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hello my name is Greg Hernandez and i am a former Marine who, i regret to say this, was awarded a bad conduct discharge. All I have to say is that i disgraced the corps by being given this discharge. i want a chance to redeem myself. do you know if its possible to re-enlist into the reserves. i older now and cant just drop everything and go back to active duty but i want to be able to look back when im older and know i served my country honorably. thank you any advise is much appreciated.
Greg:
No, the USMCR will not take you back with a BCD. The only possible way to do anything is to attempt to have this discharge upgraded through HQMC and the Board of Corrections of Naval Records. You will need at least (and this is the very minimum) five years of exemplary civilian life (no arrests, not even a parking ticket), 4-6 character references from people of standing in your community (judges, doctors, Sheriff or Chief of Police, ministers, elected officials) who can attest to your outstanding character and the like.
Even with all of this, it will depend on what you did to get the BCD, on if the Corps or the BCNR will consider an 'upgrade' to the discharge, which would likely only bump it to "Other than Honorable" or "General". Still, you could give it a shot. With that, you *may* be able to re-enlist into the reserves.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
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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