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Question
John,
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?
While he can retest in 45 days, I doubt he would get a waiver. the drug tests cannot detect THC from 2 months ago. Typically only 30-40 days unless he smoked everyday for 2 years.
Most if not all branches are giving no waivers fro failing the drug test. This is manly due to the fact that there are plenty of recruits out there that require no waivers at all, and recruiting is doing well.
No letter from anyone will make a difference at this point.
His recruiter will guide him on what, if anything can be done.
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Answers by Expert:
John L
Expertise
I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.
Experience
13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.
Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting
Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.
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