I'm currently attempting to do the same thing. I also screwed up a bit 7 years ago and am now trying to correct that mistake.

I'm not an expert on this, so hopefully I can get some advice too.

Right now I beleive you have to upgrade the discharge first (if he wants it upgraded), you can do this by filling out DD Form 293. Along with the upgrade, the RE code may even be changed, but if it is not, then a DD Form 149 should be completed. I talked with someone in the Navy 1 on 1 chat from their website, and he confirmed this. Hopefully it's reliable intel.

A couple of links that got me started on the process:
http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generali … rgeupg.htm

http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/airforce … ecords.htm

Hopefully I'll remember to check back on this site to see if anyone has more useful information. I found this through searching for more info on changing my RE code.

The mailing address is on the forms.

As for an advocate, yeah, there's the tough one. Not even sure if the VA would help you on that, but they may. I was thinking of giving one a call, at least for advice on the best way to go about filling out the forms and completing the process.

I'm in the same situation that your young Marine recruit is in....save i was in the army. Seven years ago also, i made a bad decision based on family events. Anyhow...you need to submit a DD form 293 to the Board for Military corrections. This can be done online by going to   https://secureweb.hqda.pentagon.mil. He can apply online and then send supporting evidence (reference letters, dd 214, etc.) that proves he is ready for service. I spoke to my State Governors office about the issue and they directed me to this same website. I also sent a DD form 293 to the same people 3 years ago. The first time they turned me down. The military rep. at the governors office told me that he has seen servicemen turned down 2 and 3 times before there is a change made that makes that individual eligible. It also helps to appear before the board in person to plead your case...if i get turned down again i'll go that route. It is definitely a long hard fight to get an RE code changed. I was also told that back during that period (2000) the military (under the Clinton Admin.) was downsizing. They were passing out RE 4's whenever they could to ensure that the personnel numbers stayed low....not sure if i believe that, but it sounds possible. Anyway, good luck Marine...hope I helped ya a bit. If you hear anything else that i did not cover here, let me know because we're in the same situation, and all i want is to get back in.

I was in the army for 17yrs, i was forced out of the army I received an hororable discharged, but the RE CODE on my DD 214 prevents me from continuing my serice to finish my career. what can i do to  have them change the code

scotland432000@yahoo.com

Bulldog1Bravo wrote:

The funny thing is who do you submitt the DD FORMS to?  This Marine is not in the service at this point.  How do you get an advocate for someone who is no longer in?  Crazy huh?

as far as i am aware and know all dd forms are to be submitted to meps how ever if there is a form to be signed off on resort to top for info regarding the form

Hi joe, I was n the air force for close to six months till i failed an exam in Tech school and i was seperated so they gave me a dd 214 with a RE of 2C and i am now not  eligible to re enlist please tell me how i can get a RE upgrade  realy want t re enlist because i realized what i have to do in life and that is the military please help me i want t be in the airfrce again and for good

Hi, I was in the Navy from aug 05- dec 05. I was discharged out of basic training. I got into trouble for going UA to use the phone to call home because my mother and grandfather were ill in the hospital. Prior to that, I gotten into little conflicts (gear adrift, and refusing to train). I was sent to captains mast and as a result, I was discharged with an RE-4, with a separation code JGA (entry level performance and conduct). At that time, my mindset wasnt right to be in the military. But I am definitely ready to go back and serve. Can someone please help me!! I really need to get my REcode changed so I can reenlist.

I got out of the army two years ago,honorable discharge, RE code 3, separation code JFV, because of a situation that the Army interpreted as a suicide attempt (a misinterpretation on their part.) But nevertheless, that is what it says on my discharge summary, and at the time I didn't fight it. Now, I want to reenlist, I am working on a waiver with a recruiter, but I want to know what my chances are of reenlisting. I have favorable recommendations and a current psych eval from a doc proving I don't have a personality disorder. What is the likelihood that I will get in the first time, or is it more than likely I will have to try multiple times. I have no other issues, article 15's, don't require any additional waivers.

Thanks

DD FORM 293, NOV 2006  is what is required

MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO APPROPRIATE ADDRESS BELOW.

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

ARMY

AIR FORCE

COAST GUARD

Army Review Boards AgencySupport Division, St. Louis9700 Page AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63132-5200(See http://arba.army.pentagon.mil)

Naval Council of Personnel Boards720 Kennon Street, S.E.Room 309 (NDRB)Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5023

Air Force Review Boards AgencySAF/MRBR550-C Street West, Suite 40Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4742

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant (CG-122) 2100 Second Street, S.W. Room 5500Washington, DC 20593

http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/documents … dition.doc

usmc3020.  I sent you an email.  I have a similar situation and could use some advice.  Thanks in advance.

I was honorably discharged from the USAF (Mar07) as part of their "Force Shaping" program. I was givin an RE Code 4I. Which means I was serving on a control roster at the time of separation. I had recieved 2 LoC's (one for being late to work 15min. and one for having minor financial problems) and 1 LoR for arriving to work 20min. late. For that I was put on a Control Roster. I was discharged a year and a half before my contract was up. Control Rosters last for 6months and are meant to be a rehabilitating process to help Airman get back on their feet. My time on the roster was cut short due to force shaping. Part of the Force Shaping stated that if anyone was on a control roster on a certain date. That individual would be Honorably discharged from the military.

I'm now trying to join the Marines and bring my experience and knowledge I've gained as a Multi Source Intelligence analyst with me.
I'm trying to change my RE Code 4I to a more positive code. The Marine recruiter told me to contact my State Rep.  I'm still awaiting a response from him. (it's been 1 week)

If anyone could provide me with any further advice I would be eternally grateful.