RE Code 4, OTH in 96 but was told I could easily change it later. Is there any truth to this? Can anything be done?

2018-05-24T19:55:21-04:00

Here's the situation. I went to basic at fort benning in 96, got injured, put in medical holdover status for a while and my 18 year old self decided to do something dumb and went awol. It was a mistake and I regret it. After a while, I got a letter informing me to report to fort sill, oklahoma to a personnel control facility. They kept me there for about two weeks, advised me on my situation and gave me a discharge of Other Than Honorable with an RE code 4. However, the staff there let us know that we would be able to change this easily down the road. To say that was inaccurate would be an understatement. Around 2004, my actions really bothered me and I wanted to gain a bit of redemption. My father served 20 years in the army and to this day, he's the person I respect most in this world. So, I went to a recruiter, told him what happened and he tried to get me in but was unable too. I attempted to get my discharge upgraded but that didn't work. The recruiter I was working with told me to keep checking back in periodically because the rules might change or a new loophole, waiver, etc, might emerge. Several years later and many recruiters after him, some of which really got annoyed with me, and nothing still can be done. Matter of fact, it seems to have gotten worse. I currently work in law enforcement, am in fantastic shape and feel as though I've grown as a person by leaps and bounds from the kid that made a bad decision. Are there any other steps I can try and take? I know I'm too old to re-enlist but I'd still like to see if there are any other options. I'm surprised that the army would leave no way back for people in my situation.

Response by SN K Walling made May 24 at 2018 8:02 PM

2018-05-24T20:02:02-04:00

Get a DD 293 form and appeal your discharge, not saying it'll go through but at least you can try. You might have quite a bit of trouble being as you went awol.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made May 24 at 2018 8:16 PM

2018-05-24T20:16:25-04:00

I believe this is one of the biggest lies they tell discharges. One of the many things the military doesn't forgive, It seems set in stone. I heard that crap when I was in, in the early 80's. I had two roommates that got busted for drugs, stripped of rank, sent to jail and given a unfavorable discharge. They were telling me, when I visited them in the brig that all they had to do was wait 6 months and get their discharge upgraded. I ran across one of them two or three years ago, and he still has the same discharge. That being said, you could reach out to your representative, Congress person, Senator, or even Governor. It may work, it may not. Good Luck.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made May 25 at 2018 12:00 AM

2018-05-25T00:00:20-04:00

I don't think you have much of a chance of getting anything upgraded since its pretty clear that they didn't make a mistake when discharging you. Also, I'm curious how someone with an OTH gets a job in law enforcement....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 2:16 AM

2018-05-25T02:16:21-04:00

Sad story, but you made a poor choice and thats what happens when you go awol. RE code is a permanent disqualification. The whole upgrading it or changing it is not accurate. I was a recruiter and clearly recall applicants who attempted to come back in with an RE CODE 4. I never was able to get one in. Do you and the recruiters a favor and move on. Besides, the current age for service is 35. The sole purpose of the RE code 4 is that, to ensure the army don't make the same mistake twice. Don't take it personal, but it is what it is, and you had your chance.

Response by SGM Jeffrey Hall made May 25 at 2018 2:18 AM

2018-05-25T02:18:59-04:00

You can appeal to the ABCMR (Army Board for the Correction of Military Records) but you have to have a good story. A few years before I retired, there was a determination that the ABCMR was being to hard and they were instructed to approve more cases. Therefore, you may be successful.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 25 at 2018 9:39 AM

2018-05-25T09:39:01-04:00

It is a common theme of RE 3's & 4's with OTH or General discharges believing that "someday" they can get their records amended to get back in. Part of the discharge process is the required legal advice upon separation when you are given your DD214. This includes briefing you on the appeals process to contest your RE Code/type of discharge. Somehow this gets interpreted as having the "right" to apply for enlistment after a waiting period. That is not how it works. If you feel that you were unjustly discharged and the RE4 is excessive for the reasons you were discharged, and have evidence that warrants an appeal, then do you research on how to appeal for a decision for discharge upgrade. Don't bother talking to recruiters because none of them can touch you, nor can they provide you any assistance in appealing your discharge.