Paul Lawrence’s Post

Transcript

Bill, I know you're getting a lot of questions about reentry and separation codes from service members and veterans. Tell us about what those are and what what's going on. Paul, each branch of service establishes I criteria for reenlistment eligibility, so RE codes or separation codes vary by branch. But there are four general categories of an R code, and you can find these RE codes in box 27 of your D. 214 and what they are is an RE code 123 and four and they're very in again one through 4, there are four possible codes and what they do is they code 4 bars reenlistment, but they're based on why you were separated and why, what's the reason for the separation determines the QR code and obviously if somebody wants to reenlist if they haven't already code. Able to reenlist, if you haven't re code of three or four, it probably bars you from reenlistment. And so the best way to 1st determine whether you're barred from enlistment is take your DD214, go down to a recruiter and see where you are. However, there are ways that you can always ask for a discharge review board or a board of Corrections to correct that if there are errors associated with that determination by the service. OK, so I think the scenario I'm imagining is I enlisted. I got out, I got my DD214, some period of time pass, maybe I want to go back and re enlist right now they're going to look at these codes and it may prevent me from reenlisting, right? That's the situation at hand, correct? It is the reason. It's the reason for the separation, not the character of discharge. And for example, if it was misconduct, it may be an RE code of three. It may be. Unsatisfactory performance, That may be a too. You've got to look at the R code, and the best person to be able to look at those QR codes are your recruiters. However, if in fact you get a three or four that prevents you from being able to reenlist. There may be ways that you can correct what I call administrative data. Just like you would request a discharge upgrade if it's within 15 years of your leaving the service, you could petition your respective discharge review boards if there is an error. Justice or if in fact it's beyond that, you can go to their respective branches, Board of Corrections for military or naval records to review that to see if there is an error and Justice to see if we can get that RE code changed. Now, is that something I could do myself, a veteran could do themselves, or do you suggest they get some assistance? Well, they can do it themselves, but I also think it's advisable to get assistance because obviously here's the issue. You apply to the discharge review board or the Board of Corrections or military and naval records that could take 12 to 14, even 2 years. And what you don't want to do is have a form filled out that is not filled out sufficiently, correct. They come back and deny it and you have to start over again. I advocate if you're going to do it, get legal counsel, get the get some organization with which to help you fill the form out and then it. Hopefully the process will proceed much smoother and you better, you'll get a cleaner decision as to what you can do and be able to hopefully get back and serve our nation in the military. OK, great. Thanks, Bill. Sure, Paul.