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

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/21/2009


Question
Mark,
My brother recently applied for the Coast Guard. He found out, several days after testing, that he had failed a drug test for THC. He smoked approximately 2 months earlier with several friends. He has never done it before; it really was a one time, stupid mistake. The letter he received said that he can re-test in 45 days. Does he have any chance of still getting into the Coast Guard or Navy. I was planning on getting him a letter of rec from a state senator. Would that help? My understanding is that the recruiter has discretion to grant a waiver. If he doesn't, is there anyone else we can go to. Testing positive once isn't a life time ban is it?

Answer
Alex, As he's discovered, smoking post can often stay in your system for 4-5 weeks.  That's why the letter says 45 days.  Just to be sure, before he retakes the test he can buy a home-testing kit from a pharmacy to double-check himself.  They're found at most pharmacies and I know Wal-Mart has them for approx. $40.00.

If he passes the second time he should be OK to join.
Colonel H

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

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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