Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Marijuana Possession and Military Eligibility

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/6/2009


Question
My son is a college senior and graduating in December. Last year his house of five was raided they were all charged with possession of marijuana 4.2 ounces. Will this possession charge prevent him from joining the navy?

Answer
Janet,
What resulted from his charge?  A monetary fine? Jail time?  Probation?

If this was his only legal problem, no prior arrests, and if it was just a misdemeanor then he will probably be able to obtain a waiver.  The Navy recruiter will process the waiver for him.

However, he should wait a few weeks until October 1st before talking to the recruiter.  That's when the military releases it's new recruiting quotas for the year 2010.  The Navy will be hurting for recruits and will be more lenient with waivers.

I wish him well.
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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