Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/28/2010

Question
I signed up for the Marines and went to boot camp in October 08. I dislocated my shoulder badly at boot camp and was released. I was told to have surgery to repair my shoulder ( done in July 09 ) and once i was cleared by my doctor i could sign up again. ( cleared Dec. 09 ) I tried to sign up again in Jan.2010 and was told i had to wait till Dec 2010 ( 2 yrs from being released ) I just stopped in at the recruiters office and they told me they were not accepting new recruits with previous injury's at this point. They said maybe in 6 months i can try again.Is it true what they are telling me? I did very well at boot camp for the 5 weeks i was there with no problems.I've been waiting 2 years to get back in and now i feel i may not get back in. It's all I've ever wanted to do !

Answer
Dan,
What the recruiter is telling you is basically true, he's just seems to not be telling you why.  Because you were already enlisted, you fall into the category of "Reenlistment".  Each year the recruiters are only given a very small number of reenlistments because first priority is given to people currently in the Service who want to reenlist.  Since you've been out awhile you are last priority.  However I don't believe the part about waiting another 6 months and then "maybe".

You're getting the run around from him because reenlistees put $0 in his pocket.  Unfortunately there are a few like that out there.  Go to another town and see the USMC recruiter.  He may be more willing to help a Marine purely "for the good of the Corps", as it should be.

Thanks for your service.
Colonel H