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

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/9/2009


Question
My son was recently disqualified from the air force for failing a urine test at MEPS for marijuana. Yes he knows he messed up, he's not a user just a dumb kid trying something.  Anyway, all branches are also denying him, do you know if this includes the coast guard?

Answer
Angie,
As he discovered, it can often take 4-5 weeks for marijuana to leave his system.

The M in MEPS means they process all military, which includes the Coast Guard because in wartime they come under control of the Navy.  So once he is disqualified at a MEPS station he cannot enter ANY of the Services, and there is no waiver for drug use.

Sorry, but thank him for his willingness to serve his country in uniform.
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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