Expert: Jason Grabill - 4/30/2010

Question
A few years ago I jumped into the decision of joining the Marine Corps out of high school. Things went downhill a few weeks into boot camp and eventually I was discharged with a code RE-3F (Erroneous Enlistment), uncharacterized discharge, ELS, ect.. I have since grownup and matured and would still like to pursue the Marine Corps. I was told by a recruiter that since the Marines numbers are currently being met I'm one of the last people they’re interested in since I'd need a waiver which would take time ect. They said they'd only be able to help me out if I could get my RE code changed.

In boot camp I was put into PCP (physical conditioning platoon/pork chop platoon) after failing the run on the first platoon PFT. PCP is also shared with MRP 3 (Medical Rehabilitation Platoon) so I was sharing barracks with people who were just getting over being sick in whatever way. After being in there for a few days I started to become ill. I eventually started blacking out. I approached the DI about it and was told all I would do by going to medical is lengthen my stay and that I was basically shit out of luck unless I wanted to stay longer. I didn’t want to stay longer. I met with the chaplain ect and before long I was in medical. After medical I was sent to the mental health unit where I sealed my fate there and before I knew it I was in RSP and getting my papers home. Even today it still isn’t something I’m proud of. Especially since I was there with two high school friends.. and after being separated from them my motivation was down the drain.

After getting home I only got worse and was eventually admitted into the hospital. Come to find out I had mono. I was told that had I stayed at boot I would have eventually been sent home due to the medical reason as I wouldn’t have been able to do anything strenuous for six months. That is why I am now wondering if I can possibly get my RE code changed to that reflecting medical reasons? I have the hospital records showing that I was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed shortly after coming home from boot. I'm still not proud of what happened and I am not trying to make excuses, I'd just like this changed so I can make things right in my life.

Can you offer any advice?

Thanks

Answer
Michael:


 What the recruiter told you is correct.  Even with the change of code (which I deem will be a long, difficult slog and unlikely to result in something helpful) you would still require waivers, and those are few and far between these days.

 My guess is you got out by telling someone you either wanted to hurt yourself or some other 'disorder', which is what got you the discharge.   Sad to say, many young people make that choice at the time, and live to regret it.   Once something like that is done...it  is very nearly written in stone.  What you would have to do is prove (through medical reports) that you did not have the condition/issue at the time, that caused the discharge, and that it would never recur again and you have no ill effects or long term issues.   Only then is there a chance that the Marine Corps would consider changing the code.   This is a long, difficult process that usually takes six months to a year, if you are lucky.   Most of the time, the RE code is only changed if it can be proved that it was issued erronously.  In your case, it would appear that it was not.  

 My suggestion is to learn from this and move on.   Your options are limited at best....BUT, you might try the Army National Guard.  IF they accept you, a successful tour there would negate the current RE code you have, and you could then attempt to re-enlist into the Marine Corps.  

 At this point, that is your last, best hope.

Jason