Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/7/2011

Question
I was discharged going on 2 years ago now for testing positive for THC on my UA at Parris Island. I quit smoking months before training and passed all my tests for MEPS and my recruiter. I told my recruiter upon asking me if I smoked marijuana that I use to smoke a lot and had quit. During boot camp i lost nearly 20lbs in 2 weeks then we got our call to take our Drug Test. A week later I learned I failed. I'm not dumb enough to smoke before I go to boot camp. Its all I want to do is be a Marine, but my Question is after 2 yrs can you re-enlist, and if you have Recommendations from coaches, bosses, etc. and community service will that better your chances? I've been told to get recommendations by a recruiter. Also once 2 yrs is up can I join the Army with an re-3f?

Answer
Robert,
I'm sorry that you learned the hard way that MJ can stay in you system for up to 6 weeks.

A Re-Entry code of RE-3F means exactly "Erroneous enlistment."  This is not a bad thing, it simply means a mistake was made.  It doesn't even mean you made the mistake.  You might possibly be confusing it with a Separation Code of GKG, which means "Fraudulent Enlistment."  As proof that this is no big deal, if you desired, you could the Army.  The rules say,
"Individuals with a USMC RE- Code of "3" can normally reenlist in another Service, by simply requesting a waiver."  The waiver is processed by any recruiter.

So yes, you can try again now.  If you can prove to your recruiter that you're clean now and that was just a one-time dumb mistake, he can help you apply for a waiver.

To be on the safe side, I'd wait 6 months until 1 Oct before trying the Army.  That's when the new quotas for waivers begin, and you want to be first in line to get one,  They go quickly and by now they're gone.

Colonel H