Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Failed DAT test at MEPS

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Expert: - 11/25/2009


Question
Sir,
I have a question concerning the Marines and MEPS. Last summer I was interested in joining the Marines, more specifically the PLC program. While talking to the recruiterwe went through all of the basic questions. I stated that I'd never done any sort of drug before, this was on a Thursday. That weekend my fraternity had a party, while at the party I tried marijuana for the first time. The next monday my recruiter called and asked if I could take a pft at Meps the next Thursday. To this I said yes, not knowing what MEPS was. That next Thursday I failed the DAT test at MEPS and was DQ'd. They told me to come back in 45 days to a year. In this time I've decided that I want to join as straight enlisted. I understand that no waivers are currently being accepted. Is this likely to change if/when the economy gets back on its feet? I have also read other posts by Colonel H. Stating that its possible to go to another recruiter and not disclose a previous MEPS trip and get processed. Is this true? With my failed DAT test at MEPS would I be able to start over again with another recruiter and not have this show up?

Answer
John:


 First, I've not heard of "Colonel H" but if he's advocating lying to a recruiter, and MEPS, I'd be leery of doing that.  I'd also question his knowledge of the system, since you are identified by SSN, and it's not going to take a rocket scientist to figure out that the gummint is going to track that down sooner or later.  The consequences for YOU will be discharge.  Think long and hard on that one before you attempt it, because once you do and get discovered, you will be barred from EVER reenlisting in today's climate.  

 Your poor judgement in smoking dope is not going to be helped along by poorer judgement in lying about the previous failure.

 45 days to a year it is.  Wait your time and go in the RIGHT way instead of attempting shortcuts that will only get you into more trouble.   Even Marine Private's are expected to excercise INTEGRITY.   Start doing so now and it'll come easy later.

Jason

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

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Jason Grabill

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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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