Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Trying to get back to active duty

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Expert: - 5/11/2009


Question
QUESTION: I'm prior service army and last July I reenlisted to go active and failed drug test at MEPS (pot). What are my options to get back to active duty. And if the army won't grant me a waiver could I go and join the Marines without an issue. Also a civilian recruiter showed me an army reg that stated prior service who fail drug test for pot could retest after 45 days, if that's true why is it almost a year later and can't get back to MEPS to retest?

ANSWER: It all depends on what rank you were, however, right now, no re drug tests are allowed due to no waivers being allowed for drug use.

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

QUESTION: I was an E-4 at the time of the test. What about tranfering branches could I go into the Marines, or would they have the same issue? And does being in the IRR at the time and currently change anything? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Being an E4 would allow you a waiver when they return.   You might be able to go reserves from IRR and bypass MEPs, or the Guard, IRR  are not required to go to MEPs for the Reserves or Guard, just don't bring MEPs trip up.  Going active would not be an option for you right now because MEPs in mandatory.

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

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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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