Is it possible to commission in the AF with an RE3 O code?

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 May 2021 15:07:19 -0400

Hi to all. I’ve been researching if anyone has had experience with an issue I’m facing. I’ve searched the boards but have not found answers to my specific RE3 O code situation.

I had plans to EAS at the end of the year and then start the process for commissioning into the AF next year. Then my entire shop was HSST’ed and I was selected for recruiter duty. I was notified that since I’m denying orders, I will be receiving the RE3 O code.

I will be getting out honorably as a Sergeant with about 9 years in active duty service at the end of this year, now with this code on my DD214.

I tried finding out if this code disqualifies me from commissioning however I've been unable to get in contact with a prior service recruiter (even since before the HSST) and the AF live chat just said that a waiver for this code is “very difficult”.

I’m aware the AF has canceled boards for the rest of the year and no one is sure when the next board will be or how competitive. I just want to know if I’m completely out of the running for becoming an officer.

Thanks for any help.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2021 8:49 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 May 2021 20:49:17 -0400

I did pretty much the same thing. Signed dec statement for recruiting duty, RE3 code. Got out. Went into reserves, finished my education, applied for commission in the reserves, then transfered over to active duty b

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2021 10:50 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 May 2021 10:50:30 -0400

I would probably run it up the chain of command to see if you are getting erroneously penalized for not accepting a job that forces you past your ETS. There is no stop loss and they should not compel you to stay in for reasons out of your control. I would even go as far as a congressional complaint, it sounds like they are penalizing you for something that they shouldn't as retribution. I would go through that route first. If you have only a year left of service, its unreasonable to say you have to select a duty that will push you past your ETS. If it turns out this is standard procedure in regulation, you might see if your leadership will be willing to write you a letter explaining that not opting to extend your enlistment for reasons that go against your personal growth plans, forces a reentry code, might help in a waiver process. At least there will be a record on specifically why you were given it. Without that documentation, its hard to say how a board would look at it. If I was on a board and saw no justification, human nature is to assume the worst case scenario.

You will want to google Air Force Officer accessions recruiter. I think they only have so many that service a wide geographic area. Not all of the recruiters are officer recruiters, since it involves a completely different process of putting officer candidate packages together for OTS.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 29 at 2021 4:26 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Sat, 29 May 2021 16:26:54 -0400

I don't see an RE3 O on the list. What is the characterization they are telling you ?