Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 11/14/2010

Question
Sir,

Foremost I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for your attention.

Because of the complexity of my situation; I will do my best to keep this as short as possible – highlighting the facts while striving to be as concise and objective as one can be regarding such matters.


History:

-I enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17 years of age and served 3 years, 11 months, 355 days of a 4 year active duty enlistment.
-My SRB is marred by NJPs all taking place at my 2.5 - 3 year mark and revolving around alcohol related incidents and a troubled marriage.

-I was administratively discharged in 2002- 10 days prior to my EAS: my categorization of service was General under Honorable Conditions. All documentation points toward this being due to a “pattern of misconduct” although the separation code on my DD214 improperly lists “GKQ1” (commission of a serious offense). The separation board gave me somewhat of a reprieve by sparing me an OTH due to my past impeccable record of performance.

-In 2003 I appealed the NDRB board but was denied relief, however; I lost documentation from the Board for Correction of Naval Records stating that my separation code was incorrect. So I have exhausted that avenue and would need to make a personal appearance in DC should I wish to pursue any further action.

-I was fortunate enough to have been granted a waiver and allowed to enlist in the Army National Guard in 2007. I chose a 1 year enlistment and at the fulfillment of my year I was granted a fully Honorable discharge.


Present:

Retrospectively, I experienced much more positivity than negativity in the Marine Corps. However, regardless of any justification I can possibly have- I turned my experience as a Marine into a failure. I cannot shovel off the blame to anyone or anything else. On the other hand, I think that I have grown immeasurably because of my tribulations and, although there are some incredibly strong regrets that I have had to deal with for these 10 years, I have grown in ways that may have not have been possible otherwise and I can prove it through my record of scholastic excellence, work performance, and history of volunteer firefighting.

I have been accepted into and am attending a very competitive bachelors of science in nursing program at a state university. When I graduate, if it is possible- I have every intention of joining the Army, Air Force, or Navy as a commissioned officer. Although I know that a nursing career is far more lucrative in the private sector- I haven’t redeemed myself to myself yet, and I want the opportunity to do so by serving again.

Getting to my question: I have nearly given up the hope of upgrading my discharge through the NDRB- but is there any possibility that I can ever hope to be given a chance to earn a commission in the US Armed Services? If your answer is “yes” what should my plan of attack be. Can you provide me a roadmap?  Are you willing to mentor?


Answer
Michael,
Every case is different, but all of the cases I've seen similar to yours have been unsuccessful.  I can't imagine that they would accept you as an officer with your checkered past.  Despite what you've now become, they're going to hold your past against you.  But as I said, every case is different, so give it a try...the worst they can do is say no.  See a recruiter soon.
Colonel H