Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 11/14/2011

Question
I was recently a 2nd Lt Infantry officer in the Army.  I had 4 years of ROTC and was temporarily stationed at FT.Benning, GA for IBOLC (Infantry- Basic Officers Leadership Course).  I was doing very well and set to be an honor graduate in my class.  However,  during our Christmas break I smoked a little grass, and I was caught for doing so (33.8 parts per million in my blood, which is very low for the average soldier that gets caught).  I told the truth, gave written statements, and complied with everything that was asked of me (including 1 urinalysis a week for the last 6 months I was there.  All of which that I passed).  After a long 6 month process I was released from the Army with a General Under Honorable Discharge due to a Resignation of Commission in Lieu of Court Martial.  During that 6 months I received recommendation letters from two peers,  my platoon NCO trainer, and my CO.  
My question has two parts.

1.  Pretty soon will be the end of the 6 months waiting period to apply for a discharge upgrade from General Under Honorable to Honorable.   My lawyer, CO, and Battalion paralegal said that with my recommendation letters, the circumstances of my case, how I handled everything, and my otherwise honorable service that I would have a better shot than most at getting the upgrade but I want to make sure that I am doing everything possible before that time comes.  Besides those recommendation letters are there any other things that I should be getting in order that would help my chances with the upgrade?


2. The Military has been the only thing that I have ever wanted to do.  Obviously, I have a degree and the ability to go back to school but the military is my calling and I wholeheartedly believe that.  The branch of the service that cut my release papers left my re-enlistment code as "NA" and they told me they did that because I was an officer and so if I tried to come back it would be up the the recruiter and his superiors to decide whether or not to let me back in.   So what are the possibilities of me being able to come back to the Army or the Marines in an officer's capacity or enlisted if I do get the upgrade or if I don't.

Answer
James,
Sorry to hear about your troubles.  I guess you learned the hard way.
You have a better than average chance in the Army, only.  The Marines won't even talk to you because of the new comandant's policy.  You may indeed have to go enlisted first, and it's a long shot.  I usually don't advise people to go that way, betting on OTC.  But in your case, it may be a doable option.  So far you're doing everything right.  See your Army recruiter today and follow his advice to apply for a waiver.  It's worth a shot.
Colonel H