The Army Board for Correction of Military Records

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it necessary to submit a request for correction of records (DD Form 149) through an intermediate level review forum before submitting an application to the ABCMR?
Answer: No! However, all administrative remedies must first be exhausted before an application will be considered by the ABCMR.

 

Question: I have a mandatory separation date approaching. Can the ABCMR suspend this action while my application is under review?
Answer: No! While every effort will be made to process an application involving a retirement/separation, the fact an application has been submitted does not provide a basis to suspend the action. However, it is your responsibility to ensure the ABCMR is aware of a pending retirement/separation date.

 

Question: Can the Army Discharge Review Board change my Reentry Eligibility (RE) code?
Answer: The RE code (Reentry Eligibility code) is determined by the reason for separation, not the character of separation.

According to Army Regulation 601-210 (Regular Army and Army Reserve Enlistment Program), the Reentry Eligibility (RE) code can only be changed if an incorrect code was entered. For this type of correction, please send a letter and a copy of your DD Form 214 to the following address requesting the correction:

Commander
US Army Human Resources Command
Attention: Retention Branch (AHRC-EPF)
Alexandria, VA 22331-0450

The RE code is not upgraded to allow enlistment. Soldiers separated with an RE-3 or RE-4 code must seek a waiver from a recruiter to enlist. Depending on the type of discharge and disqualification, a waiver may not be possible.

If however, a former Soldier can provide evidence that the RE code is an error or unjust, the former Soldier may apply to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records for a correction of the RE code. If the former Soldier can provide evidence that their discharge character or reason for discharge issued in the last 15 years are erroneous or unjust, the former Soldier can apply to the Army Discharge Review Board for a discharge review and request that their RE code be changed according to the correct reason for discharge.

The former Soldier may complete an online application at http://actsonline.army.mil and send the signature page and evidence as instructed by the online program – or - may print a blank DD Form from the Army Review Boards Agency website at http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/ fill in the requested information, and mail it to the address shown on the reverse of the form. Please provide copies of all relevant military records in your possession and any evidence to support your request.

 

Question: If my application must go to the ABCMR for final decision, will I receive copies of any opinions prepared by the evaluating office and will I have an opportunity to present any final matters directly to the Board?
Answer: Yes! If any advisory opinion does not fully support the relief requested, a copy will be referred to the applicant or counsel. The applicant/counsel will have 30 days from the date of the referral to present any new statements or documents directly to the ABCMR. If an extension is required, you must request it in writing within 30 days of the referral date.

 

Question: Who will know about my case?
Answer: Submission of an application is a private matter between the applicant and the Board/Board staff and Privacy Act provisions apply.

 

Question: Who receives copies of the decisional documents?
Answer: Copies of the Record of Proceedings or memorandum of Consideration are furnished only to the applicant or the applicant's counsel. If a correction to your record was approved, the decision from the Board will be furnished to the appropriate Army activity to make the necessary corrections.

 

Question 2. How long will it take to get paid once the Board decision in my favor is approved?

Answer: The ABCMR directs that the responsible military agency(s) make the necessary changes to the record. Once those changes have been made, that agency(s) will notify the Defense Finance and Accounting System (DFAS) to make the necessary pay adjustments. The ABCMR also notifies DFAS of the pending change so they can suspense any necessary pay adjustments. These actions are normally take 3-4 months after the Board’s decision is published, depending on information flow and the work load the affected military agencies and DFAS.

 

Question: Can I receive compensation (damages) from the ABCMR based on a substantiated injustice I suffered?
Answer: No. Monetary settlement occurs only as a result of correcting the military record. Claims against the Government must be presented through the appropriate Federal civil court system.

 

Question: How do I obtain a blank application form?
Answer: A blank application form and instructions are available under Application Procedures on this website. A blank application form can be printed in Acrobat Reader (PDF) or Form Flow formats. You may also apply online from the Application Procedures page. An application form can also be obtained from any military personnel office or by mailing a request for a form to: Army Review Boards Agency, 1901 South Bell Street, Crystal Mall 4, Attn: Congressional and Special Actions Office, Arlington, Virginia 22202-4508.

 

Question: What do I need to send with my application?
To support your application, please provide copies of all relevant military records in your possession and any evidence to support your request. Do not send originals. As part of your evidence, you need to provide copies of any correspondence you have had with other agencies to try and resolve your issue. The Army Board for Correction of Military Records can only address issues after all administrative recourse/appeals available to the applicant has been exhausted.

 

Question: How long should it take to process my application?
Answer: Based on the current number of applications being processed by the Agency, it could take from 8 to 10 months to process your application.