Expert: Jason Grabill - 11/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Sir,
My son turned 18 08/09 and graduated from USMC boot camp 10/09. When he came home after graduation he failed a urine test. Is there anything he can do? I am so disappointed that he would do this especially after all his hard work. I hate to see his career as a Marine down the drain for a stupid choice he made. Please help.

Thanks, Concerned mom

ANSWER: Ma'am:

 Well, quite frankly, he's done.  He'll likely be discharged and his career is over, if he has less than six months in the military.  Sorry, but that's what they do.   They are not kidding when they say 'zero tolerance' for idiots who use drugs.   I'm afraid he's pretty much done at this point, based on the information you've given me.  I'm sorry for the pain he's caused you.

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response. However he has dreamed of being a Marine for yrs. He had started to get mixed up with the wrong things in his life and when he was finally able to sign up he has been so excited because he wants nothing more than to make a career of the Marines. When he came home from boot camp he made a very stupid choice and he knows that. He is distraught over what he has done to himself. Is there ANYTHING he could do? Reserves or Reenlist? Maybe a military councilor, or enlist in the army? I understand they have a zero tolerance. But he has dreamed of this for so long and now he knows he has destroyed his dream. It is a shame that in that one time of bad choices he has messed his whole life up.I know the USMC would be the best thing for him and he is willing to do whatever he has to do.Any advise you could give would be helpful.

Thanks again
Concerned Mom

Answer
No ma'am.   There is no 'second chances' for Marines who screw up right after boot camp by doing drugs, the Corps summarily discharges them (after taking rank, usually, and some time).  No chance for Reserves, reenlistment, or anything.  Zero tolerance is just that...zero tolerance.  He'll never be allowed back into the Marine Corps, however, if he manages to keep his nose clean, in five years or so he might try the Army National Guard, they *may* consider him, depending on the recruiting situation at that time.  Right now there are no waivers for that sort of thing, the economy being what it is.  

IF the Corps, by some stroke of luck, decides to keep him, he'll need to be the most squared away Marine since Chesty Puller if he hopes to be able to reenlist in four years.  While I think the chances of that are unlikely (them keeping him) it's a slim chance they will.  

If they discharge him, though, he's out of luck.  Period.

v/r
Jason