Expert: Jason Grabill - 2/5/2009

Question
Dear Sir, My son left for the Marines on 12/15/08.  After he was in boot camp for 4 weeks, I received a call from Parris Island telling me my son was being sent home because he failed the drug test.  It was positive for Marijuana.  
I have since found out that the recruiter tested him before he left and he tested positive, but the recruiter told him not to tell.  He then destroyed the evidence that the test was ever given.  This actually happened to two recruits from this same recruiter.  
My son really wants to get back into the Marines ASAP.  Is there any way this is possible.  He is willing to do whatever it takes, including a drug program.  
I realize my son is totally at fault for smoking Marijuana, but if the recruiter had just told him he needed to wait a few weeks before going in, he would still be in boot camp.  
My son is more disappointed by his actions than anyone else, but is willing to do whatever it takes to get back into the Marines.

Answer
K. Holbert:

 Your son is basically out of luck at this point.  While what the recruiter did was wrong (he should have booted your son before he was allowed to leave) no doubt he'll be punished for that through his chain of command.

 Your son's issue will not be easy to overcome.  First, you are correct, and let me put it as blunt as I can, your son is an idiot for smoking dope after he was in Delayed Entry.  I can't be much plainer than that.  So, now he's caught.  And, pretty much out of luck for at LEAST the next year, if not longer.

 After a year, he *may* be able to re-apply and go through the process all over again, and get a waiver, but the odds are not good.  The Marine Corps takes a very dim view of drug abuse and is very hesitant to allow re-entry for those who 'pop positive'.  There is literally, at this point, nothing anyone can do.  It's going to be a waiting game, and in the meantime, your son needs to stay 'clean and sober'.  IF he can prove to the Marine Corps that he learned his lesson by gathering up some letters from members of his community (such as judges, elected officials, law enforcement) after the year of being a civilian, then they *might* reconsider and take him back in.  Doing a drug program isn't necessarily required, but having a stellar record since being discharged WILL be.  No trouble with the law, no drug issues whatsoever, and a stellar record in the community will be what the Marine Corps will look at.  It will still be an uphill climb I'm afraid, and much will depend on his re-enlistment code.  If his RE code is negative (and this could be likely based on circumstances) then the Marine Corps will bar him from re-enlistment, period.  In that case, he might still be able to get into the Army, (provided he's done all the things I recommended, above).  

 Sorry to be the bearer of grim news, but I'm guessing you (and your son) would rather have straight 'no bs' answers than someone telling you things that aren't correct and won't do him any good.


Jason