Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/discharge from bootcamp

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Expert: Howard Lorenz - 4/8/2010


Question
My 22 year old son was discharged during the 3rd week of boot camp because he tested positive for marijuana.  He tried to explain that he was in the company of an individual who thought it would be funny to wake him up the morning he shipped out by blowing a cloud of marijuana smoke into his face in a very confined area and then laugh that he'd probably have to come back and hang out with him because he would fail his UA and get sent home. My son never dreamed that this could actually happen, but it did.  He tried to explain but they have a no tolerance policy.  He realizes that his choice of friends was disastrous, and takes responsibility for that. He does still wants to serve, though.  He earned a 90 on the ASVAB, had been the squad leader each of his three weeks at camp. Is there any way to overturn this finding or at least to serve in the Navy instead?

Answer
Contrary to what your son is telling you, you can not get a positive read by inhaling a little smoke. I dont know your son, but in my 22 years I have heard that story more than once.  To get back in, he will have to get the Re entry code changed on his DD 214. Its a lengthy process. He will have to get in touch with the service he left and apply to have it changed.  

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

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Howard Lorenz

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I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.

Experience

Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years

Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars

Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University

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