Is it the end of the road for someone trying to re-enlist after they have their waiver denied? What are the next steps, if any?

Mallory Massey — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 17:05:17 -0500

So my husband is trying to re-in list. He was almost through the process until a consult with the doctor at meps. He was honest and said he drinks, not heavily but he does drink on occasion. They denied his waiver because of it. Is it the end of the road? Can he try again in 6 months? What are the next steps if there are any?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 23 at 2021 5:18 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 17:18:58 -0500

Had to be more than that, occasional drinks are not career busting but over indulgence is.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2021 5:26 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 17:26:02 -0500

Mallory Massey Below is one post dealing with a waiver being denied. Search on "Waiver Denied", and then click on "Answers" and you will find the other posts.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/my-waiver-was-denied-and-i-was-hoping-it-would-be-my-chance-to-rejoin-i-need-a-job-is-there-anyone-to-talk-to

My waiver was denied and I was hoping it would be my chance to rejoin. I need a job, is there...

I got my waiver unfortunately denied and I don’t know what to do with my life anymore. I was hoping this would be my chance to rejoin and it wasn’t. I need a job but I cannot find any work at all. I feel like my life is in shambles. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I hear that VA vocrehab can help with getting a trade and they get you a job very quickly but knowing my luck it’s not gonna be that way.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2021 7:16 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 19:16:54 -0500

There has to be more to the story that you are holding back. What was his previous discharge? Or at the end of his enlistment he was not desirable to keep because of a problem or issues? The only way to get straight answers is to be forthcoming with pertinent information and facts.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Feb 23 at 2021 7:47 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 19:47:14 -0500

SGM Bill Frazer CPO Andrew Gardiner and MSgt Private RallyPoint Member all implied it. I will say it outright.

I'm throwing the BS flag out. Unless your husband is underage, which I assume he is not because you said he is getting BACK in, he was not denied a waiver ONLY because of drinking. Not even for getting drunk on occasion.

Why did he need a waiver in the first place? If the waiver was related to alcohol consumption (for instance, if he needs a medical waiver for a condition that precludes alcohol consumption), then yes, it makes sense. But it is not because of the alcohol, it is because he is not compliant with the requirements of the condition which is being requested to waive.

Think about it like this. Say I was trying to get in, but I needed a waiver for diabetes (which I do not believe is waiverable, but I am using it for demonstration). And the doc asked me when the last time I ate a Twinkie was, and I said that I had had one at lunch. Do you think it would be a good idea to grant that waiver?

If the waiver had nothing to do with alcohol, then you aren't telling us everything - or your husband wasn't telling you everything.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Feb 23 at 2021 7:56 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 19:56:45 -0500

Something is lacking in this story. If the military denied everyone entry because they drink "on occasion" there wouldn't be a military. In my units while I was on active duty I was the only one that was dry. EVERYONE else drunk alcohol. They didn't get booted out for it. Has you husband had any DUI's?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2021 7:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 19:57:35 -0500

I have joined the Army three times. I have had to deal with MEPs a good bit. I agree with the others and say that something is up. As prior service you know what to say when you go to MEPs. If there is no way they can prove you drank then most likely he wouldn't have admitted it. Plus, the circumstance is relative. Unless he told them he drank 15 beers in one night. I have a feeling there was an issue with his first enlistment that he needed a waiver in the first place. He might have been discharged for alcohol related incidents in the past and that required him to get a waiver.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2021 9:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 21:40:36 -0500

Do you mean "A general discharge under honorable conditions?" Because that "means that your service was satisfactory, but did not deserve the highest level of discharge for performance and conduct. Many veterans with this type of discharge may have engaged in minor misconduct."

I see nothing for "under honorable discharge" when I search that. "A general discharge under honorable conditions" comes up.

Also this: " a “General, Under Honorable Conditions” Discharge (commonly referred to as a General Discharge) is for service members whose service was satisfactory, but involved situations where the Soldier’s conduct and/or performance of duty were not so meritorious to warrant an Honorable Discharge. Recipients of General Discharges usually have engaged in minor misconduct or have received nonjudicial punishment under Article 15, UCMJ. While the “under honorable conditions” terminology is slightly confusing, there is a clear disadvantage to receiving a General Discharge in contrast to an Honorable Discharge. While recipients of a General Discharge will receive entitlement to benefits such as VA medical and dental services, VA home loans and burial in national cemeteries, they will not receive educational benefits under either the Montgomery or Post-9/11 GI Bill."

