How to change reinlistment code?

[BeerBelly]

Hey fellas,
Maybe someone here can help me out. I have an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, with a bar to reinlistment. The reinlistment code is "RE 3C". I'm not sure why I recieved the bar, but I had alcohol troubles when I was in the Army. I had 1 article 15 for drunk on duty. (woke up drunk from a night out partying). I was not well liked by the sargents, or the captain of my unit. I started off really bad, but pulled it together and completed my term. I worked hard, did a good job and was basicaly an excellent soldier, but the damage was allready done.
I would like to enlist in the Air National Guard, but they won't take me because of the bar. (The Army will take me back, but the Air-Force won't) My recruiter told me I need to get this bar upgraded, but I can't find the proper form to make the request with. I've done some research on the net, and from what I've read, it appears the recruiter is supposed to initiate the upgrade process. If that is not succsessful, I can then file DD form 149. However, this form appears to only address errors or injustice, which my case is probably neither. (Although I did feel I was the victim of racial bias, my unit was mostly black, including the NCO's and the captain. I'm white, and myself and the few other whites in my unit were treated poorly, I still was the one who went drinking the night before a workday, and will accept responsibility for that) Also, this form is to be used only after exhausting all other administrative options.
So can anyone here tell me exactly what it is that I'm supposed to do? I don't want to piss my recruiter off by telling him I think it's his job to initiate the upgrade, because the other recruiters just tell me I'm not eleigible and won't work any further with me. He's the only recruiter who has invested any time in me. I've called the V.A. and many other places, and I've recieved all kinds of applications to get my dd214, change my discharge status, blah blah but nobody knows what paperwork I need to change my RE code. Help!
Thanks in advance!
P.S. to make things more difficult, I'm also too old (43 in sept) but this recruiter said we could waive that, something none of the other recruiters would say. Also, I had a few DUI's after leaving the Army in 1989, but I don't drink anymore, haven't had any problems legaly since 1995, or alcohol since 1991 or 1992. I'm a law abiding citizen with no felonies, it just took me an extra long time to grow up!

 

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[wreckdiver1715]

do a search for the "Military Board Of Corrections", I think that this is the only way to amend military records.
Better yet, follow this link... http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/correcting-records.html

Correcting or changing your military record is your responsibility, not your recruiters.


Good Luck

Tom

 

[BeerBelly]

Thanks wreckdiver!
The trouble with that link is that it only mentions 2 options. Option 1 is dd form 293, which has no place for upgrading the re-inlistment code, and no "misc." section for write-in. Option 2 is dd form 149, which is to be used only after all other administrative options have been exhausted. I tried doing dd form 149 online, until I got to a place that asked if I had exhausted all other administrative options. I selected no, and it warned I might not recieve a review. So I cancelled the online application. I'm confused here, and don't know what to do.

In this article I found here, which is a different site than what you recomended
http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/dischargeupg_5.htm

it states, "In most cases, a person with a "2" RE or "4" RE code is not allowed to enlist. Those with an RE Code of "3" may be allowed to enlist, with a waiver, if they can show that the reason for discharge no longer applies. Such waivers are granted through the individual services through military recruiters, not the DRB process."


This is why I said it looks like the recruiter is supposed to initiate it. I'm going to go back to the site you provided and see if I missed something. Thanks for your help, and if you have any other ideas let me know.

 

[BeerBelly]

OK, here is what I found in the FAQ, and it doesn't look good.

"Question: Can the ADRB consider a change to my Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code?
Answer: No. The RE (Reenlistment Eligibility) Code is determined by the reason for separation and the Separation Program Designator (SPD) code entered on the separation document according to definition given in Army Regulation 601-280. The RE Code will only be change if it is administratively incorrect and the wrong code was entered on the discharge document. Application for correction of an RE Code should be sent to: "


So it looks like I have no recourse, other than send in the DD149, and indicate I have exhausted all administrative options?

 

[Arizona Bob]

P.S. to make things more difficult, I'm also too old (43 in sept) but this recruiter said we could waive that, something none of the other recruiters would say. Also, I had a few DUI's after leaving the Army in 1989, but I don't drink anymore, haven't had any problems legaly since 1995, or alcohol since 1991 or 1992. I'm a law abiding citizen with no felonies, it just took me an extra long time to grow up!

You need a Personnel specialist for this one. Hopefully, one will reply. I don't know about the other services, but the AF is really picky.

A few months ago, I read that one service (Marines?) was taking felons. (So your RE Code can't be as bad as all that.)

If I recall, the AF did not like drug/alcohol violations. I don't think it has changed much.

Another approach might be to go Army, get a couple of good years under your belt, then put in for an interservice transfer to the AF.

One more thing- keep on top of the political happenings. Some guys think that Obama will end the war. That's not a bad thing, but the drawdown will make it tougher to get in/stay in.

 

[wreckdiver1715]

Arizona Bob makes a good suggestion. I had a young lady working for me several years ago who had a similar issue when she ended her first tour with the AF. She later joined the Army Guard because the AF would not take her back. Then she left the Army Guard, and rejoined the AF Reserves. Today she is an Active Duty Marine and doing well.

