Expert: John L - 4/23/2010

Question
Hello,
My son tested positive at MEPS the day before he was to leave for basic. He was in the DEP and told he would be sent home and immediately d/c'd from DEP. The Chief told him if he admitted to using he could return in 45 days. He did so, signed the papers and was then told you're out. Navy door closed to you forever for lying. We tested him the next day-negative. Our dr ordered serum/plasma/urine tests-all came back negative. He's tried calling the Chief and was told he had a problem in integrity and the Navy doesn't need people like him. He scored a 91 on the ASVAB and has wanted to be on a submarine since he was 5. He's apologized and asked for a second chance all to no avail. In my research I've read that if you test positive they are supposed to test you again in two hours. This was never done. What are his options? He tried speaking to his recruiter and was told his hands are tied.
Thanks so much for you advice,
D.

Answer
There is no retesting if one fails a drug test at MEPs.  Usually, one can retest in 45 days and be admitted with a waiver, however right now, if one fails a drug test, they are banend from reenetering right now, mainly due to the fact theat there are plenty of recruits available.

He will eventually be able to rejoin a  service, but will not get any job that requires a clearance.  Even though I myself do not have 100% confidencein our testing, it is the only system we use and we have to accept the results.  There are no other results allowed.

Obviously, he doesn't deny using drugs, so he has to live with his choices, but it is not the end.