What is the likelihood of being able to enlist in the Navy after involuntarily separating from the Army?

SPC Bob Stone — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:28:11 -0400

Is it possible to join the Navy after being chaptered out of the Army for serious misconduct while I was enlisted? I have RE Code 3 Separation code JKQ (commission of serious offense). I separated from the service over two years ago.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jul 24 at 2023 10:51 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:51:47 -0400

It's a tough recruitment year, so there may be a chance for a waiver. I think a lot of that depends on the nature of that Serious Offense.
If the Army and Navy were making their recruitment goals, it would be a no go.
Talk to a Navy Recruiter

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 24 at 2023 11:20 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:20:50 -0400

It depends on several details and context. RE-3 is defined as :Not qualified for continued service in Army but disqualification is waiverable. Ineligible for enlistment unless waiver is issued.
With that said it's possible but that JKQ is the big question because it all depends on what that offense was and whether the service would be willing to waive it. Two years ago I would have said hard no but right now there is a shortage. The navy isn't hurting nearly as bad as the Army is regarding missed recruiting quotas but ultimately it depends on what the recruiters say and whether your waiver gets approved.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 24 at 2023 11:49 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:49:39 -0400

You code means No Need To Apply, it isn't going to happen w/o a POTUS waiver- haven't ever heard of one. And your name isn't Biden

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 24 at 2023 12:10 PM

COL Randall C. — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:10:22 -0400

The correct answer for any "is it possible to join the ______" question will always be "Talk to a ____ recruiter" as they are the only ones that will be able to give you the most accurate information.

To your specific question: Is it POSSIBLE? Yes. As has been stated, you will need a waiver.
What is the likelihood of it? You'll have to talk to the recruiter.

As others have pointed out, recruiting is a challenge for all the services and your chances of having a waiver approved are better than if you attempted just two years ago. There are some serious misconduct situations that will be rejected automatically (drug trafficking, most sex crimes, etc.), but as long as you don't have any of those and you didn't have two or more serious offenses, you should have a shot.

But only a Navy Recruiter will be able to give you the 'best' answer, because even they won't be able to give you any indications until they understand everything about your situation.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2023 11:14 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 23:14:41 -0400

I'm sorry? What was that? You got the boot for committing a serious offense and you want to know if it's possible to re-join but doing so with the Navy? Your RE Code will need a Waiver. Your Sep Code will need a Waiver. To answer the question...yea, it's possible. Albeit a very SMALL chance. If you want a definitive answer then you need to speak with a Navy Recruiter. Now, if you HAVE spoken with a Navy Recruiter and they told you NO.....then hate to break it to you, Sparky...but that dog won't hunt.