 

[BeerBelly]

Well, that may be what I have to do. I've allready talked to a Army national guard recruiter, and he said they'd take me. I did have my heartset on the Air National Guard though.
I found a forum on military.com for recruitment questions, I've posted there and am waiting for a response from a recruiter as to what to do next.
Thanks for all the replies!

 

[Montana Jim]

The Army then into the AF is a good option - even though it'll take some time.

I had a trooper do that too... Went Regular Army to Army Guard, then into the AF Guard. Once in the AF Guard she went AF IMA through a reserve unit. Cripes... all in a few years time. I don't know how she kept up! I was the IMA (guard/reserve) Coordinator for a year or so and never did learn all the Guard/Reserve guidelines!

Just make sure the Army drops that dang code if thats the road you choose. I aplaude you're wanting to get back into the game.

Good luck!

 

[mrs.oroblanco]

Good luck on this.

As far as I know, the DD293 is the only way to start.

Your other problem is that it is over 15 years old, so it will take several weeks - probably months, to even get a reply.

I suggest (and so do the armed services) getting a lawyer who specializes in that particular thing.

It is possible, but, statistically - you have a 5%-10% chance, though I do know someone who accomplished it. (and not easily - it took 4 years).
And it was based on a mistake, no less.

I suggest that the very first thing you do is request a copy of your complete records - then go from there. (not just your DD214). That will take about 4-6 weeks.

You might be able to pinpoint the spot where it actually started, and then you are miles ahead. I got mine and hubby's just for S&G's - it should be about 4-10 pages, depending on how many different stations, assignments, schools and training and medical things that happened along the way.

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/

Good Luck!

B

 

[dingode]

Hi,
You may want to try your counties veterans service office. They may be able to help, or at least point you in the right direction.

Erin

USAF 91-99 E-5

 

[Siegfried Schlagrule]

Verify this with a recruiter but I understand that you take that 43 age and add a year for every year on active duty and that is the latest you can go back. In my case that would have been age 51 which i have already passed. Another option is to contact AA. If anyone has experience dealing with alcohol bars to reenlistment it's them. good luck, siegfried schlagrule

 

[Arizona Bob]

BeerBelly, you may want to consider NOT rejoining the military. As you know, the military is a just branch of the government. IMHO, it is not much more than any other "employer". Some employers are better, and some are worse. (Having served in the military, I am not anti-military... just trying to give you another perspective.) I have also owned several businesses. I see the reenlistment code on our DD-214 as nothing more than the proverbial "Would you rehire this person?" type of question that many businesses have to ask themselves. You, and I, are not always going to be a perfect fit for every employer- that's just a fact-of-life. I can assure you, life goes on- just keep plugging away!

 

[BeerBelly]

Thanks for all the additional replies folks, I didn't realize this thread was still going!
I've changed my mind a few times since my last post. I first decided to go back to school. I was looking for something in the medical field that would only take 2-3 years. After looking at the average salary for those positions I was really dissapointed. It just wasn't worth the money and time.
Shortly after that, I found out my senator goes to the same church I go to! I sent my pastor an e-mail, asking if he would assist in arranging a meeting with the senator, so I could ask him to help me upgrade my RE code. My pastor politely sugested I arrange the meeting myself. Big disapointment there for me, (I'm a new member, and I guess my pastor didn't feel he knew me enough to do this for me) but I tried anyway. the senator doesn't come to church often, and I grew tired of waiting for a face to face, so I looked up his e-mail address and sent him an e-mail with plenty of details, requesting a meeting with him to discuss it. I never got a reply back.
I'm tired of chasing my tail and reinventing the wheel, and the days are turning into weeks months and years, and I'm still unemployed. So I'm just going to join the National Guard, and see if I can get in the air-force a few years down the road, as was sugested earlier in this thread.
Arizona Bob, I understand what you're saying, but I'm feeling like my back is against the wall. I really need to do something, and I've allready been told by the National Guard they can waive the RE Code.
Siegfried Schlagrule, with the Air Force, (not sure about the other branches) They will waive the years required to retire in 20 years. Anotherwords, I need 18 more years to retire, but I have to have 20 years active duty before my 60th birthday. The Air Force will waive the years I lack to reach the 20 years active duty before my 60th birthday.
I know there is a much simpler, clearer way to put all that above, but for the life of me I can't seem to figure out how right now!

 

[Siegfried Schlagrule]

You may be right about retirement I have no knowledge about that. New enlistees which is what you would be if you switched branches can go in as late as age 43. For prior service in another branch that would be age 43 plus the prior service years. If you served four years in the navy and wanted in the army you could wait until you were 47 and still do it. best regards, siegfried schlagrule

 

[BeerBelly]

Well, I guess I put it to rest today, once and for all. I went in to the Army National Guard office today to sign up. We spent about 30 minutes with all my additional questions. The final question I was asked was about my criminal history. I had 3 D.U.I.s that I got back in the late 80's early 90's. The recruiter said that was automatic disqualification, no waivers, no nothing. Case closed. They won't accept me. I asked them to run a background check on me just to make sure, but I know for a fact that I was convicted of 3 D.U.I.s, and it's gonna show on my record. So thanks for all the good sugestions everyone, I really appreciate the replies. This is by far the most dissapointing day I've had in a long long time.

