Why are some waivers (i.e. Misconduct) harder for re enlistment than more serious offensenses?

Mr Shipley, congratulations on getting yourself on a positive path. As for Military service you first must understand the situation from the Army/Military perspective. They gave you a chance to serve, based on your brief description I will take the leap to say your were less than an average Soldier. You were separated with numerous article 15s15s. Ask yourself from the Army's perspective of why they should allow you to wear the uniform again? Serving is a privilege not a right and it's NOT a welfare system. Once you can respect that perspective you can begin to prepare yourself to answer and better yet show the Army you will be of value to the organization. You stating you've changed is not sufficient. Aldo understand we are in a time of down sizing, so the Army while getting smaller will only accept the most promising candidates for device. I recommend you make yourself marketable by increasing your education, showing s strong employment record and find a recruiter who will assist you in the process of trying to re apply for service. If you do go the call your congressman route you will still be required to show why you are worthy of a waiver.

PV2 Shipley,
- You are looking at this from your own individual perspective. You may have greater understanding if you look at this from other perspectives such as the below. Other perspectives may give what you need to convince a decision making authority to give you another chance.
- Army perspective. The Army does not so much enlist/re enlist personnel as it does invest in them. This leads to decisions and guidance as to what is the best investment for the Army. Someone who has performed well with no disciplinary issues or someone who has received four Art 15s? Recommend you make an argument that overcomes this perspective.
- Civilian perspective. I assume you have a driver's license. If you were an insurance company, would you charge the higher insurance rate to a person with a clean driving record or who had four accidents five years ago? From this I mean that the Army does not operate much more differently than other organizations.
- Supply and Demand. The situation in 2008 is different than the situation now in 2015. In 2008 the Army was growing (demand) and people were not enlisting at the rates that that Army needed (supply). The Army was therefore more willing to grant waivers to enlist people. Now the Army is shrinking (decreasing demand) and is meeting its enlistment quotes (supply) therefore the Army is not willing and does not need to grant enlistment waivers. You may have to wait until the supply and demand situation changes back into your favor.
- "A Few Good Men". Good quote at end of this movie is along lines of "you don't have to wear a uniform to have honor". By this I mean you can serve and make a difference without being in the military. I recommend you have a "Plan B" in case your "Plan A" does not pan out.

When you got your reaponse from the Army Review Boards Agency, there should have been a way for you to request an 'in person' hearing. Sometimes a face to face with the Board puts credance to your letter. The Agency has to give that to you. It means traveling to D.C., eating, and lodging on your own dime. At the end of the day though, even if they decide not to upgrade your discharge, you've done everything possible.

@MSG (P) Robert Brostoski, is correct. I have been in your shoes. I rarely tell my story, but now I'm going to put it out there. I went to Infantry OSUT at Harmony Church (Fort Benning) in 1988. graduated and became permanent party at Fort Stewart, GA in 1989. I was 17.

I lost my ever-lovin mind. I drank a lot, A LOT, and I did many things over the course of abuot 6 months (to include shoplifting at the PX, with a pocketful of money no less). I was discharged with an OTH and an RE code of 4 in August of 1989. Characterization of Service: Misconcuct; Patterns of Misconduct.

Eleven years and one month later, the towers at the World Trade Center fell. By that time I had matured, worked for several years in Alaska on fishing boats honing my work ethic and leadership skill. I had owned a business and gotten married and had children. I figured that I had gotten out because I was a dumbass at 17, not because I wasn't a patriot!

I petitioned ARBA to upgrade my dishcharge. The board denied the paper request. I requested an 'in person' hearing in front of the board. It cost me around $1000 for a plane ticket, lodging and food. I showed up in a suit. I answered their questions honestly. Then I went home. 60 days later I had a new discharge in the mail. They had upgraded my DD214 to a General; Under Honorable conditions; and changed my RE code to a 3, making me eligible for a waiver to join the ARNG.

It took me two more years to convince my wife at the time to let me enlist. She finally gave her consent and I enlisted as a PV1 in August of 2003. Less than a year later I was in Afghanistan.

I never in my life thought I would be an Officer. I never in my life thought I would have the opportunity for a 'do over'. I cherish every minute of it. I would classify my self as an exception to the rule, not the norm, however.

Right now your chances aren't good. The Army has the luxury to pick and choose who they want right now. Be patient, grow and mature more. You only get one shot at a 'in person' hearing in front of the board. Make it count.