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COMMENTARY ON REENLISTMENTS
Performance counts; commanders have a voice; the interests of individuals and the Corps are considered.
In his article, "Reenlistment-Taking Care of Our Own," in the July 1996 issue, 1stLt Brian S. Christmas states that we are not taking care of our own because of the way we assign reenlistnient codes. His article is based on several misperceptions and, as it turns out, his recommendation is not unlike our current system.
1stLt Christmas stated that Marines who have made a mistake "usually go up to the board with a waiver." In fact, there is no such thing as a reenlistment board, nor is there a significant need for waivers. Each reenlistment request is evaluated independently by a number of Marines in the retention and monitor sections. There is a routing process in place that ensures each Marine receives a fair look, based on his overall record. A request for a waiver of reenlistment requirements is rare, and must be endorsed by a commanding general. The two reasons for a waiver request that we see are, almost exclusively, because the Marine was the subject of either a courtmartial conviction or a civilian conviction.
Although the Individual Records Administration Manual lists many reenlistment codes, the ones most often used are: RE-4 1A, RE-1B, RE-1C, RE-3C, and RE-4. The RE-1 codes are used when the Marine is recommended and eligible for reenlistment, but either does not desire to reenlist (RE-1A), is denied reenlistment because of enlisted career force controls (RE-1B), or is denied reenlistment because of marginal performance (RE-1C). RE3C is a catchall code and usually is assigned to a Marine who has been a substandard performer during his current contract. Examples include a Marine who receives three or more adverse...