Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Reenlistment with bipolar history

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Expert: - 5/31/2007


Question
Hi Mr. Grabill. I was in the USMC for 2 short years and was medically discharged (RE-3P to be exact) because of depressive episodes I began to experience due to bipolar disorder. It has been about 4 years since I was discharged and since then I have recovered well.  I have gotten my degree and believe it or not have been off of all medications for about 6 months without relapsing. From speaking to recruiters I understand that you have to have been off of all medications for at least a year to be even considered. As the one year mark comes closer and closer I have been giving more thought to trying to reenlist. In your honest opinion, what are the chances that the USMC may take me back?

Thanks for your help and Semper Fi,

Carlos.

Answer
Hi Carlos!  

  In my opinion, as long as this has been controlled and you are off the meds, you have a shot.  The chances are not great, however.  It will be an uphill climb, but if you are persistant and keep at it, you could get back in.  It will be frustrating, and a lengthy process, but keep after it and keep pressing on for an up or down answer (Yes or no).  

 Bottom line, I think it's possible but be prepared to fight every step of the way.

Best of luck!
Jason

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

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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.

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