Hey all. I have a question concerning joining the Army as a prior service member.

I know I will need a waiver. I just want to find out if I should even attempt it before going out and embarrassing myself.

In 1990 I was 19yrs old and had been in the army for appx. 3yrs, I had to get my mother to sign me away because I was too young to go in on my own accord. But anyway in 1990 I was on my way out with a BCD.

My charges were several counts of assault and 2 counts of breaking restriction.

During the course of my case I was given the oppurtunity to go to leavenworth and the retraining brigade and would be able to remain in service. However I was young and stupid, and had a very bad anger problem and I refused, so they court marshalled me and sent me packing, rightfully so, though at the time I did not think so. I was young and gung ho for the civilian life and angry at what I perceived to be unfair treatment towards me by my superiors.

I wanted out.

Also during my case I remember signing a paper that said I would not be eligible to rejoin the service for a period of two years, which at the time was fine and dandy to me.


However, when I finally started to grow up I grew more and more ashamed of my behavior and remembered how much as a kid I wanted to make the military a career, and I did.

So last year I went and spoke with an NG recruiter and told him the basics of my situation and asked if there was a way I could get back in, he said oh sure no problem!

Well, we met like a week later and he asked if I had gotten a BCD, I said yes, just like I told you last week. He said there was nothing he could do for me, and that was the end of it.

I got the impression he just didnt want to put forth the extra effort that it may have taken to get me a waiver. But I'm not sure.

So I guess I just want to know if there is any chance that a guy in my shoes could get a waiver and get back in.

I have a spotless record in the civilian world. I just believe now that I went in the military way too young.

I'm looking for a favor, a chance to redeem myself in the eyes of the country I love so much.

Anyway, if you know if its possible, please post here, or feel free to email me at:

donald_kelsay@yahoo.com


Thanks guys, and thanks for your service!

I was under the impression that a BCD (a "big chicken dinner" as we called it in the Corps) was pretty final. Surprised to hear that there was the possibility that you could reenlist.

Everything is pretty right. The NG recruiter probably did not want to put in the effort for a waiver. The issue stems from what your RE Code is. If it is a 3, a waiver CAN be considered. If it is a 4, then there is no chance for the Regular Army/Reserves. A BCD does incur a mandatory 2 year waiting period by regulation. The waiver packet would have to be reviewed by HQ, USAREC, and they will make the final determination. The biggest problem I see with it, as a recruiter, is adjudicating the charges that got you discharged. Even though, we are supposed to review these things with the "Whole Person" concept, keeping in mind everything about you from service to civilian life; it is pretty shaky. The best advice I could offer, is to speak with a Recruiting Office's Station Commander. As he is a 79R Career Recruiter, his or her years in recruiting will be able to shed the practical light on it. They will want to see your DD214 (Long Form) or DD215 as applicable. And any and all records pertaining to your Court Martial, would also be helpful.