 

[Arizona Bob]

BeerBelly, are you fluent in another language? I see that the CIA is running commercials on TV. They are looking for people....

Hang in there- you'll make it.

 

[The.Boomer]

Sorry to see and hear all the trouble your having getting back in. Being that I'm still active duty, and wih us being at war in two locals, I'm really surprised to hear that any branch of the armed services is being this selective. Especially considering some of those they have hired that I have met !

For what it's worth, if I wasn't still active or had it all to do over, I'd start a small business, like jewelery making. I met a guy at a county fair this summer who takes polished stones and adds them to already made sterling silver pieces like rings, bracelets, necklaces etc... He said he's makes around $50,000 a year, just doing that. He said he's retired and makes more money now than he ever did working for forty years at the same company.

 

[BeerBelly]

Thanks, Arizona Bob.
I only speak English. I know I'll get something eventualy, just gotta keep at it.
The.Boomer, I've been racking my brain trying to come up with something. I've always wanted to own my own business, I just don't know what to do. I'm not very creative, and I can barely draw a straight line, so the art type things are out. My main skill is the asphalt testing. I've thought of opening my own lab, but the start up costs would be insane. Not to mention the competition is cut-throat, (lowest bid wins) and the construction industry has slowed down considerably. Advertising costs would be high, and I would probably never even make enough money to pay off the massive loans I would have to take out.
I've been thinking I'd like to start some sort of manufacturing business. Start out with something simple and expand. you know, bring back good-ole quality American made products. Of course, thats just a pipe dream. I'd never make a profit with the pennies on the dollar for overseas manufacturing competition I'd face. But I'd love to bring manufacturing industry back to the USA!

 

[The.Boomer]

I've seen people who make a living selling fire wood. I'm sure that you can come up with something to do. My nephew went to college two years ago and he needed money since my family isn't from the rich side of town. But we all know how to work hard to make ends meet. Any way my nephew needed work so him and his dad my bro got together and came up with a used pressure washer bought off e-bay for cheap. Now my nephew has worked the last two summers pressure washing anything and everything. People hire him to clean buildings, drive ways and side walks, you name it and he'll wash it for you. He made enough that first year to support himself through the entire first year of college This last summer, mind you he's still up and running at least untill it gets too cold, he made enough to buy a car and save more than he used all of last year to get through the year. I know that his money needs are probably less than yours, but Don't do what I hear allot of people do, they talk themselves out of everything without even trying. Just pick something you can afford to start and do it, start it and get busy, work as long and as hard as you need to and the rewards will come. That's the magic of this country. Don't just sit back and whine like too many liberals now days, hoping for a hand out. There's nobody in Washington D.C. now nor ever will be who'll actually do anything to help those who won't try to help themselves. I was in the Army and after three years I applied and got my G.I. Benefits to pay for college. I managed a Law degree and am still in the military and plan on retiring from full time active duty in another 6 years. But I managed a part time job plus my military duties plus college all at the same time with many many months of 20 hour days. Believe me when I say if I can do it so can you or anyone else.

 

[BeerBelly]

I understand what you're saying Boomer, but those days are long gone. I've got 3 kids that go to 2 different schools, at 2 different times. When my wife is working, if the kids are home, I need to be there. We don't do the babysitting thing. I don't believe in having someone else raise your kids, especialy in todays society. My wife and I both agreed to this back when I was working and she stayed home. We strongly believe we need to raise our own kids and teach them the bible based values and morality we believe in. This is a big part of the problem though, because if I can't find work in my field, then most of the opportunities available to me are minimum wage type jobs. Those type of jobs are not very flexible with the scheduling, and it would make no sense for me to go to work for $7.00 an hour and make my wife, who is earning 11.00 or 12.00 an hour, stay home and take care of the kids. This pretty much means I need to focus my job search on opportunities in my field, which would pay more than what my wife earns, at which point she could work part time around my schedule. (her work-place allows per-diem work) The trouble is, my work was in a small niche field to begin with, and the poor ecconomy hurt it further, as it is somewhat dependant on construction and growth. Thats not to say I'm focussing entirely on that field in my job-search, but it's a big part of my focus.
I hope I don't sound like I'm whinning, because I'm not. But I think that my situation is not as easy to remedy as you think. There is a lot more to consider than what I've mentioned so far, I just don't want to lay my personal life out on the line for everyone to see. For some people, getting a job can be tough. It's not all cut and dry.
I don't think my situation is permanent, I'm sure something is going to give sooner or later. I talked with a veterans rep today, and she said they have a program where they would pay for most or all of a short-term vocational program, as long as it was less than 6 months, and in a field that provides a reasonable chance of employment upon completion. Right now I'm trying to decide between the short-term vocational, and just going back to college for a degree. I'll probably do the college thing, but I'm not sure yet.