So - what exactly did your husband do the first time he was in?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2021 10:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:01:59 -0500

Reading though the posts you have his character of service discharge General under honorable conditions and his reenlistment code RE-3 (waiver required). To get you the answer you’re looking for you need the SPD (Separatuon Program Designator) for the whole story. It’s a three letter code located with those two codes you have. Check this link and see what matches. http://www.dallassecurity.com/Investigative_Services/Codes-SPNalpha.pdf

Codes-SPNalpha.pdf

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Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 24 at 2021 11:16 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 11:16:48 -0500

There is probably more to this.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Feb 25 at 2021 4:34 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 16:34:12 -0500

No it is not. There are many ways to get this overturned. To me, this sounds like a very flimsy reason to be denied reenlistment. I will give you some routes, and I suggest you pursue as many as possible. However, has he gotten into any altercations with the civilian or military legal system because of it?? If he has, it will be hard to overcome. Anyway, letters from: chaplins, any counselors, previous evaluations and recent awards, doctors, any family friends of note (lawyers, bankers, elected officials), any senior officers/ NCOs who know him, and if all else fails, federal and state representatives. (Go for your federal house member for help. They have tons of pull)

Response by CSM Tim Bebus made Feb 25 at 2021 5:41 PM

CSM Tim Bebus — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:41:19 -0500

Not enough information to give you a proper answer.

Response by Mallory Massey made Feb 25 at 2021 6:31 PM

Mallory Massey — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 18:31:50 -0500

EDIT- RE CODE IS 3, pattern of misconduct. His write up sheet shows he was late to formation a few times, lost some of his stuff for layout. He was never in trouble for anything alcohol related. Hope this helps.

Response by MSG Terry Lingle made May 16 at 2021 8:19 PM

MSG Terry Lingle — Sun, 16 May 2021 20:19:12 -0400

Drinking is not a disqualification. If he said he’s an alcoholic? That’s a whole ‘nother story.

Response by SSG Ken Potts made May 29 at 2021 6:33 PM

SSG Ken Potts — Sat, 29 May 2021 18:33:02 -0400

There's more to the story than that. Either you don't know the whole story, or you're not telling it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2021 8:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 May 2021 20:20:05 -0400

I've been in for 14 years now. I was truthful also about my drinking which wasnt much at that time. I was consuming about 4-5 drinks a week. Not much at all. There is zero reason for a waiver needed, unless he said he was drinking 10 drinks a day.

I'm a medic and know most of the things that are the army standard for medical issues. Look up AR 40-501, it's the medical standards and disqualifying issues.

Hope this helps.

Response by Cpl Ernest Thomas made Jun 1 at 2021 1:36 PM

Cpl Ernest Thomas — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 13:36:34 -0400

I simply want to know why a dependa is on here! Rally Pointe is supposed to be for Military NOT military dependa's.

Response by SFC Ron Shaffer made Jun 1 at 2021 3:16 PM

SFC Ron Shaffer — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 15:16:02 -0400

As a prior recruiter he would need a waiver for a law violation (DUI) or other significant medical issue. The next reason is he DD-214 has an RE code that his unit he mustered out put in it to make sure he was never allowed back into the service. You can get an honorable discharge and with the wrong RE code that most soldiers know nothing about will preclude them from re-entering the service.

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Jun 2 at 2021 3:26 AM

SSG Tom Montgomery — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 03:26:34 -0400

I would ask one question. Why was he seeking a waiver in the first place? It seems that his waiver was for something else. It had to be fairly serious for social drinking to sink it.
Too much missing information. If you want the truth. You must ask a truthful question.

Response by MSgt George Fillgrove made Jul 22 at 2021 11:45 AM

MSgt George Fillgrove — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 11:45:36 -0400

I would guess that we are not being told the whole story, and what the various authorities in the process determined about this individual's ability to return to service. Either way, it's the service that sets the standard and it's the recruiter and his leadership that determines if they have the time to pursue another waiver -- given accession goals and workload. I hate to be blunt about this, but the individual may wish to move on, leaving a return to military service behind or try another service.

Response by Cpl Steven Brewer made Jul 25 at 2021 11:27 AM

Cpl Steven Brewer — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 11:27:02 -0400

They denied his waiver for occasional drinking? What does he need a waiver for...thanks is integral to state if you want solid answers? Was he previously known as an alcoholic?

As others have stated, you are not telling us the whole story or your husband is lying to you and not telling you the whole story.

No part of this story is logical. Talk to your husband; he should explain things to you in more detail so there isn't any confusion.

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Jul 25 at 2021 2:36 PM

CPO Kurt Baschab — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 14:36:53 -0400

I Believe your Husband not telling You something,
he did something that he is ashamed to admit to you and his family about, it could be the Illegal use of Drugs, he might have popped, positive, on a drug test, or he might have a Alcohol Incident or DUI on his Record, today Military Service is not real big on letting former service Personal Re-enlist, Especially Service Members that have a history of getting in trouble with Alcohol, in other words it documented in his medical or PDR .

