If you’re thinking about reenlisting in the U.S. Navy, your reenlistment (RE) codes play a crucial role in determining your reenlistment eligibility.
These codes appear on your military discharge documents, specifically the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge Papers from Active Duty Service), and dictate whether you can return to military services or require a reenlistment eligibility code waiver.
How to Find Your RE Code
Your RE-Code is located on your DD-214 or NGB-22 if you served in the Coast Guard or Marine Corps. If you don’t have a copy, you can request one:
- By Mail – Complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180) and send it to the appropriate government agency listed in the instructions.
- Online – Utilize the eVetRecs system via the National Archives website to submit a request. If this system experiences issues, using SF-180 is recommended.
Understanding Navy RE Codes
The U.S. Navy assigns several reenlistment codes, which determine reenlistment eligibility:
- RE-1: No restrictions—reenlistment is allowed.
- RE-2: Ineligible for reenlistment due to retirement, officer candidate training, or Naval Academy commissioning.
- RE-3: Eligible with a reenlistment eligibility code waiver, depending on the specific reason.
- RE-4: Not eligible for reenlistment (except in special waiver consideration cases).
Reenlistment Waivers and RE-3 Codes
If your RE Code is RE-3, you may still have an opportunity to reenlist. Many RE-3 codes require a waiver consideration from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (COMNAVCRUITCOM). Some common reasons for an RE-3 Code include:
- RE-3B: Restricted Assignment due to parenthood or pregnancy before enlistment.
- RE-3E: Administrative Discharge for an enlistment error.
- RE-3P: Physical Standards issue, such as obesity or other medical conditions affecting initial performance.
- RE-3G: Conscientious Objection or another character of service issue that interfered with active duty training.
- RE-3J: Failed Initial Training Drug Test (not classified as dependency).
- RE-3R: Failure to meet Army Standards for professional growth criteria.
A recruiter can determine whether your reenlistment reason codes are waivable or non-waivable. Even if waivable, approval isn’t automatic—your reenlistment eligibility code waiver must be submitted and reviewed.
How Different Branches Use RE Codes
One of the most common misunderstandings veterans face is assuming RE codes are uniform across branches of service. However, each branch of service establishes its own reenlistment codes, leading to differences such as:
- Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) vs. Navy Specialty Code – Some Air Force veterans with RE-3B can reenlist in the Navy without a waiver, but a Navy veteran with RE-3B would require one.
- Coast Guard RE Codes and Marine Corps RE Codes follow different standards compared to the U.S. Navy and Air Force Reserve’s re-entry codes.
For example, an Army Reserve Enlistment Program applicant with an RE-3P (Physical Standards issue) may be eligible for a waiver in the Navy Reserve Program, while a Marine Corps veteran with the same reenlistment eligibility code may be permanently barred.
Military RE Code Comparison by Branch
RE codes mean different things in each service, so your eligibility depends on the branch you’re trying to join. The table below compares major RE codes across the Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps.
| RE Code | Navy & Coast Guard | Air Force | Army | Marine Corps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RE-1 | Eligible for reenlistment | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible |
| RE-2 | Ineligible due to retirement, Fleet Reserve, or officer commission | Various restrictions | Eligible (some cases) | Ineligible |
| RE-3A | Alien (requires waiver) | N/A | Requires waiver | Requires waiver |
| RE-3B | Parenthood, pregnancy (requires waiver) | Eligible if condition no longer exists | Ineligible | Ineligible |
| RE-3C | Conscientious objector (requires waiver) | Ineligible | Requires waiver | Requires waiver |
| RE-3E | Erroneous induction (requires waiver) | Various restrictions | Requires waiver | Requires waiver |
| RE-3P | Physical disability (e.g., obesity, motion sickness—requires waiver) | Various restrictions | Requires waiver | Requires waiver |
| RE-3R | Failure to meet professional growth criteria (requires waiver) | Ineligible | Requires waiver | Requires waiver |
| RE-4 | Not eligible for reenlistment (unless reconsidered under special policy) | No waivers authorized | No waivers authorized | No waivers authorized |
| RE-6 | Ineligible due to High Year Tenure (HYT) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
If you’re trying to switch branches, knowing how your RE code translates is critical. A code that bars reenlistment in one service might be waivable in another—always confirm with a recruiter.
Entry Level Separation (ELS) & “N/A” RE Codes
If you were discharged before completing 180 days of service, you may have received an Entry Level Separation (ELS). Instead of a standard reenlistment eligibility code, your DD-214 may show “N/A.”
In this case, a waiver consideration is required, and the decision is based on:
- Initial Training Performance
- Military Activities Conducted Before Discharge
- Characterization of Service
ASVAB Requirements for Navy Reenlistment
Your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores play a role in whether you can reenlist based on your prior enlisted status:
- NAVETs (Navy Veterans) – If returning to the same specialty code, no ASVAB retest is required.
- NAVETs switching jobs (PRISE III applicants) – Must have current ASVAB scores (less than two years old) to qualify for a new military occupational specialty.
- OSVETs (Other Service Veterans) – Must retake the ASVAB and meet standards for enlistment in the U.S. Navy.
No minimum AFQT score is required for NAVETs and OSVETs, but they must meet the aptitude requirement of an eligible military specialty code.
PRISE III: Reenlistment for Navy Veterans Changing Jobs
The Professional Apprenticeship Career Track Reenlistment Program (PRISE III) allows Navy veterans to transfer into high-demand military training specialties.
- Must meet ASVAB line score for the new specialty code.
- Requires attendance at A-School for the new branch of service training.
- PRISE III applicants must be E-4 or below at the time of reenlistment.
This program provides an opportunity for those who were previously discharged due to overmanned ratings.
High Year Tenure (HYT) and Reenlistment
If you separated due to High Year Tenure (HYT)—meaning you reached the maximum months of service for your rank—you likely have an RE-6 Code on your DD-214.
While HYT personnel are typically ineligible for reenlistment, waivers may be granted for:
- Critical skill shortages in certain military occupational specialties.
- Additional records evaluation by Board for Correction of Naval Records.
Check with a recruiter to determine if you qualify.
Separation Codes (SPD Codes) and Their Impact on Reenlistment
Your Separation Program Designator (SPD) Code (Block 26 of your DD-214) works alongside your reenlistment eligibility code to clarify the reason for discharge.
- Some separation codes allow reenlistment eligibility with a waiver consideration.
- Others permanently bar reenlistment unless reviewed by a board for correction of naval records.
If you have an RE-4 Code, check your SPD code—certain discharges (e.g., discriminatory discharge or conscientious objector cases) may be eligible for reconsideration.
Sure About Reenlisting?
If you’re a Navy veteran aiming to reenlist, your first step is checking your reenlistment eligibility code on your military discharge documents. From there:
- If you don’t have a copy, request your military personnel records through SF-180 or eVetRecs.
- If you have RE-1, reenlistment should be simple.
- If you have RE-2 or RE-3, check with a recruiter about waiver consideration.
- If you have RE-4, your options are limited but not always impossible.
For reenlistment eligibility code waivers, understanding your reenlistment reason codes, a Navy recruiter is your best resource.
Note: this is not legal advice. Please consult with a licensed legal professional for legal advice.
