Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 11/23/2009

Question
In early october I failed a drug test at MEPS for Cannibus. This came after passing 3 previous tests, one at home and two in the recruiters office. At the time I was enlisting for the army and was told that no waivers are being given out, period.

My plan is to open talks with the marines and be completely honest about my experiences thus far with the armed forces. That was until I found this thread: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Careers-Military-Army-1483/2009/11/Drug-Waiver-Marine...

I still would like to be completely honest for personal conscience reasons and would like to find out asap if the corps is still an option to me. Although I feel as if I would wait a total of 6 months and deny ever using, I may have a better chance.

My days of smoking grass are behind me. My civil engineering career has fell to the lack of jobs/down economy. The structure, disipline & endurance is something I feel would really do myslef some good. The GI Bill could help me finish out my BA. It all just makes sense.

Which scenario seems to have the better chance of getting in?  

Answer
Kenneth,
By all means be up front and honest with a recruiter.

I'll bet you spoke with the Army recruiter back before October didn't you.  That's when their quota was met and they stopped giving waivers.  As of October 1st the fiscal year 2010 began for the military and they once again began giving waivers.

However, the USMC has a new commandant who is very tough and he has stated he will no longer allow waivers for drugs, period.  So you can forget about the Marines.

You should be allowed to retest with the Army.

Good luck,
Colonel H