Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Me.

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Expert: - 10/19/2010


Question
Two and a half years ago I enlisted in the Marine Corps. i Swore in at Meps. physically and mentally i'm of great health. But than all good things came to a crashing end. They (meps) said I popped on my drug test. I told them i have only smoked marijuana once before. It was recently close to my drug testing at meps but months before I don't understand how I popped but I did so here I am now, meps said that I must wait 2 years before I can come back to meps and re-enlist, so I waited I just recently went to a recruiting office and tryed enlisting and they said that they cant take me I said why not, they said that their drug policy changed and I was wondering if there is a grandfather in for me or something. I want to be a marine more than anything and these new rules are killing my chances what should i do have you ever heard of this situation.  

Answer
Hutch:

  Realistically, you might try the army.  The Marine Corps at this point pretty much are turning away anyone that would require this sort of waiver.  Your case won't be grandfathered or anything else I'm afraid.  At the moment the Corps is looking down the road several years and downsizing is in the VERY near future.  

  The other fact being is that you failed the drug test at MEPS, meaning you smoked or did drugs AFTER being told the consequences.   The Marine Corps is, at this point, not going to risk taking a chance on you again, because there are so many people out there that do NOT require waivers.

 The army, on the other hand, may be so willing.  If they do and you complete a successful enlistment, the Marine Corps may be more willing to take a chance.

Jason

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

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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.

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