What do I need to do to help my recruiter get me back into the USMC with an RE-04 Honorable discharge?

LCpl Dakota Worrick — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 09:58:46 -0400

I went to my chain of command over some depression like we were told to and instead of getting help i was admin. sep'd. I got out with a RE-04 Honorable discharge and have recently (last 6 months) acted on the nawing in my gut telling me there HAS to be SOME way to reenlist back into the world's finest fighting force. I have talked to my local recruiter and I am aware that the odds are slim but that there is a possibility to get it changed to an RE-03. My question is, has anyone any experience with such things and how do you go about making the best case? My recruiter will work with me but is not quite sure what steps to take. Just that i must submit DD form 149 and/or 249.

Response by MSgt Marshall Schiller made Aug 12 at 2017 10:09 AM

MSgt Marshall Schiller — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 10:09:32 -0400

An RE-4 reenlistment code in the Corps is not eligible to reenlist, and no waivers are authorized UNLESS the code was assigned for homosexuality.

Explanation: RE-4
Ineligible for reenlistment.
Note 1: Prior service applicants issued a Reenlistment code of RE-4 (or equivalent) upon separation, solely for homosexual conduct may be eligible for re-enlistment/enlistment. (Note: Member's record must be reviewed to assure the sole supported reason for processing was for Homosexual Act(s), Conduct, or Marriage). The following applies:

Eligibility Requirements.
Applicant's prior service DD 214 (most recent) must reflect a narrative reason of Homosexual Act, Homosexual Conduct, or Homosexual Marriage in block 28.
One of the following Separation Codes (SPD) must be in block 26: GRA, GRB, GRC, HRA, HRB, or HRC.
Character of Service must be Honorable (no other misconduct was a basis for their discharge).
Processing Procedures.
Prior service applicants that meet the eligibility criteria listed in item one of this note may be accepted for further processing. All prior service applications accepted for enlistment/reenlistment with an RE-4 (or equivalent) due to homosexual conduct will be processed as any RE-code listed in the chart above labeled "Eligible to Enlist" with just an enlistment eligibility (rate and pay grade) determination (not an RE-Code waiver).

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Aug 12 at 2017 1:39 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:39:26 -0400

You can apply to the Discharge Review Board (DRB) of your branch of the service for a discharge upgrade or a change in the discharge reason (that is, character of service). To get your discharge upgraded or your character of service changed, you will have to show that your discharge was “improper" or "inequitable."

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-get-military-discharge-upgrade.html

how-get-military-discharge-upgrade.html

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 12 at 2017 2:02 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 14:02:53 -0400

"RE-4 Individuals separated from last period of service with a nonwaivable disqualification . Disqualification is nonwaivable."
That said, HRC has this to say.

"RE Codes
Question: Can the Army Discharge Review Board change my Reentry Eligibility (RE) code?
Answer: The RE code (Reentry Eligibility code) is determined by the reason for separation, not the character of separation.

According to Army Regulation 601-210 (Regular Army and Army Reserve Enlistment Program), the Reentry Eligibility (RE) code can only be changed if an incorrect code was entered. For this type of correction, please send a letter and a copy of your DD Form 214 to the following address requesting the correction:

Commander
US Army Human Resources Command
Attention: Retention Branch (AHRC-EPF)
1600 Spearhead Division Drive, Dept 365
Fort Knox, KY 40121
The RE code is not upgraded to allow enlistment. Soldiers separated with an RE-3 or RE-4 code must seek a waiver from a recruiter to enlist. Depending on the type of discharge and disqualification, a waiver may not be possible.

If however, a former Soldier can provide evidence that the RE code is an error or unjust, the former Soldier may apply to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records for a correction of the RE code. If the former Soldier can provide evidence that their discharge character or reason for discharge issued in the last 15 years are erroneous or unjust, the former Soldier can apply to the Army Discharge Review Board for a discharge review and request that their RE code be changed according to the correct reason for discharge.

The former Soldier may complete an online application at http://actsonline.army.mil and send the signature page and evidence as instructed by the online program ' or - may print a blank DD Form from the Army Review Boards Agency website at http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/ fill in the requested information, and mail it to the address shown on the reverse of the form. Please provide copies of all relevant military records in your possession and any evidence to support your request."

ACTS Online

Welcome to the Army Review Boards Agency Online Application System

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Aug 12 at 2017 5:43 PM

SSgt David Tedrow — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:43:21 -0400

RE-04 is usually for people discharged with non-wavierable conditions. This makes it extremely hard to get back in as you would need a wavier on a non-wavierable condition. The only way would to be able to prove that the condition you were discharged for was false or no longer exists. There is going to be a lot of red tape and you are going to have to get medical documentation that you either never had the condition or no longer have the condition you were discharged for.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 12 at 2017 10:51 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 22:51:32 -0400

Like the military enjoys dumping people. I am sorry the Corps did not have the fortitude to address the problem you reported!

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Aug 12 at 2017 11:16 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 23:16:37 -0400

Look up the Naval Discharge Review Board and read their purpose and scope. They specifically cite that they do not change the nature of a discharge to allow for enlistment, but are empowered to change the RE code if they find it was inappropriately issued due the criteria at the time. All that said, I'd get a psych eval that states you do not present the condition that caused your release and an explanation of what happened to change the situation. Submit the eval with the enlistment package along with a personal statement of what has changed that resulted in your change of condition.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 13 at 2017 4:20 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 04:20:43 -0400

I am sorry but I am dying of curiousity here. Granted I served in the 1980's but back then you really had to do a LOT MORE than report a condition to get a RE-4 code. What exactly did you do additionally beyond reporting the depression? Did you go into a treatment program? Did you refuse duty? What?

Response by LCpl Mike Frost made Aug 13 at 2017 12:09 PM

LCpl Mike Frost — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 12:09:46 -0400

RE4 is really a standard response to any mental illness (depression, PTSD, anxiety, having a higher IQ than average, etc) and after you spend a lot of time and money it is unlikely to be reversed. I'm sorry that the service has chosen to brand you in this way but my advice is to look to the future and decide how your willingness to serve can be applied outside of the military or other uniformed service. If you go down the appeal pathway, you are likely to spend thousands of dollars, become even more torn up inside, and waste years that could be more productive in furthering your education and civillian career options. The feeling of belonging will return in time through the veteran community eventually. I wish you well but caution against allowing this disservice to define you.