What would be the best way to go about re-entering the military after going through a hardship discharge?

Melissa Dix — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 01:52:05 -0400

Good evening, I am wondering what would be the best way to go about re-entering into the military after going through a hardship discharge 3 years ago from the Army.

I currently am seeking enlistment into the Marine Corps and I am unable to find any recruiter at all to want to work with me. I have been told that an Re-3 Honorable code would require a waiver. So I guess I am wondering what my other options would be if there is no recruiter willing or able to work with me on this?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2021 4:12 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:12:35 -0400

Marines RARELY take prior service. Air Force sometimes takes them. Try Army or Navy. Either way, you're going to have to shop around for a Recruiter that's willing and able to work with you and submit a waiver request

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 6 at 2021 11:01 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:01:26 -0400

Marine Recruiters expect more. Quotas are generally low enough that they are flexible enough to be a little tougher on standards. If you want to be a Marine you need to prove to the recruiter you are serious about it and that you are worth the amount of paperwork they will need to do to make you eligible. I don't know the details of the discharge but the Marine recruiters will immediately be skeptical and assume the worse in regards to why you were given an RE3.

If you really want to be a Marine you need to go above and beyond. Good luck.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Apr 6 at 2021 12:41 PM

SSG Brian G. — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 12:41:26 -0400

You have an RE-3, that alone is a hoop jumper as it will require some kind of waiver. You getting a hardship discharge is an eye catcher in and of itself. Because the Marines especially are going to look at that and do some questioning. What was it that you could not endure so much that you had to get out prior to your enlistment contract being up? Enough so that you HAD to get out? It leads to a "this person quits when the going is tough" mental outlook about the recruit, that right or wrong, tends to make people not want to go through the hoops to help you get eligible. Especially when there are 10 lined up behind you where literally all they have to do is fill out paperwork, send them off to MEPS and sit back and drink a cup of coffee.

At any rate, good luck.