Expert: Matt - 7/5/2009

Question
My son was sworn into the Marine Corps in April.  He is inthe delayed entry program.  His enlistment papers state that he will "be ordered to active duty unless he reports by 09-21-2009".  Since his swearing in ceremony, he has been planning for the September date to report to boot camp.  He took a summer job (as opposed to a full time job with medical benefits) because of the plan to report in September.  Medical insurance was not an initial problem for him, as he can remain on our medical insurance plan until he turns 19, which is in early October.  He would have had coverage until he reported for boot camp on Sept 21.  Now the problem:  We were told a day or two ago that the Marine Corps is going to push his ship date to boot camp out until January.  No specific reason was given as to why.  Now we have a medical insurance problem and an employment problem.  HIs summer job will end in mid August and his medical coverage on our plan will end in early October.  Any advice?  If his enlistment document says that he has to report no later than Sept. 21, can they push this out to a later date?  He has passed his initial physical and background checks for security clearance, per his recruiter, so that is not the problem. Any advice?  My son is devistated at the thought of the additional wait.  He has been training really hard and really wants to go in Sept.

Answer
I faced a similar situation several years ago. After I graduated from college in May I was told that I wouldnt be reporting to my next duty station until Nov, as opposed to June. It caused a good deal of stress but there really wasnt anything I could do about it, the marine corps simply didnt have an open slot for in training; and unfortunatley that is what it sounds like is happening to your son. The best advice I can give is to contact his recruiter and ask what the options (if any) are. Best of luck, semper fi.