How hard is it to acquire a waiver to re-enlist?

PFC William Basco — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 00:13:20 -0500

I am currently trying to re enlist and have just received a copy of my dd214 after reviewing other questions posed on this site I still don't understand what is required other than to go to talk with a recruiter. I'm more or less just trying to prepare myself for the worst so to speak. I originally joined the ARNG about a year after graduating high school, roughly 19 years old (circa 2010). I chose my MOS solely based on what a friend of mine was(a BIG mistake). Long story short, I did not enjoy what I was doing besides the Army side of things. Not to mention it seems I was one of the more disliked MOSes. But I did complete all the training required of me BCT and AIT(OSUT) but I was unable to to pass the 2 mile run in the required time limit. My last chance to pass the run was a week or so prior to the graduation of AIT in which I on the last couple laps or so I just gave up entirely, lack of motivation to continue because of my failures previously at the run.
Fast forward 10 years, I am now 29, and in a lot better shape than I was then and I want to re enlist with a MOS of my choosing not what someone else chose. But according to my recently reacquired dd214 my re code is 3, uncharacterized, seperation code is JGA, AR 635-200 Chap 11. Do I have any chance at all? Trying to enlist in Active Duty.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 12:35 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 00:35:20 -0500

A chapter 11 basically says that you were unable to adapt to military life, which on paper doesn't look good of course. However, with your reenlistment code, it may not be impossible. Your best bet would be to bring your DD214 to a recruiter ASAP. You should be ready to provide evidence and written statements from yourself and possibly others that can speak to what will be different this time around.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 12:51 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 00:51:06 -0500

"... I still don't understand what is required other than to talk to a recruiter..."

Now you understand what exactly is required

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 1:07 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 01:07:13 -0500

The number one requirement: talk to a Recruiter. Just to give you a heads up, you have to attend basic training again, and you are NOT MOS qualified if you got discharged before graduation, no matter the circumstances. Only the recruiter can tell you what chances you have if any.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 1:17 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 01:17:41 -0500

You may be permitted to enlist, but be prepared for your options to be restricted to critical shortage MOSs. You are the one requesting special permission, which means that the recruiters hold all the leverage in the negotiation. If you get a waiver it won’t likely be on your terms.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Dec 5 at 2020 3:23 AM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 03:23:40 -0500

"I was one of the more disliked MOSes"

How would you know if you never finished OSUT for it?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 9:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 09:46:07 -0500

You will be considered glossy non-prior service. Due to the chapter 11, JGA you will need a moral waiver. You need to show how you are now in a mentally and physically, also mature enough to handle military life. You will also be restricted to what MOS'S you can have and you are no eligible for most bonuses upon enlisted. After your initial enlisted is uo, you will be open for all other bonuses. ... but it all comes down to one major thing... you have to talk to a recruiter before anything can or will happen

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 12:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 12:45:17 -0500

Well you’re going to enlist for your whole MSO 8 years if you even get qualified. Get your discharge packet before you go to a recruiter. Without it, they aren’t going to do anything for you.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 5 at 2020 8:38 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 20:38:55 -0500

1. It will take a waiver, which can be hard to get. 2. Talk to a recruiter, cause you won't know if you don't try. 3. Be advised many folks, like me, see you as a unmotivated failure, which cost the service money and time the 1st time around. It will be an uphill battle to prove us wrong.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2021 2:15 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 14:15:47 -0500

I’m in the same boat as you for the most part. My process to get back in has been going on for some time now. Be sure to have all your documents, be honest with your recruiter and make sure they’re honest with you, workout like crazy and continue to show yourself and them that things are much different now. As stated below. We have to be openminded about the jobs that we have to pick from when we get to that point of the process. And the process takes TIME. Which can be the hardest part of it all being that motivation is so high now. Keep that motivation and continue to live life in the process of it all. How far have you gotten in the process so far?