Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/UMSC Under Other Than Honorable Conditions

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Expert: - 3/23/2011


Question
Hello,

My husband received a UOTHC from the marine corps about 2 months before he was discharged and after 4 years of good conduct and being active duty in Iraq.  He was tested upon discharge and they found THC marijuana traces in his sample.  He admitted that he was stressed out after being in Iraq and losing contact with his wife that was divorcing him because he enlisted for 4 years while she was pregnant with their first child. He went to a party and did it one time and that was the result. He is a good husband, father and attends church and would like to know ways he can change this to a  Honorable Condition.  Do you know if the UOTHC is similar to a misdemeanor? Please advise.

Answer
an OTH discharge is not similiar to any type of criminal charge.  In fact, it is a little harsh discharge for a marijuana violation.  he should petetion the records review board and seek an upgrade to a "general" discharge. I would check out this article to better explain your husband's issue.

http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/dischargeupg.htm


Check it out and I would follow thru.

Now, this is only going off the inforamtion you gave me, there may be other circumstances that you may not know about that does constitute an OTH.

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

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

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13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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