Can You Rejoin the Military after Being General Discharged?
The military is a unique institution that offers a range of benefits, including education, training, and a sense of purpose. However, not everyone who serves in the military has a successful career. Some service members may receive a less-than-honorable discharge, including a general discharge. But can you rejoin the military after being general discharged?
What is a General Discharge?
A general discharge is a type of discharge that is characterized by a satisfactory performance, but with no outstanding achievements or commendations. It is considered an honorable discharge, but not as prestigious as a Honorable or Medical discharge. A general discharge is usually given to service members who have completed their service commitment, but have not achieved the level of performance or distinction expected of them.
Can You Rejoin the Military after a General Discharge?
The short answer is yes, you can rejoin the military after being general discharged. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements that apply.
Restrictions and Requirements
- Re-enlistment Code: The military assigns a re-enlistment code to each service member upon discharge. A general discharge is typically assigned a code of "1-2" or "3-4", which can affect your ability to re-enlist. Codes "1-2" or "3-4" may require additional approval or review before you can rejoin.
- Service Commitment: You must have completed your initial service commitment before re-enlisting. If you have outstanding service obligations, you will need to fulfill them before re-enlisting.
- Physical and Mental Condition: You must meet the physical and mental standards required for re-enlistment. This includes passing a physical fitness test and meeting medical standards.
- Background Check: You may be required to undergo a background check to ensure you do not have any negative or adverse information that would affect your re-enlistment.
How to Rejoin the Military after a General Discharge
If you are interested in rejoining the military after a general discharge, you will need to follow these steps:
- Review Your Discharge Papers: Review your discharge papers to determine your re-enlistment code and any other relevant information.
- Meet with a Recruiter: Meet with a recruiter from your desired branch to discuss your options and eligibility.
- Complete a Pre-Enlistment Screening: Complete a pre-enlistment screening to ensure you meet the physical and mental standards required for re-enlistment.
- Submit a Re-enlistment Application: Submit a re-enlistment application to your desired branch, including any required documents and information.
- Wait for Approval: Wait for approval from your desired branch, which may include additional review or evaluation.
Table: Re-enlistment Codes and their Impact on Re-enlistment
| Re-enlistment Code | Impact on Re-enlistment |
|---|---|
| 1-1 | No restrictions |
| 1-2 | Additional approval required |
| 2-3 | Limited re-enlistment opportunities |
| 3-4 | Strict re-enlistment requirements |
| 4 | No re-enlistment |
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to rejoin the military after being general discharged, but there are certain restrictions and requirements that apply. By understanding the re-enlistment code and following the steps outlined above, you can increase your chances of re-enlisting in the military. Remember to review your discharge papers, meet with a recruiter, complete a pre-enlistment screening, submit a re-enlistment application, and wait for approval from your desired branch.
