based on meeting a recruiter for reservist duty which i
did on weekends and monthly for 4 more years. Was his suggestion.
a recurring shoulder injury due to no fault of my own. Ship was going out to sea
but got put on medical hold due to surgery for my shoulder. Faced a medical board
who found me fit for duty as my enlistment was ending. and veteran rating of compensation upon leaving. Got an honorable with an LBK code. Re 4. Still held me in the inactive reserves.
They did well on fixing my shoulder temporarily and got a job with the Govt. which
i served well and retired along with obtaining college degree. Shoulder still gives me problems.
My re 4 got changed just based on meeting a recruiter for reservist duty which i
did on weekends and monthly for 4 more years. Was his suggestion.
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You weren't refused reenlistment because of your clearance. When you have an Honorable discharge but an RE4 which means ineligible for reenlistment - no waiver. In the Army we usually see this when senior NCOs are QMPed, or when you hit RCP.
I assume you reached the max years you could as an E4 because you said you reenlisted, and losing your clearance most likely made you ineligible for promotionor qualification in your rating.
Saying that you were kicked out because of your clearance sounds a bit disingenuous and will make it hard for people to give you usable advice.
I assume you reached the max years you could as an E4 because you said you reenlisted, and losing your clearance most likely made you ineligible for promotionor qualification in your rating.
Saying that you were kicked out because of your clearance sounds a bit disingenuous and will make it hard for people to give you usable advice.
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PO3 Ron Hinton
No ok wait. I was in Crete ok my second tour. I was asked did I wanna reenlist. I said yes. Did the whole ceremony and all. Got the bonus and location where I'd be going too. I was just waiting to leave. Then I got pulled off post and told that I need to apply for an upgraded clearance due to a new duty station. I'm like ok. Then a week later they say that my credit score was low for a military police and that I could be considered a risk . I couldn't believe it. I had to type a financial summary on any debt I had since I was 18. It wasn't much but a couple of cell bills and my student loans. I never owned anything I can't pay upfront. So I found this odd. I always had bill allotments so I was never behind. I still had a few months on my enlistment. So due to me being a police officer and needing a clearance It's revoked I guess. I've never been to mast or njp or whatever. I was just average. 3.0 and above evals. So why was I given the cold shoulder. It says on my dd214 honorable discharge jhj and unsatisfactory performance.
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SFC (Join to see)
PO3 Ron Hinton - that tells a completely different story, one that can probably be resolved.
Your JHJ is a catchall unsuitable for military service. I'm not a recruiter, but there's a good chance that if you apply to the Army during a troop increase, show that you're not unsuitable (you don't need a clearance for many Army jobs), you could get a waiver. An RE code isn't like a discharge status that you can apply to have upgraded. Right now the Army is under a critical manning shortage. If you need a waiver, now is the time to apply.
Your JHJ is a catchall unsuitable for military service. I'm not a recruiter, but there's a good chance that if you apply to the Army during a troop increase, show that you're not unsuitable (you don't need a clearance for many Army jobs), you could get a waiver. An RE code isn't like a discharge status that you can apply to have upgraded. Right now the Army is under a critical manning shortage. If you need a waiver, now is the time to apply.
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PO3 Ron Hinton Here is a list of the enlistment codes. Have you talked to a Navy recruiter?
https://www.navycs.com/military-re-codes.html
https://www.navycs.com/military-re-codes.html

Military Re-Enlistment Code Chart
United States military re-enlistment code chart utilized for determining waiver path for the United States Navy.
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SGT Dave Tracy
PO3 Ron Hinton - I think I would actively work on upgrading the reenlistment code as the priority; though that may be difficult, it won't hurt to try. There may be other VSOs (Veteran Service Organizations) in your area who can assist. Additionally you could simultaneously initiate more informal contact with recruiters. Feel 'em out. See what they are saying right now about admitting prior service individuals in general.
That's how I would approach it anyway. Good luck.
That's how I would approach it anyway. Good luck.
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Not recently I haven't because I always read these things about there not being anyway to get back in. I would qualify for a nurse officer if they would just let me prove myself!!!!
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SGM Erik Marquez PO3 Ron Hinton
RE-4 means you are non-waiverable, but I think it would be inappropriate to assume that that means that you (or anybody) did something wrong.
I got RE-4 KFV for a diagnosis of PTSD followed by a hospitalisation. I know it wasn't the right code, it should have been SFJ, but it doesn't really matter because the result is still the same.
