Re-5

[BJPrice]

Prior service. Made a stupid choice when getting out of the Army at Fort Bragg to sign up for the National Gaurd. The next thing I know I'm in an unknown city trying to support a wife and unable to find a good job with unemployement benefits running out. I returned to my home state, moved in with my parents while I started going to school with the GI Bill. Apparently the National Gaurd processed me out sending mail to my former address. I never attended any gaurd weekends or functions. How can I get rid of the RE-5 so I can join the Army or Reserve now? Does one stupid mistake last forever? My Army DD214 had me out honorably discharged. I've got full Veteran status but I'd rather give some more time to my country before I would feel right using the med benefits and such.

[justin0495]

Might want to check your DD214 again. Ain't no such thing as an RE 5 code for Army.

Regardless, RE code of 4 or worse means no way no how. RE code of 3 or above means it's possible.

Don't take my word for it, look at AR 601-210 (7 June 2007), Page 26, Table 3-1.

Good luck.

[BJPrice]

I checked. The one from the Army was rentry code 1, the one from the Gaurd says RE-3. I don't know where I got 5 from. Either way though, where do I start to try to get the one from the gaurd removed or appealed. Is there a way to [petition through a military court or should i check with a civilian lawyer or maybe something through the VA?

[justin0495]

You don't have to go that far, man. RE 3 is waiverable. Bring both docs (Army and Nat. Guard) to your Recruiters office. It's a waiver through recruiting, that's all. You'll need to write a statement, see the Company CO, same as any waiver. Pretty simple, really.

[BJPrice]

I've already been that route. The waiver wasn't given so the recruiter said to look online for the best way to proceed in getting it removed or finding a next step. I've already passed the physical at MEPs and turned in every other document and reference list requested.

[jwitzsc]

When did the National Guard discharge you? Also, when did the waiver get disapproved? Sometimes there are waiting periods before a waiver can be submitted. You might fall into that category.

[BJPrice]

Apparently I was in the NC National Gaurd until Jan 1992. I saw some mail that went undelivered that was sent to my former address on the recruiters computer. The waiver request for the Army Reserve was a couple weeks ago, the date of the first post of this thread. I'm really beginning to hate the Gaurd. I tried to join the VA National Gaurd last Novemeber, even made it through the swearing in portion and then got turned back because they disqualify anyone that's ever been charged with a felony wether there was a conviction or not. I had a business failing in 99, some customers passed off some fake checks for merchandise they apparently printed on a computer which I didn't even know was possible at the time. That set off a string of bouce charges at my bank and I couldn't catch up the last one until I was in court. I paid it at court and the court costs, judge dropped it to a misdomeaner. I think it's crazy and unamerican to disqualify based on the charge alone. Apparently the Gaurd could care less about the whole innocent until proven guilty thing. I have no felony convictions, a clean driving record and only a single misdomeaner from unavoidable circumstances. That's why I tried processing in the Army or Reserve. They don't have that stupid restriction. It should be a rule you can't sign up for Gaurd units outside your home state. At least a common sense thing for recruiters instead of presurring naive young candidates coming out of active duty into making mistakes.

[OEFOIFCOMBATVET]

BJ,

The Guard is not obligated to you. It seems like you been going through alot since your active duty discharge and feel that the reserve components owe it to you.

First of all, you are prior service so that is a strike right there. The recruiter is not motivated to help you.

Also, the last discharge supercedes the prior one regardless if you were active duty.

Its up to you to track your discharges, record of service, etc.

I been in numerous components and branches and still serving. I am active duty but I do make sure that I keep a copy of everything.

The only thing going for you is that your last record of service was in the 90s so time is on your side showing that you should be a reputable re-enlistee that wont waste the Guard's time again and get kicked out.