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DD-214 Reentry Code

RE Code 3

What an RE-3 code recorded on a DD Form 214 means depends on the service that issued the form and, for older forms, on when it was issued.

Each entry below separates two questions: the meaning recorded by the issuing service, shown only where a source from the same service states it, and any separately published recruiting guidance, each with its own source and period. Air Force codes print without the RE prefix, for example 3C rather than RE-3C. The block this code prints in varies by form printing, so the DD-214 worksheet asks for your form's title before using block numbers.

Independent public reference, not a DoD system of record and not authorized to receive CUI or personal records. Do not enter names, IDs, dates, or document text.

Army (2 entries)

  • RE-3

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Person who is not considered fully qualified for reentry or continuous service at time of separation, but the disqualification is waiverable.

    Source: AR 601-210 (20 March 2026), table 3-1 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Army

    The cited Army guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Ineligible unless a waiver is granted.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: AR 601-210 (20 March 2026), table 3-1 · official text

  • RE-3A · RE-3B · RE-3C · RE-3D · RE-3E · RE-3S · RE-3V

    Historical usage; the current tables list it as no longer issued · Historical usage; never presented as current

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Soldiers separated prior to the effective date of the current regulation who did not meet reentry criteria at time of separation. These codes are no longer issued.

    Source: AR 601-210 (20 March 2026), table 3-1 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Army

    The cited Army guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Ineligible unless a waiver is granted.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: AR 601-210 (20 March 2026), table 3-1 · official text

Navy (3 entries)

  • RE-3J · RE-3M · RE-3X

    From the current tables · Evidence limited; no meaning is claimed

    No meaning published by the Navy for this code appears in our sources yet, so none is shown here.

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Army

    The cited Army guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Persons eligible for reenlistment. Qualified for enlistment if all other applicable criteria are met.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: AR 601-210 (20 March 2026), table 3-2 (Navy and Coast Guard) · official text

  • RE-3A · RE-3B · RE-3C · RE-3D · RE-3E · RE-3F · RE-3G · RE-3H · RE-3K · RE-3L · RE-3N · RE-3P · RE-3Q · RE-3R · RE-3S · RE-3T · RE-3U · RE-3Y

    From the current tables · Evidence limited; no meaning is claimed

    No meaning published by the Navy for this code appears in our sources yet, so none is shown here.

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Army

    The cited Army guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Persons separated with disqualifications for retention. Not eligible for enlistment unless a waiver is granted.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: AR 601-210 (20 March 2026), table 3-2 (Navy and Coast Guard) · official text

  • RE-3V

    From the current tables · Evidence limited; no meaning is claimed

    No meaning published by the Navy for this code appears in our sources yet, so none is shown here.

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Army

    The cited Army guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Persons ineligible for reenlistment. Not eligible for enlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: AR 601-210 (20 March 2026), table 3-2 (Navy and Coast Guard) · official text

Air Force (11 entries)

  • 3A

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Early separation conditions treated as waiverable: first-term members separating before 36 months (60 for a 6-year enlistment) with no other disqualifying factor, members found pregnant before enlistment and immediately discharged, entry-level failure to progress in required training, and self-initiated elimination from technical training.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 items 1 to 4 (single code cell) · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Not eligible for immediate reenlistment, but eligible for prior-service enlistment with an approved waiver.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 items 1 to 4 (single code cell) · official text

  • 3B

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Was ineligible to reenlist, the ineligibility condition no longer exists, and the member requires selective reenlistment program consideration or reconsideration.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 5 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Waiver path; members are not separated with this code.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 5 · official text

  • 3C

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    First-term Airmen and Guardians not yet considered under the selective reenlistment program.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 6 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Waiver path; members are not separated with this code.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 6 · official text

  • 3D

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Second-term or career members who refused to get retainability for a permanent change of station, temporary duty, or deployment.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 7 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Not eligible for immediate reenlistment; prior-service enlistment requires a waiver.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 7 · official text

  • 3E

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Second-term or career members who refused to get retainability for training or retraining, or declined to attend it.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 8 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Not eligible for immediate reenlistment; prior-service enlistment requires a waiver.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 8 · official text

  • 3F

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Selected for non-retention by an Air Force or Space Force enlisted retention board.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 9 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Not eligible for immediate reenlistment; prior-service enlistment requires a waiver.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 9 · official text

  • 3I

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    First-term member selected under the selective reenlistment program but not awarded a career job reservation and removed from eligibility.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 10 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Not eligible for immediate reenlistment; prior-service enlistment requires a waiver.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 10 · official text

  • 3K

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Reserved for the Air Force Personnel Center or the Board for Correction of Military Records when no other reenlistment eligibility code applies.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 11 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Not eligible for immediate reenlistment; prior-service enlistment requires a waiver.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 11 · official text

  • 3Q

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Selected for non-retention by an Air Force or Space Force quality force review board.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 12 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Not eligible for immediate reenlistment; prior-service enlistment requires a waiver.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 12 · official text

