Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/28/2009

Question
I was discharged from MCRD Parris Island on June 4th, 2008 and would like to look into getting back into the USMC. I was discharged due to a Moment of Truth 'pop' and was given an uncharcterized discharge for fraudulent enlistment. The re-enlistment code on my separation paperwork from the USMC stated that I can re-enlist after a six month period. My question is whether or not I can re-enlist without this paperwork...I have no idea where it is and I'm sure it would be hell for the Marine Corps to locate one person's paperwork.

Ive also given consideration to finishing my Bachelor's degree and trying to get accepted into OCS for the Marine Corps. Do you know if my chances would be slender for being selected for USMC OCS after being discharged at MCRD as an enlistee?

Also, do you know the protocol for enlisting when you are a single parent? My daughter's father and I are together, but we are not married. He is a Marine, so I'm not sure if he could gain full custody of her so that I could attend training.

Thank you for your time,

-Samantha

Answer
Samantha,
First, the USMC can very easily locate your records and so can you.  The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their
DD-214 online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/  At the bottom in block 26 it lists your Separation Code and in block 27 is your Re-Entry Code.  That will determine whether or not you can enlist.  There is no such RE Code that says you can re-enlist after a six month period.  Whoever told you that is wrong.  Such a code does not exist.

Your chances of re-entering via OCS depends upon you Separation Code.  It tells a recruiter why you were discharged.

Also, single parents are not allowed to enlist in the military, period.  In the "old days," some recruits would try to get around this restriction by giving up legal custody of their children until after basic training and AIT, but the military wised up to this practice.  In the Marine Corps, you must give up legal custody of your child (by court order), and then wait one year before being eligible for enlistment.
Colonel H