Thread: I figure this would be a good place to ask this.

Originally Posted by who138

I have a question for all the Army folks out there. First let me explain myself a little bit. I joined the Army at 19 as a PFC, was in for about 2 years of a 4 year contract (this was pre-Iraq, but post-911), then for various reasons that don't matter for this question, went AWOL for 31 days. I did a little time, then got a General discharge. It's been quite some time since this (if you feel the need to heap insults upon me, feel free, you can't say anything I haven't heard before) and I've done well for myself since. I have a professional degree now (earned on my own dime) and have been practicing for a couple. This particular chapter of my life has always bothered me, not to extent of shame, but enough to give me pause more so than the other less-than-honorable things I did during my late teen/early twenties. So my question is this: is there anything I can do now to redeem myself. Perhaps complete redemption is not possible, but something to at least dull the sting I feel whenever anyone mentions the military (not to mention memorial day, veterans day, and July 4th) may be attainable. What, in the minds of you current and ex-military, would be as close as I could come to some sort of penance.

First, your issue is not unique. In my twenty years of military service, I see many who received undesirable discharges who were able to return years later.

Only in your case, you willfully went AWOL for over 30 days which after 30 days is desertion. In wartime, you can be executed for that.

Yes, you are ashamed on what you have done but at the same time, can't expect the military to re-open their doors back to you. You have excelled in the civilian world because its not like the military. Its not as discipline and structured but you showed that you are a good citizen, moved on and doing the right thing.

I dont know the re-enlistment code and separation codes on your DD214. General Discharge is a General Discharge but the RE-Code and SPN Code will determine if you are able to get a waiver on a second chance. I suggest, you try with the Reserves and Guard first since they are a little more lenient than Active duty on getting back in.

Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by MPclk2006

Actually the Reserves is alwasy just about the same as the active duty to get someone in...NG is usually more strict.

depends on the time of year, state and level of waiver. Some guys couldnt get reserves b ased on a waiver but they were able to go NG and get the issue waived at the TAG instead of NGB. Anyway, you the expert lol. Just talking from experience.

Regardless, the OP has alot of convincing to do if he has a shot.

my suggestion, you to the community. i never heard someone say, i hate firefighters. paramedics and firefighters risk their lives daily to save lives and property of US citizens. you might not be able to heal the hurt from the army but you can at least feel pride by still serving your country and its people. its not tha army but if you think its any less honorable tell that to the men and women that died Sept. 11th 2001. it may be a shot at redemption and this is only a small example