Well, here's the thing:

I am not in the camp of, "All RE-4 recipients are the scum of the Earth." But you're discounting the fact that this thread's inception, and its resulting course, has been centered around those who do represent disciplinary issues in the military and are subsequently discharged under less-then-honorable conditions for failing to live up to their legal, military agreement contract.

No one here that is a veteran will tell you that every RE-4 code is warranted. But everyone here will tell you that the vocal majority decrying foul are a prodigy of their own demise.

You speak like you got a raw deal, and I believe that you did. Ergo, the "label" doesn't apply to you and, as such, you have every right to separate yourself from those whining about their own bad behavior and the resulting punishment that they deserved.

For what it is worth, which is zip over the 'Net, I think you got screwed by some officer that wanted to Peacock his tail feathers and just ended up bumping his butt. It's akin to the DADT policy: good policy, good intent, poor inception, ambiguous rules, unenforceable standards, and a lot of good people pay a price for an unwritten technicality.

Were I you, I would be in contact with JAG. Not because I or anyone am/is unsympathetic to your plight/situation, but because we are a simple sounding board and impotent to assist you. We'll listen all day, we'll sympathize and, for some, even empathize, but in the end the injustice is, and needs to be, intolerable and fought against. What happened to you was a farce, and you have every right (and I would say that you have every obligation) to fight for yourself and not lie down under the body of a single officer with your background packet stomping your character.

Richard
Army Infantry (1989 - 1997)

I entered the Navy from the delayed entry program in January 2003, having been a DEPer for 5 months. I tested positive on my drug screen for marijuana at Great Lakes, IL. When I decided to enter DEP, I stopped smoking pot. I started getting in shape to prepare myself for the training. I was running, do push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups religiously on a daily basis. I enrolled in the local technical college, and decided to be an LPN. I did that for what seemed like forever, until January 15, 2003 came along. I took a rapid drug screen just before leaving the recruiting station that day, which was negative. I flew in to Chicago, and was transferred to Great Lakes via bus. I took their drug screen at approximately 0400 that morning. The week I was in basic, I was in the best shape of my life. I felt so good, knowing that I was going to be part of the most elite force in the world. I even became the medical yeoman while I was there at basic training, because of my LPN background. Then, the chief gets a call from above saying that I popped on the drug test. The CPO told me not to worry, and that I could get back in if I jumped through the hoops like I was supposed to. I was then sent to Separations for two weeks. While there I spoke with many people about my case. When my case was up for a hearing, I was presented with the formal accusations. The legalman presented the results to me in a hasty fashion, and I saw where the THC level in my system was a very low amount. I was sent home February 13, 2003 via Greyhound bus ticket. I was given my DD 214 prior to being shuttled to the train station. My re-entry code was RE-4. I already knew what that meant. When the information was presented to me, I had no idea of what my options were, due to all of this. Sadly, NOW I do. Had I waited about another week before leaving for Great Lakes, I would definitely still be in the Navy right now. But, I was so naive that I took the Greyhound bus ticket, and came home to an extremely disappointed family.
After I returned home, I got my LPN license. I've spoken with several physicians I know, and all of them basically said that I must have had too much THC stored in my body. I have done a ton of research on that, and I have found that THC is stored in the adipose tissue, or fatty tissue, of the body. When you work out, you burn fat. The fat is broken down by a substance made in the liver called bile. The bile breaks down fats in the large intestine. The large intestine is also responsible for the re-absorption of fluids to maintain electrolyte balance. When broken down fats meet in the colon with fluids, it is reabsorbed, and the kidneys filter the garbage and send it to the bladder. Also,the RE-4 I received could have been listed as RE-3J, which states that "failed entry level drug test, not drug dependent." According to MILPERSMAN 1910-134, Section 9A-1, which states that "recruits must be administratively separated and assigned an RE-3J enlistment code prove they: (1) failed entry level drug testing for marijuana only upon arrival," this is similar to my situation. Honestly, I'm not even sure if this information would hurt me or help me now. So you see, I feel like what happened to me was completely circumstantial and unfair. I've held a professional license from the state of Georgia for 7 years now with no disciplinary action whatsoever. I've become more responsible over the years, as well as a husband and proud parent of two children. I have countless thank you letters and commendations from my employers to prove my credibility. I am soon to graduate in May from college with Associate degrees in both Nursing and Psychology. My plan after that is to attend the local university to obtain my Bachelor degree in Nursing, which should all be complete by May 2012. I would love to be a part of the Navy Nurse Corps more than anything. It has always been a dream of mine to serve and defend my country, and I would love to have the honor to do so.
I have already sent my request for all of my paper work. What are my options at this juncture? Do I have a good chance of having it upgraded, or am I just wasting my time? If there is any way to come out on top in this matter, I'm definitely open to suggestion. Any information you give would greatly appreciated.

