Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Confused over discharge

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/22/2011


Question
QUESTION: My son was recently discharged from the Marine Corps (general under honorable) even though he went through an ad-sep board hearing and "won" (the determination was that he should be retained). We are both kind of dumbfounded at the switch; does he have any recourse? He wasn't given a reason for the final decision.

ANSWER: Well, now I'M confused.   If the board said he should be retained, then what happened?   Did his CO over rule the board?  Or did HQMC do it?   Doesn't make much sense though.  Why was he discharged?  How long has he been in?

J

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

QUESTION: Apparently his CO approved the board ruling, but when his paperwork was sent for re-assignment of training, that's when it was reversed.

Discharge was for alleged pattern of misconduct (underage drinking - and please, don't get me started on that; there is so much inconsistency with enforcement - actually is condoned most of the time - except when it's not). Then there was an assault charge which he denied (it was unfounded - he was actually the one assaulted and that came out in the hearing). I can provide more detail, but if it's ok, I'd prefer to do so as a private message. I don't mean to condone my son's mistakes, but he went to great lengths, at the suggestion of counseling, to 'mend his ways'.

Answer
OK, got it.   So, it was disapproved at a higher level.   A 'pattern of misconduct', even with the CO endorsing him, is difficult to overcome in the Marine Corps these days.  The appeal you would be trying to make would be to the exact people who ordered the discharge.    (And by the way I think that if you are active serving military you should be able to drink....but I'm politically incorrect anyway).

You can certainly drop me a line at zebra305@earthlink.net if you like.   I will state, though, that once HQMC makes this sort of decision....it's just about impossible to reverse.   

Jason

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.