Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/General Discharge under honorable conditions

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Expert: Jason Grabill - 4/22/2008


Question
Hi Jason, my son has been recommended for discharge from the Army, characterized as above noted, for 1st offense of failing a urine test during reception at his first post. He has been in for less than a year (July 12, 2007-April 30, 2008).  This is against his wishes of which he has submitted a letter requesting to be retained; however, he has been told there is nothing they (Chief, Commander) can do.  He has also been told that he can re-enlist in 6 months and not have to re-do basic.  My 3 part questions are:
1. Is this common practice to discharge someone with absolutely no prior convictions both military & civil? 2.  Is is true that he could re-enlist in 6 months?  3. Will he still be eligible for military benefits, ie. education, health care, military loans, discounts, etc.?  Thank you very much for your assistance.

Answer
Cindy:

 1:  Yes.  Failing a drug test, esp. on your first reporting to a duty station, is grounds for discharge.

 2:  Possibly, but don't bank on it. Sorry, but your son screwed up, big time.  The military gives plenty of indoctrination about drug use, and it's 'zero tolerance' after that.  

 3:  Not while he's discharged.  If he is able to re-enlist, yes.  Otherwise, no.  

I'm very sorry for you, but have very little sympathy for those who fail to follow the rules.  IF he is lucky and able to re-enlist, then he should do so, but the military is 'zero tolerance' and they mean it.   If he wants to smoke dope or do other things he's not supposed to, they will have no sympathy for him, and boot him out.

Again, it's not YOUR fault, and you have my sympathy, ma'am.   But that's just the way it is.  

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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