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Jul 25 at 2021 2:50 PM

CPO Kurt Baschab — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 14:50:36 -0400

PS, there is always anther step, or process, it just depends on how bad he wants to Re-enlist, is he willing to take a drop in pay Grade, would he be willing to join the Army National Guard, then try to go active six mo to a year later, maybe join a Different Branch of Service, ? look into the Marines, US Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, or one of the National Guard Units .
it All depends on What His Medical record's and PDR say , weather or not he was Honorably Discharged , Dis Honorably Discharged , Other Than Dis-Honorably , General . lots of different factors, and if he is being totally Honest with you , or if you are being Totally Honest with Us , because we cannot give the best advice, or help without all truthful information .

Response by SgtMaj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2021 6:52 PM

SgtMaj Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 18:52:34 -0400

There is more to the story that we are not aware of… Yes, RE:3 code requires a waiver… The question is, what were the recommendations from his Commander and his Command Senior Enlisted Leader. Recommendations from the command team carries a lot of weight when it comes to retention. If he was separated for a pattern of misconduct, I am fairly certain that the command team recommended that he should never be allowed to enlist in any branch of service. His personal and professional conduct during his prior enlistment was most likely the reason why he was denied a waiver.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2021 11:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 11:34:33 -0400

Your husband is not telling the whole story.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2021 8:57 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 08:57:02 -0400

Most things can be mitigated by time. First of all, if he is going through the MEPS, he is enlisting and NOT re-enlisting. I recommend the following, wait six months, lay off the booze, and try again later. Make sure that he lays off all alcohol and and comes to the MEPS sober. If somebody still denies him for an issue that doesn't exist, contact your congressman.

Response by PVT Tony Notimportant made Aug 24 at 2021 10:58 AM

PVT Tony Notimportant — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 10:58:17 -0400

Well, those doctor's or single medical idiot has no reason or purpose to deny his re-enlistment. Over 80% of any of my units I was assigned to drank. So for honesty to be considered a restriction, I call BS. I would talk to a someone who is considered his or her supervisor if that doesn't work I would get my Senator or congressmen involved. But, honestly this country is barely worth fighting for anymore. I love this country I hate how soft and worthless our leaders and the media has brainwashed generations.

Response by SGT Michael Petersen made Sep 16 at 2021 3:46 AM

SGT Michael Petersen — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 03:46:02 -0400

I had bar ended up getting out but was able to join National Guard finished my last 10+ had to wait until 60 to draw retirement but worth waiting got job with Post office draw both military and civil service retirement plus civil service better then wasting 10 years after article 15 reduce from E-6 to E-5 lost some lost some pay better then losing all retired as E-5.

Response by MSG Albert Grounds made Sep 19 at 2021 11:12 AM

MSG Albert Grounds — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 11:12:50 -0400

Since we do not know what the result of the consult was or the extent of it, how could anyone make a judgement on this? The answer may be whether it is a valid medical reason for denial or a political directive that seems to be happening now.

Response by SGT Lenise Hamilton made Sep 19 at 2021 4:56 PM

SGT Lenise Hamilton — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 16:56:04 -0400

Mallory!
It sounds like your husband stepped on his own genitals, he can try again in 6 months if that's his desire to do so, however, you can tell him this, what ever has been recorded within his medical file, is considered an official document to be reviewed again at a later date. Also, he can keep in mind the military does not want to do any baby sitting of anyone that's considered a blemish/stain solider. They rather move forward with the molding of new soldiers that they can expedientantly push through w/o previously issues vs. nursing a wounded one that requires potential time and energy down the line. All the best to you and yours.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2021 11:23 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 11:23:30 -0400

His labs may have been suspect, causing the Doc to ask. Elevated liver functions. Follow up with recruiter is about your only option. Depends on the Doc though.

Response by SFC William “Derrell” Chandler made Sep 22 at 2021 10:52 PM

SFC William “Derrell” Chandler — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 22:52:41 -0400

See the IG are get a civilian lawer

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Sep 23 at 2021 9:19 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 09:19:06 -0400

The reason whyyour husband's waiver was denied was because he did something besides drink. Either you are leaving something out, or he did something that he did not tell you.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 23 at 2021 11:46 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 23:46:23 -0400

Why doesn’t your husband come on Rally Point and present his case?

Response by CMSgt Donald ONeill made Sep 24 at 2021 8:10 AM

CMSgt Donald ONeill — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 08:10:44 -0400

There is a appeal process and everyone should pursue it and most time the appeal is the final word .