Expert: Jason Grabill - 11/11/2009

Question
QUESTION:    I am Chris and I am a huge fan of the USMC. I have a question but before I ask my question I want to tell you a little bit about myself. I am twenty years old white, male, and a US Citizen.  I have a G.E.D but I did 22 college credit hour.  I was supposed to get shipped out to Paris Island 09/2009. But I screwed up but getting arrested for Breaking and entering in an automobile. I was charged with three felonies.  So I wasn’t Dis-Charged but I was disqualified I don’t know how to explain it. But the paper says that I am not under the contract any more. Show this paper to the Recruiter next time you enlist again. I did some jail time but not many only 25 days then 5 days because my parents revoked my bond like I asked. Then I get arrested again for Under Age Consumption but it was dropped because I blew a 0.00. I just did a couple hours in the Holding Tank.  My three felines I am still on probation for the next 2 ½ years. The Judge told me that my record will be EXPUNGED. Also my Jail record might be expunged.  My question to you is Can I get back in to the USMC with an EXUNGED RECORD?
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marines/l/blcriminal7.htm I was reading that but it didn’t say anything about expunged records.

Chris

PLEASE LET ME KNOW


ANSWER: First, with your pattern of criminal activity, it's unlikely you'll be able to enlist.   Quite frankly, you are not a 'well qualified' candidate at this time (The Marine Corps is turning away slightly older High School Graduates in some places right now).   You have multiple strikes against you, the GED, the criminal behavior, etc.   While you might gert lucky and get the record expunged in time, you still have to disclose the arrests/convictions, and still need a waiver, which probably won't be granted.

You can try, but I'd be surprised if you are able to enlist at this time.

Your best hope is to STAY OUT OF TROUBLE for a year or two, then try once more.   Any more run in's with the law will eliminate your chances FOREVER to enlist.

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

QUESTION: So I can't Join First, with your pattern of criminal activity, it's unlikely you'll be able to enlist never again probably ?

-Chris

Answer
Chris:


 You are correct, that wasn't 100 percent clear.  There is always a 1 or 2 percent chance that someone can enlist.  It's not my job to say "NEVER", unless someone is totally unqualified.  For example, if this were five years ago, you'd stand a decent chance to get a waiver.  In two or three years from now, the situation may change, and that waiver might be granted, which is why there is a 'probably'.  At present, I do not believe you are going to be considered an optimal candidate.  

 All you can do is try.   I'm of the opinion that you won't be able to get in, but sometimes miracles happen.

Jason