My sister got RE-4 LFT after a surgery severed her nervous spine and the doctors discovered that she has a rare condition that prevents her nerves from repairing themselves.
In neither case was there misconduct; it just so happens that we're both unable to serve because of permanent disabilities of a differing nature that prevent us from doing our job now, and will be expected with reasonable certainty to prevent it permanently.
RE-4 means you are non-waiverable, but I think it would be inappropriate to assume that that means that you (or anybody) did something wrong.
I got RE-4 KFV for a diagnosis of PTSD followed by a hospitalisation. I know it wasn't the right code, it should have been SFJ, but it doesn't really matter because the result is still the same.
My sister got RE-4 LFT after a surgery severed her nervous spine and the doctors discovered that she has a rare condition that prevents her nerves from repairing themselves.
In neither case was there misconduct; it just so happens that we're both unable to serve because of permanent disabilities of a differing nature that prevent us from doing our job now, and will be expected with reasonable certainty to prevent it permanently.
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PO2 Jay Powell
I agree, The same thing happened to me. Medical Discharge. No negative. Was an early promote on my last eval.
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You can appeal to the Board for Correction of Naval Records if the RE-4 was in error (i.e. administrative error): otherwise it is doubtful. In 1986, as a result of an sexual battery accusation against my biological daughter (i.e. I was charge with sexually stimulating my 7 year old daughter, while both fully clothed, by rubbing her vaginal area with the nape of my neck by the City of Norfolk - no surprise here) and, via plea agreement, was force, while the case was continued, to server five years of unsupervisory probation. Though, during my subsequent divorce it was determine that my ex-wife staged the incident, the Board for Correction of Naval Records, though agreed with the finding (and my last evaluation stated this was the reason for the 2.0 rating for person misconduct though my overall evaluation rating was 3.4 - granting me the Honorable Discharge at the end of my active obligated service (no time lost)) of the dismissal, ruled the RE-4 was an "management control procedure" and stated the Honorable Discharge is proof of no misconduct while on active duty. Though I have pursued a career with the federal and two state governments (I have never been asked a question about the RE-4 during federal/state government employment) many private sector contractors have questioned about the RE-4.
Though my recommendation for anyone that has received an Navy Honorable RE-4 is to try to appeal to the Board of Correction for Naval Record, if the appeal is not granted, it is not necessary the end game - life does go on. Recommend - use the GI bill and obtain a good educational background (i.e, Undergraduate and graduate studies) and build on the positives. Learn from your mistakes (for me, find a better candidate for a second wife - it worked well the second time around), and move on looking to the future.
Though my recommendation for anyone that has received an Navy Honorable RE-4 is to try to appeal to the Board of Correction for Naval Record, if the appeal is not granted, it is not necessary the end game - life does go on. Recommend - use the GI bill and obtain a good educational background (i.e, Undergraduate and graduate studies) and build on the positives. Learn from your mistakes (for me, find a better candidate for a second wife - it worked well the second time around), and move on looking to the future.
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All hope is not lost. If you feel the RE-4 code was overly harsh you can appeal it. Each service has a five-member board whose sole job it is to review military records on appeal. For the navy it is The Board for Correction of Naval Records. File an appeal with them and if they agree that your code was too harsh, they may upgrade your reentry code from RE-4 to RE-3 which in some cases may be waivable. If, on the other hand, they disagree with you, you're stuffed. I would advise getting professional legal help on this because you only get one shot and you want it to stick.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Yes I wasn't thinking when I screwed up and signed the form accepting the RE-4. The CWO 3 of personel and I didn't see eye to eye. He wanted me to make E-4 before I was discharged. He said since I didn't have the incentive to make rank I didn't deserve to take up space in the military. I became discouraged a year or so earlier by a dirty trick by the Yeomans on my ship that caused me to miss being eligible for the yearly service wide. So by the time the next service wide would come around I'd have less than a year of active duty left. So he felt I was a burden on the military. The guy that I replaced was discharged at the rank of E-3.
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SSG Dale London
Unfortunately that is not the case. When you go to join either the guard or the reserves they will ask for a copy of your DD-214 and there it wioll be in all is horrible glory: "RE-4." They will shake your hand and thank you for your service but will not waste any more time on you. There are easier fish to fry.
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I have an re4 with general honorable discharge for using a govi vehicle off base. It was a he said she said scenario where my oic stated he never told me I could use it off base while on TAD orders for two weeks, which he absolutely did. They scared the hell out of me by saying that if I didn’t say otherwise I could get court marshaled and serve jail time. So I said “I take responsibility” at my captains mast. Then they sent me packing. Anything I can do? This was in 2010. I was a really good corpsman.