I know you don't want to hear this, but your chances are slim to none. I know that sucks, but that is the reality of it. The only thing you can do is get a lawyer willing to take your case. Additionally, have to spoken with a recruiter since?

Originally Posted by Team Infidel

I know you don't want to hear this, but your chances are slim to none. I know that sucks, but that is the reality of it. The only thing you can do is get a lawyer willing to take your case. Additionally, have to spoken with a recruiter since?

Yes, sir, I have spoken with a recruiter, and they tell me the same thing as you. On the other hand, I have also spoken with a lawyer, who says that I my chances are better than average, but that, at the same time, I should not get my hopes up. And you're right. It really does suck to hear that, but I feel that I have to at least try. I HAVE to know for certain that it's a dead end. Otherwise, I'll never know, and I think that would be harder for me to deal with.

Originally Posted by AZ_Infantry

RE-4: Dishonorable Discharge. We call it a Big Chicken Dinner (Bad Conduct Discharge).

When you separate from the military, you are issued a DD Form 214 that contains pertinent facts about your active duty military service, such as your awards, MOS, and discharge type. An RE-1 means that you completed your obligation as expected, called an Honorable Discharge.

Then there are "Other Than Honorable" Discharge types, and these have a letter code assigned to the RE code that tells background investigators exactly why you were discharged.

For instance, an other than honorable RE-2BLC discharge means that the military kicked you out for homosexuality. RE-2CBL indicates unsuitability for military service without a specified reason (usually lying to get in). The K's are usually drugs - the military tests you for drugs monthly. Even a puff of pot and you can face an OTH discharge.

The Big Chicken Dinner is reserved for the most egregious offenses of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), usually indicating criminal behavior: AWOL, drug abuse, stealing, acting in a manner that completely dishonors the military, and etc.

If you think of it in civilian terms, an OTH is typified by a misdemeanor, whereas a BCD is a felony (simple analogy).

Most employers will not touch you with an RE-4. It is MUCH worse than an Article 15 or 32. It means that the military criminally prosecuted you, found you guilty without doubt, and booted your butt out. You're irresponsible and embarrass the United States. You cannot be trusted.

**This is technically incorrect information you are putting out there. I received an RE-4 with a full HONORABLE discharge. I never got into trouble but because I exceeded a 2 incident limit, I was shown the door. I am currently waiting for a board response for my discharge upgrade.

Wrong. A 4-Star has no involvement of the process. It is strictly officers and senior enlisted. They make the decision, not top brass.

I received an RE-4 back in 2006 from the Navy for the reason stated "Entry level performance and conduct." It was actually due to medical reasons of personality disorder and such. In 2007 I got it waivered into the Army and am still currently serving. The only time it hindered me was during my physical to go to Ranger school. I couldn't get signed off to go.

Truth is, during a desperate time, the RE-4 will get waivered. From what most recruiters tell me, it's not happening anytime soon.

What do you think about if you hear Honorable Discharge with an RE-4?
This is what i recieved because i requested the wrong code upon discharge. Is there a way to change this?
The reason i am asking is i plan to pursue a career in Police work.
I have full benefits and my full post 9/11 GI bill....i was just wondering if u can change it

Originally Posted by DirtyDemon

What do you think about if you hear Honorable Discharge with an RE-4?
This is what i recieved because i requested the wrong code upon discharge. Is there a way to change this?
The reason i am asking is i plan to pursue a career in Police work.
I have full benefits and my full post 9/11 GI bill....i was just wondering if u can change it

You don't request your RE code - it is annotated due to your discharge conditions.

Yes, it is possible to change it. But the criteria to do so is complex; without further information regarding the condition of your separation, no one here will be able to assist you.

oh well thank u anyways