Expert: John L - 9/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: I was in the Army National Guard for 4 years from the time I was 17 till 21.  I received a general discharge under honorable conditions for dropping dirty on a urinalysis.  I have a reenlistment eligibility code of 3.  I am now 30 and it's been many years since I smoked marijuana.  I know that reenlistment would require a waiver.  However, I would like to rejoin the Guard as a social worker.  Can someone who has been separated for drug use rejoin as an officer?

ANSWER: Technically you are disqualified, and as you siad would require a waiver to join and to go to OCS.

I am unsure of what you mean by joining as a social worker.  Except for speacialty fields like lawyer, engineer and Dr, the Army pics what field you go into, and there is no "social worker" branch.  I suggest you talk to a recruiter in your state to see what they can offer you based on your qualifications.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your assistance.  So, it is still possible to become an officer as long as I have a waiver granted?  Also, FYI, Social Worker is an MOS under the Medical Services Corps (73A).  

Answer
It is possible to get a wiaver, however, The Army (and the National Guard)right now is not considering any type of drug waiver, though they may in the future. Some states may still be giving waivers for drugs, but I have not heard of any off hand. The only reason for this is due to the fact that the Army has little issue getting qualified people due to the state of the economy.  When the economy gets better, and recruiting is harder, the standards are relaxed.

As far as the social worker MOS in the Army, I do not handle officer career paths and have zero dealings with it, which is why I wasn't familiar with it, I just categorized that job under mental health services for what they actually do, I had to look it up.