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Question
My son enlisted into the USCG at the age of 17 in the delayed enlistment program. The process took 11 months. He left for base training a day before he turned 18. Three weeks into his basic training he was discharged for FRAUDULENT ENLIST, DRUG USE. He tested positive for THC Marijuana. We have a hearing in a couple of week. We would like to have his RE 4 reenlistment code change to an RE 3 code. What are his chances.
Lupe,
I have never yet seen an RE code successfully changed. That doesn't mean it can't happen, just that in 30 years I've never heard of one.
There are only two reasons that the USCG will upgrade his RE; one is that it was "Improper" - meaning they made a mistake and he can prove it, and the second is that his discharge was "Inequitable"- meaning the punishment they gave him was not consistent with their policies or what they gave somebody else in the exact same situation, e.g., two people were caught smoking pot and he was discharged while the other person only got a verbal reprimand.
The military deliberately made it hard to upgrade an RE or discharge code. They don't like to be proven wrong.
If he tested positive how's he going to prove the USCG made a mistake?
Good luck,
Colonel H
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Answers by Expert:
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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