Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Marine son being discharged

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Expert: - 3/5/2008


Question
My son tested positive for drug use while on leave after boot camp.  He also was investigated and found to have falsified some information on his enlistment documents  He is being told he will receive a general discharge.  Is there any chance of him being able to re-enlist in the Marines and, if so, what is the time frame?

Answer
Nancy:

 First, I'm sorry for you.  No, he will be unable to re-enlist into the Marine Corps.   Sounds like both a drug hit AND fraudulent enlistment.   Chances are extremely good he will be unable to re-enlist into any branch of the service, even the army, at this point.  Be happy that this is only a 'general' and not a bad conduct discharge.  He still may be able to locate some sort of employment with a General, but he'll have to explain his actions because of this for, literally, the remainder of his life.  It may also effect his ability to obtain any sort of gov't job in the future.

 He *may*, after five or more years of exemplary conduct in civilian life, with references from employers and people of standing in the community, be able to apply for his discharge to be upgraded.  But he will need to have been an outstanding citizen during that time period with not even as much as a parking ticket to his name, for that to be a viable option.   AND he'll need upstanding citizens to vouch for him (judges, elected officials, Chief of Police, clergy, etc) in writing when he submits this request.  

 I am truly sorry (for you) and apologize for being the bearer of bad news.  But I figure you would rather have all the facts and information.

Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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