Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/15/2008

Question
I made some stupid decisions and mistakes after I reported to my reserve unit back in 1998. The trouble didnt start until 99' though. I was UA (AWOL for Army people)a total of 44 times. I'm sure you know how drills are counted. It wasn't 44 days. Anyway, I made up 12 of those drills but was ultimately infromed of my impending discharge by a fellow Marine that worked in the adminoffice. I actually though I would go to jail if I went back. Flash foward to present day. Since the last day I spent in the reserves I have been kicking the hell out of myself for the poor decisions that I made. I wanted to go back but I didnt know what to do. Finally, I decided to call the Officer Selection Officer here in Nashville since I am 85% done with college. He had me obtain a DD214 and thats when I found out how much damage my decision had caused me. I have an OTH with an RE-4. I want to serve my country no matter what. Of course I want to serve as a Marine, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to serve again. Even if that means going a different route and joing a different branch. I could always transfer after a certain amount of time. Is there anything I can do? I've applied to the NDRB and was denied. Now I have to apply to the BCNR a hope they see different. If they don't is there anything else I could do. I just think that an OTH was a little harsh considering the fact that I know of 2 other Marines that were in my unit that were discharged for multiple drug test failures and given General Under Honorable Conditions discharges and RE-3's. They have since joined the National Guard after cleaning themselves up.

Answer
Dear Warrick --

Your best hope of returning to military service in any capacity is to put together a packet for the Board of Military Corrections.  They can change the discharge classification and re-enlistment code on your DD-214, if they agree it's warranted.  I believe from your statement above, that you probably received a more harsh discharge than warranted.  However, most service members who are drooped from the rolls for failure to report, do get other than honorable, because they are not there to speak for their mitigating circumstances.

There are some lawyers available that will help you put together a correction package pro bono, if you do not have the funds to pay for a lawyer to help you.  Talk to the veterans' services office in your state.

I wish you the best of luck.