Can A Discharged Soldier Rejoin Service?

In some cases, a soldier who has been discharged from military service may be eligible to rejoin the armed forces. The ability to re-enlist or be re-commissioned depends on various factors such as the type of discharge, the reason for separation, time elapsed since discharge, and the specific policies of the military branch.

Can a Discharged Soldier Rejoin Service?

Eligibility Based on Discharge Status:

Honorable Discharge:

Soldiers who have received an honorable discharge generally have the best chances of being eligible to rejoin the service. They may be allowed to re-enlist, provided they meet the age, health, and other eligibility requirements.

General Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions):

Those with a general discharge may also be eligible for re-enlistment, but the process may be more complicated. The individual might need to demonstrate that they have improved their behavior or resolved the issues that led to the discharge.

Other Than Honorable Discharge:

Soldiers discharged other than honorable may face significant challenges when trying to rejoin. In most cases, they are not eligible for re-enlistment, but they may request an upgrade to their discharge status. If successful, they may regain eligibility for rejoining.

Dishonorable Discharge:

Soldiers who have been dishonorably discharged are typically not eligible to rejoin the military, as this is considered the most severe form of discharge. However, in exceptional cases, they may petition for a discharge upgrade through a review board.

Re-enlistment or Re-commissioning Process:

Time Elapsed Since Discharge:

Rejoining the military is easier if the individual applies for re-enlistment shortly after discharge. If a long period has passed, the individual may be subject to additional eligibility requirements, including medical evaluations, physical fitness tests, and age restrictions.

Re-enlistment Options:

Depending on the branch of service, re-enlistment may be granted based on need and the individual’s qualifications. The military might require the applicant to pass an entrance exam or meet specific job qualifications before rejoining.

Re-commissioning as an Officer:

For soldiers who were discharged as enlisted personnel and wish to become officers, re-commissioning may be possible if they meet the education, leadership, and physical fitness standards. This process generally involves completing officer training programs or meeting specific officer entry criteria.

Medical and Physical Fitness Requirements:

Rejoining the military requires meeting the physical fitness standards set by the armed forces. A discharged soldier will have to undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit for service, particularly if the reason for discharge involved health issues.

Age Limitations:

Most military branches have age limits for re-enlistment. Soldiers who are too old may not be able to rejoin, even if they are otherwise eligible.

Rejoining Under Special Conditions:

In some situations, the military may offer special programs for veterans, such as active-duty reserves or special recruitments for veterans who want to return to service in specific roles, such as medical or technical positions.

Soldiers who are discharged for reasons like medical conditions might also rejoin if their condition improves and they meet the military’s health requirements.

Legal Actions and Protections

Requesting a Discharge Upgrade:

A discharged soldier who wishes to rejoin the military may request a discharge upgrade if their initial separation was less than honorable. This process involves petitioning a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR). If the discharge is upgraded to honorable or general conditions, the soldier may become eligible for re-enlistment.

Appealing the Decision:

If a soldier is not allowed to rejoin after discharge, they can appeal the decision to the appropriate military board or authority, particularly if they believe the discharge was unjust or if they have improved since their separation.

Example:

A soldier who received a general discharge under honorable conditions due to a minor misconduct may apply for re-enlistment. If the discharge occurred a few years ago and the soldier meets the military’s age, health, and fitness requirements, they might be allowed to rejoin. However, if they received a dishonorable discharge due to a serious offense, they would typically be ineligible for re-enlistment, though they could apply for an upgrade of their discharge status.