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what's the rest of the story? You re enlisted after bad credit....then after you re enlisted was told you were out? Seems like there is more to the story here. RE-4 is a "No". Perhaps write your congress person with documents to back you up...good luck
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I find this topic of discussion very interesting. I enlisted in the U.S. Army January, 1st, 2007. My name is Clinton Armstrong, I was a 19D Cavalry Scout. I did both my basic and A.I.T. (OSUT training) at Ft. Knox Kentucky. 20 years old, signed up for the wrong reasons. I enlisted because my older brother did. Clayton Armstrong, (my older brother) was 11C infantry, and was a pretty decelerated soldier considering. Served about six years, did one tour in Korea, and two tours in Iraq. He was an E-5 before he was honorably discharged...
I myself was on active duty from January, 1st, 2007 until March, 14th, 2008 (not very long). I was stationed up with 25th I.D. Stryker Brigade, in Ft. Wainewright, AK.
The reason for my honorable discharge is because I had a really hard time adapting to the environment, and military stressors. I was diagnosed with a manic depressive bi-polar disorder (which isn't even in the manual anymore for mental health disorders anymore). We were doing a field training exercise out in the field, and I basically lost my composure. Not making excuses for myself. At 20 years old, in the heart of Alaska, during the winter season, I lost myself. I was unfit for active duty. I was honorably discharged with RE-4 enlistment code.
Since then, my road to recovery has been a slow and steady process. My progress is on the up and up though if I do say so myself. I currently live on my own in a cabin out in the woods of Vallecitio, CO. I'm utilizing the post 911 G.I. bill to go to school at Southwest Colorado Community College (a division school of Pueblo Community College) in Durango, CO. I currently have a 3.2 G.P.A., and I'm studying history. You probably wont believe this but for the past two years, I've been working fulltime, and going to school part-time. I'm currently taken a class U.S. History that has really "OPENED MY EYES".
I've been out of the U.S. Army and active duty service for 10 years now coming up on March 14th. I feel like I've grown a lot since then, and while I'll admit that in the beginning of my discharge and transition back to civilian life I was in a bit of denial and stubborn... Up until Recently, the past six months I've been taking my life very seriously, and I plan on seeing about getting a code upgrade after I get my Associates degree. I guess the question that I have for you guys is. What are my chances of getting back in?
I myself was on active duty from January, 1st, 2007 until March, 14th, 2008 (not very long). I was stationed up with 25th I.D. Stryker Brigade, in Ft. Wainewright, AK.
The reason for my honorable discharge is because I had a really hard time adapting to the environment, and military stressors. I was diagnosed with a manic depressive bi-polar disorder (which isn't even in the manual anymore for mental health disorders anymore). We were doing a field training exercise out in the field, and I basically lost my composure. Not making excuses for myself. At 20 years old, in the heart of Alaska, during the winter season, I lost myself. I was unfit for active duty. I was honorably discharged with RE-4 enlistment code.
Since then, my road to recovery has been a slow and steady process. My progress is on the up and up though if I do say so myself. I currently live on my own in a cabin out in the woods of Vallecitio, CO. I'm utilizing the post 911 G.I. bill to go to school at Southwest Colorado Community College (a division school of Pueblo Community College) in Durango, CO. I currently have a 3.2 G.P.A., and I'm studying history. You probably wont believe this but for the past two years, I've been working fulltime, and going to school part-time. I'm currently taken a class U.S. History that has really "OPENED MY EYES".
I've been out of the U.S. Army and active duty service for 10 years now coming up on March 14th. I feel like I've grown a lot since then, and while I'll admit that in the beginning of my discharge and transition back to civilian life I was in a bit of denial and stubborn... Up until Recently, the past six months I've been taking my life very seriously, and I plan on seeing about getting a code upgrade after I get my Associates degree. I guess the question that I have for you guys is. What are my chances of getting back in?
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SSG Dale London
Honestly - and despite what I have said elsewhere in this thread - if you have an RE-4 code, you have a very tough hill to climb. The Army's Board of Corrections for Military Records rarely changes RE codes. But if you can show that you received it in error (i.e. the circumstances did not warrant the code) they may help you out. As I said earlier, get legal advice from a qualified lawyer (check with the American Legion for a referral) because you only get one shot on appeal before you have to go to the Federal Circuit Court (which costs serious money).
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