Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Marine Corps OTH

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/22/2010


Question
Hello,

A couple of months ago my boyfriend received an OTH from the Marine Corps Reserves. He was a recent graduate from SOI this past May and come October, he was unhappy with the corps. He attended all his training weekends and had been speaking with his instructors about how he felt. He never displayed a bad attitude or behavior towards other Marines, he simply felt that the corps was no longer what it used to represent and opted out. He spoke to the instructors there and he received an OTH. He received paperwork a week later to initial and send back. After we received calls from other instructors expressing their disappointment in his choice to leave. I am worried about how this will affect him in the future. My boyfriend simply said he can never reenlist and obtain a government job, however after searching online myself I have found information that says otherwise. Personally, I am disappointed in his decision and am now worried about the consequences.

Is there anything you can tell me regarding receiving an OTH for the above reasons? How will this affect him in the future?

Thank you for your time

Answer
Ann:

  The OTH for failure to drill will, in fact, affect his ability to obtain gov't employment, since it's a basic rule than any gov't employee with prior military service have an Honorable Discharge.   He also could not reenlist into ANY branch of the service with an OTH.   

  Not sure why he decided to drop, I also think it was a dumb decision...one he may have to live with forever.   And yes, it will affect him in ways he can't even imagine at this point.  

 One last thing, I'd check that discharge paper to ensure it's actually an OTH.  It might be something else.  

Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

Awards and Honors
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...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.