Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Possible Reenlistment

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Expert: - 1/15/2010


Question
I was Honorably discharged from active duty in Jan 2006. I have since been out in the civilian world trying to find my place.  Lately I have been hoping that I could Reenlist but there is one catch.  I originally got out of the Marines for my family.  I wanted to reenlist but my family was very important.  Since then I have gotten a divorce and my ex has custody.  I want to reenlist but I was diagnosed with PTSD.  Is it still possible to Reenlist when I have this disability.  I have a good job and was quickly promoted.  But I miss the Core, its values, the comradery, and traveling.  I am just curious if I am still able to reenlist with this disability.  

Answer
Russell:

  If that is the only issue, it's going to depend on a couple of things, first, are you drawing VA benefits for it?  If so, what is the rating?  If you are rated at more than a certain percentage, then you won't be able to reenlist since you'll be considered 'disabled'.  The only way to do that is to eliminate the disability.  A lengthy process that CAN be done, but since PTSD is basically 'for life', I wouldn't advise doing it.   If you just have the diagnosis, and are not drawing benefits, then it's going to depend on if you are taking meds or not, as well as the extent of your PTSD.

 My suggestion is to talk to a recruiter and see what they say.  This is an ever changing field (PTSD) and the rules aren't the same today as they were even five years ago, so the door might well be open for you.

Good luck, and Semper Fi.

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

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Jason Grabill

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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.

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