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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 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 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.

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 (3 entries)

  • RE-4

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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:

    From 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

    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 (13 entries)

  • 4A

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    From 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:

    From 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

    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 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:

    From 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

    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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