DD-214 Reentry Code
RE Code 4
What an RE-4 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 same-service official source grounds it, and any separately published recruiting guidance, each with its own source and period. Air Force codes print without the RE prefix, for example 4C rather than RE-4C. 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.
Army (3 entries)
RE-4
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Person separated from the last period of service with a nonwaiverable disqualification, including anyone with a Department of the Army imposed bar to continued service in effect at separation, or separated for any reason except length-of-service retirement with 18 or more years of active federal service.
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:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible 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 3-1 · official text
RE-4R
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
A person who retired for length of service with 15 or more years of active federal service.
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:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible 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 3-1 · official text
RE-4A
Historical usage; the current tables list it as no longer issued · Historical usage; never presented as current
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Soldier separated prior to the effective date of the current regulation. 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:
Grounded in the current tables
Qualified for enlistment provided the reason and authority do not preclude enlistment or require a waiver. May not enlist until 93 days after separation if otherwise qualified.
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 (1 entry)
RE-4
Grounded in 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:
Grounded in 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 (13 entries)
4A
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Separated for hardship or dependency reasons. Does not apply to members separated for the sole reason of pregnancy.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 1 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist.
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 5.5 item 1 · official text
4C
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Separated for concealment of juvenile records, minority, failure to meet physical standards for enlistment, failure to attain the required reading grade level, or void enlistments.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 2 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist.
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 5.5 item 2 · official text
4D
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Grade E-4 with at least 9 but fewer than 16 years of service and not currently selected for promotion to E-5.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 3 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist; extension rules may apply.
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 5.5 item 3 · official text
4E
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Time-in-grade and time-in-service combinations below the reenlistment floor, for example a 4-year enlistee at E-3 or below with 31 or more months served.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 4 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist.
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 5.5 item 4 · official text
4F
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Five or more days of lost time during the current enlistment.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 5 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist without 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 5.5 item 5 · official text
4G
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
No specialty code skill level commensurate with grade.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 6 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist.
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 5.5 item 6 · official text
4H
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Serving suspended punishment pursuant to Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 7 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist; an extension may be possible.
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 5.5 item 7 · official text
4I
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Serving on the control roster.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 8 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist; an extension may be possible.
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 5.5 item 8 · official text
4J
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Received an unsatisfactory fitness assessment.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 9 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist; an extension may be possible.
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 5.5 item 9 · official text
4K
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Pending evaluation by a medical evaluation board or physical evaluation board.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 10 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist while the evaluation is pending.
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 5.5 item 10 · official text
4L
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Separated after elimination from a commissioning program such as Officer Training School or the Airman Education and Commissioning Program.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 11 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist.
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 5.5 item 11 · official text
4M
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Breach of an enlistment or reenlistment agreement.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 12 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist.
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 5.5 item 12 · official text
4N
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Convicted by civilian authorities. The member remains ineligible for the length of the maximum allowable confinement for the same or most closely related offense.
Source: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 13 · official text
Separate recruiting guidance published by the Air Force
The cited Air Force guidance classifies this code as follows:
Grounded in the current tables
Ineligible to reenlist for the stated 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: DAFI 36-2606 (22 May 2024), table 5.5 item 13 · official text
Marine Corps (2 entries)
RE-4
Grounded in the current tables · Grounded in public official records
Meaning recorded by the issuing service
Not recommended for reenlistment. May be assigned in lieu of any RE-3 code except RE-3B and RE-3F when performance warrants and the reason is documented.
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:
Grounded in the current tables
Marines assigned this code are prohibited from transferring to the Individual Ready Reserve.
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-4B
Grounded in 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 with no 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:
Grounded in the current tables
Marines assigned this code are prohibited from transferring to the Individual Ready Reserve.
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 (1 entry)
RE-4
Grounded in 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:
Grounded in 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.