  • 3S

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Separated with the Special Separation Benefit.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 13 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Not eligible for immediate reenlistment; prior-service enlistment requires a waiver.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 13 · official text

  • 3V

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Separated with the Voluntary Separation Incentive or under the enlisted voluntary separation pay program.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 14 · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force

    The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Not eligible for immediate reenlistment; prior-service enlistment requires a waiver.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.4 item 14 · official text

Marine Corps (11 entries)

  • RE-3A

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Failure to meet the general technical score prerequisite, when that is the single disqualifying factor.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Reenlistment recommended by the commanding officer upon removal of the disqualifying factor. Commandant authority required for reenlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

  • RE-3B

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    A military or civil record of in-service illegal drug involvement before 31 August 1992 with potential for further service.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Commandant authority required for further service.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

  • RE-3C

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Assigned when directed by the Commandant, or when the Marine is not eligible and the disqualifying factor is not covered by any other code.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Commandant authority required for reenlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

  • RE-3E

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Failure to meet education standards, when that is the single disqualifying factor.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Reenlistment recommended by the commanding officer upon removal of the disqualifying factor. Commandant authority required for reenlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

  • RE-3F

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Failure to complete recruit training, including discharge due to pregnancy before completing recruit training.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Commandant authority required for reenlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

  • RE-3H

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Hardship discharge under paragraph 6407 of the separations manual.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Commandant authority required for reenlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

  • RE-3N

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Pregnancy or single parenthood: a Marine discharged before end of active service for pregnancy, or any Marine separated while in sole parent status.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Commandant authority required for reenlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

  • RE-3O

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Refused to extend or reenlist to obtain the obligated service necessary for a permanent change of station or unit deployment. Assigned only when directed by the Commandant and not to first-term Marines.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Marines assigned this code are not eligible for promotion, reenlistment, commissioning programs, or involuntary separation pay. Commandant authority required for reenlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

  • RE-3P

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Failure to meet physical or medical standards, including weight standards.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Reenlistment recommended by the commanding officer upon removal of the disqualifying factor. Commandant authority required for reenlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

  • RE-3S

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Approved for voluntary separation with the Special Separation Benefit lump sum. Assigned only by the Commandant; the Marine is otherwise recommended and eligible.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    The Marine is recommended and eligible for reenlistment when the announcing program's criteria are met. Commandant approval required for reenlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

  • RE-3V

    From the current tables · Grounded in public official records

    Meaning recorded by the issuing service

    Approved for voluntary separation with the Voluntary Separation Incentive annuity. Assigned only by the Commandant.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Marine Corps

    The cited Marine Corps guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Same criteria as the Special Separation Benefit program, with Individual Ready Reserve service for the duration of the payment period.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) w/CH-3, appendix I · official text

Coast Guard (3 entries)

  • RE-3J · RE-3M · RE-3X

    From the current tables · Evidence limited; no meaning is claimed

    No meaning published by the Coast Guard for this code appears in our sources yet, so none is shown here.

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Army

    The cited Army guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Persons eligible for reenlistment. Qualified for enlistment if all other applicable criteria are met.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: AR 601-210 (20 March 2026), table 3-2 (Navy and Coast Guard) · official text

  • RE-3A · RE-3B · RE-3C · RE-3D · RE-3E · RE-3F · RE-3G · RE-3H · RE-3K · RE-3L · RE-3N · RE-3P · RE-3Q · RE-3R · RE-3S · RE-3T · RE-3U · RE-3Y

    From the current tables · Evidence limited; no meaning is claimed

    No meaning published by the Coast Guard for this code appears in our sources yet, so none is shown here.

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Army

    The cited Army guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Persons separated with disqualifications for retention. Not eligible for enlistment unless a waiver is granted.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: AR 601-210 (20 March 2026), table 3-2 (Navy and Coast Guard) · official text

  • RE-3V

    From the current tables · Evidence limited; no meaning is claimed

    No meaning published by the Coast Guard for this code appears in our sources yet, so none is shown here.

    Separate recruiting guidance published by the Army

    The cited Army guidance classifies this code as follows:

    From the current tables

    Persons ineligible for reenlistment. Not eligible for enlistment.

    This is a classification in that service's own enlistment table. It cannot determine how current rules apply to an individual case, it is not the meaning printed by the issuing service, and it is not an eligibility decision.

    Source: AR 601-210 (20 March 2026), table 3-2 (Navy and Coast Guard) · official text

Reading an RE code

An RE code is recorded on the DD Form 214 at separation. What the code means is one question; what a recruiting table says about enlisting later is another, and on this page the two answers can come from different services. Neither section is an eligibility decision: waiver practice changes with the recruiting climate, and a recruiter for the branch you want to join is the authority on what your code means today. An incorrect code can be challenged through the service's Board for Correction of Military Records.

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