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Today my son got the sad news from the recruiter that he was not to be allowed to enlist in the Marine Corps. He has been counting on this for a long time. The reasons are: When he was thirteen he was involved in vandalism with 2 older teenagers. The charge was a felony because the dollar amount exceeded $1,000. When he was 16 he was arrested for simple possession of Marijuana at school. Both of these records were expunged. This year he was charged as an accomplice in an assault, he drove the other boy to the scene. That charge has been dismissed. We have hoped after this was cleared up that he would be ok to enlist. Is there any way he can get a waiver? I have already been in contact with the local congressman's office. What else, if anything, can I do? He is broken hearted as he has no other long term goal. Can you help us?
David:
A year ago, likely this wouldn't have been that much of an issue. However, due to the economy and other factors, all the services are experiencing higher than expected enlistment ratios. What that means is, they can afford to be 'picky'. With your son's criminal issues, he basically exceeds the 'morals' waivers that are available at this time. While talking to the congressman might make you feel a tad better, there is very little they can do, those policies are set down by the service themselves, not something done at the 'local' recruiter or district level.
While the records may have been 'expunged' they still reflect. I'm sorry that there just isn't more I can do, (other than perhaps suggest the Army recruiter...but even they are getting more and more particular when it comes to this sort of thing). Actions, I'm afraid, have consequences.
The 'good' news for him is, sooner or later these restrictions will either go away, or become less stringent, and he'll likely be able to get a waiver to enlist, as long as he stays out of any further trouble. He has until he's 28 years old, so unless he is close to that age, he may just have to put off his 'dream' for awhile.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
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Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
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United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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