Can I Rejoin the Military with a General Discharge?
If you’re thinking of rejoining the military after being discharged, it’s essential to understand your options and the eligibility criteria. In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether you can rejoin the military with a general discharge.
Direct Answer:
The direct answer is that it is possible to rejoin the military with a general discharge, but it depends on various factors, including the reason for your original discharge, the type of reenlistment code received, and the type of military branch you’re seeking to rejoin.
Contents
What is a General Discharge?
A general discharge is a type of honorable discharge that is not marked by any negative or dishonorable conduct. It’s considered a neutral discharge that doesn’t reflect poorly on the individual’s military record. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your discharge was without fault.
Types of General Discharges:
There are two types of general discharges:
- Entry-Level Separation: A general discharge given to military personnel who fail to complete their initial training or enlistment contract.
- Administrative Discharge: A general discharge given to military personnel who have satisfied their enlistment contract, but are separated from service due to reasons such as medical conditions, behavioral problems, or failure to maintain a high level of military performance.
Eligibility for Re-enlistment
To rejoin the military with a general discharge, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria vary depending on the military branch and the reason for your original discharge.
Re-enlistment Codes:
When you receive a general discharge, you’ll also receive a re-enlistment code (RE Code). The RE Code indicates the reason for your original discharge. Common RE Codes include:
• RE-3: Failure to adapt to military life
• RE-4: Inefficiency or failure to demonstrate sufficient potential for development or advancement
• RE-8: UnFitness for Service
If your RE Code is not disqualifying, you may be eligible to re-enlist. However, you’ll need to demonstrate improvements in areas that led to your original discharge.
Military Branches and Re-enlistment Policy
Different military branches have varying policies regarding re-enlistment after a general discharge. Here’s a brief overview:
- Army: Eligible for re-enlistment if the reason for discharge was not related to a felony conviction, abuse of authority, or reckless behavior.
- Navy: Eligible for re-enlistment if the reason for discharge was not related to a failure to adapt to military life, inefficiency, or unfitness for service.
- Air Force: Eligible for re-enlistment if the reason for discharge was not related to a failure to demonstrate sufficient potential for development or advancement.
- Marine Corps: Generally eligible for re-enlistment, but may require a waiver if the reason for discharge was related to a conviction, behavioral issues, or failure to adapt to military life.
- Coast Guard: Eligible for re-enlistment if the reason for discharge was not related to a felony conviction, abuse of authority, or reckless behavior.
Applying for Re-enlistment
If you’re interested in rejoining the military with a general discharge, follow these steps:
- Check your RE Code: Ensure your RE Code is not disqualifying for re-enlistment.
- Meet the eligibility criteria: Review the military branch’s re-enlistment policy and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Gather documentation: Collect any relevant documentation that demonstrates improvements in areas that led to your original discharge.
- Apply to re-enlist: Submit your application to re-enlist through the appropriate channels, including your local Recruiting Station or the Defense Manpower Data Center.
- Wait for evaluation: Wait for the re-enlistment review process to be completed, which may take several weeks.
Conclusion**
Rejoining the military with a general discharge is possible, but it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and re-enlistment policies of the military branch you’re interested in rejoining. By understanding the types of general discharges, re-enlistment codes, and military branches’ policies, you’ll be better equipped to pursue your goal of re-joining the military.
Here’s a summary of key points:
* **Yes, you can rejoin the military with a general discharge**, but it depends on the reason for discharge, RE Code, and military branch.
* **Ensure your RE Code is not disqualifying**.
* **Meet the eligibility criteria** for the military branch you’re interested in rejoining.
* **Gather documentation** demonstrating improvements in areas that led to your original discharge.
Remember to carefully review your options and consult with a recruiter or military career counselor to determine the best path forward.
