Hey there all. I will start off by telling you my story. I went into the Army in 1999 went through basic and got stationed at my unit. I ended up going AWOL for very stupid reasons. I turned myself in 8 months later and was out processed. Got an OTH discharge and a RE code of 4..... I have been talking to my recruiters and trying to get back in. They say that the RE code has to be changed before that can happen. I was just wondering if this ever does happen and HOW.....what would be the best way.

I don't know about the rest, but this is comming from me. There ain't no way in hell if I would take you back in the army. With your discharge that you earned by doing something stupid, then you need to suck it up and find another job. I can't find any reason to go AWOL.

I do have another job, and have had other jobs. I miss the Army lifestyle. I miss everything about it. I wan't to PROUDLY serve my country, not DISHONARABLY walk away.

Well maybe you did make some mistakes while serving but you must understand the Army's side and they said you are not worthy of another shot. Kinda like burned once but not twice. Good luck, I really mean that.

Yeah I do understand that, but I was young and very DUMB....and from what the recruiters have told me thus far is that there is a possibitilty that the VA can change my RE code, might not be a GOOD chance, but there is a chance. I just feel like such a failure and I really did like the Army and I really hope that this can get changed, but I will keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. I was a damn good Soldier and this was the only trouble I got into. Too bad it was BIG trouble. I should hear from the VA tomorrow about setting up an appointment to try to get this done.

You would have to prove the code was assigned in error in order to get it changed. With a OTH backing it up it is doubtful that you will be able to do that.

Best advice is to apply to get the OTH changed to a General discharge.

One thing I would like to point out here. You were an adult when this occurred. Being young had nothing to do with it. You were or represented yourself as a man when you joined the Army. You made what amounts to a life changing decision when you went AWOL. Now you have to live with that adult choice. Happens everyday. Turn left instead of right, went down the stairs instead of up.....you raised your hand and swore an oath, when you probably shouldn't have.

Sorry to butt in. This is how it works, and all the advice in the world means nothing without the facts behind it.

While all the advice is good, Coachman has it. I'm sorry, but you got an RE-4 from the Army. The Army is the hardest branch to get an RE-4 from, so its serious. I am a recruiter in Southern California, and I've seen it all in my two years on station. Whoever your recruiter is, tell him/her to stop lying and be straight on the issue. RE-4 Permanently Disqualified. When you received your DD214, you had to review it to be administratively correct. You have to sign for it. Unless it is the Army's fault, and the Army coded you out incorrectly, it sticks. If you wish to appeal it, you had to sign a form and submit it, within 180 days of your discharge. After that, the Army, the VA will view it as acceptance that it was correct, and will not entertain any other appeals. UNLESS you can prove that it was incorrect. Its a rare chance. Slim to none. You can try, but be very prepared for the NO answer. The recruiter is stringing you along. RE-4 waivers are seldom entertained. Best of Luck.

Well I guess thats life......I went to the VA and they gave me paperwork to submit for an appel. Might as well jsu t trash it huh? O well I did the crime, now I do the time......