ROTC Re-3 Waiver

zona2024

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Jan 10, 2019
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Hello Everyone.

My question is what are my chances of being able to contract into Army ROTC with a RE-3 reenlistment code from the National Guard. Long story short, I was a immature and got an uncharacterized discharge with RE-3 code before basic training due to personal issues I had at the time (not medical). I have always wanted to serve and now I have my college degree and looking to go to graduate school and thought it might become an officer through ROTC but don't know if I would be eligible or if I should try to enlist in the national guard first with a waiver and then try to do SMP.

Thank you for any input
 
The Guard can be more forgiving, especially once you've established a relationship and a good record. First step would be to see if you get a second bite at enlistment so you can build that rapport with a unit. Second step would be to find a way to commission.

There is a waiver for almost anything, provided people want you. Good luck!
 
Seems kinda silly to try and go into ROTC AFTER college. ROTC is usually in conjunction WITH college. Most ROTC programs do not account for graduate studies, only undergrad, although I am sure someone more knowledge than I will have the full scoop. Why not try OCS? That is route most College Graduates with a BS or BA take. I believe most if not all the Services offer OCS to College Grads, AD Enlisted, and Lawyers and Doctors. As for the RE-3 Code, what it really means is you are not qualified for military service, but a waiver may be granted. So you can apply for OCS and if they want you, grant you a waiver and presto you go to OCS (provided everything else if OK) and come out like 13 weeks later an O-1. Hope this helps?
 
OP, talk to your local ARNG or ANG recruiter. Find a unit to join, work a few years there to build up a reputation and a rapport with the officers above you, and then apply for WOCS or OCS/OTS. That would be the easiest, most solid route to overcome that RE-3. Both ANG and ARNG place more value on your history with them than they do with previous history with others.

If that route seems too long to you, then apply for a waiver for OCS or WOCS, as @Impulsive mentioned. Be prepared for a long process, though. That waiver will have to clear both your state JFHQ and NGB before your officer package is even considered (again at JFHQ and NGB). When you consider a lot of the approval authorities will be traditional guardsmen (aka only looking at packages for a few hours per month), you're looking at a year minimum with no guarantee of outcome.

Either way, make sure you have a solid answer for "What the hell happened?", "How have you changed for the better?", and "Why would it benefit us to let you have a second chance?". You will be asked those questions, and it won't be in a cursory "check-the-box" kind of way.
 
You'd have to get a waiver for the re code. You will have to write a sworn statement detailing what happened that led to your discharge which ultimately got you your re code. whether its approved or not is up to the waiver authority.
 
You'd have to get a waiver for the re code. You will have to write a sworn statement detailing what happened that led to your discharge which ultimately got you your re code. whether its approved or not is up to the waiver authority.
Raider, where did you find that information?

Having to provide a sworn statement to a waiver authority sounds a lot like a waiver to me.

Re-3, by definition, indicates reenlistment requires a waiver. It's a DoD code, but here's the USAF AFPC page saying exactly that. I can't imagine the other branches being much different.

Army says the same

So does the Navy
 
Raider, where did you find that information?

Having to provide a sworn statement to a waiver authority sounds a lot like a waiver to me.

Re-3, by definition, indicates reenlistment requires a waiver. It's a DoD code, but here's the USAF AFPC page saying exactly that. I can't imagine the other branches being much different.

Army says the same

So does the Navy

A buddy of mines in the program basically had a similar situation with having a re code 3. He had to write out a sworn statement detailing what happened. He had to get the PMS to also sign it and then it was forwarded to the waiver authority.
 
I would recommend going in the NG first. Once you complete your necessary training you will receive a new DD214. And that one will likely have a RE code 1. And you will be able to use that one.
 
A buddy of mines in the program basically had a similar situation with having a re code 3. He had to write out a sworn statement detailing what happened. He had to get the PMS to also sign it and then it was forwarded to the waiver authority.

Right. That's what is involved with the waiver process. His PMS submitted a waiver for him. Hence why it was forwarded to the waiver authority.
 
I would recommend going in the NG first. Once you complete your necessary training you will receive a new DD214. And that one will likely have a RE code 1. And you will be able to use that one.
And getting into the ARNG with an RE-3 will require a waiver.

Thanks for the input.
 
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