Expert: Rod Powers - 12/21/2007

Question
I have a question.  My son is 19 years old and went through the
physical, ASVAB, drug test, etc. and passed.  But when they asked him if he
had ever smoked marijuana - he was honest and said yes, then they asked
him how many times, and he said 15-20 - they referred him to a MEPS
psychologist who interviewed him and denied him entrance.  We received a
copy of the Psych Exam - the psychologist stated that he felt that my son
had an addiction problem with marijuana - and that he felt that he was
immature - because he asked him why he wanted to join the Army - and
my son answered "because he thought it would be a fun adventure."  I
have asked his recruiter over and over and again via email if my son
reapplies for the Army in a year - what are the chances of him being
accepted.  I'm sure the Psych Exam will be looked at again - once he's been
denied because they felt he was an "addict" how can this change.  He's
working (and continually passes random drug testing) and he has his heart
set on the Army - but I hate for him to wait around until next
September (this is when his year will be up) to reapply and just be told NO.
 Any Answers?  Thanks so much!


Answer
Hi Elyse,

Generally, use of marijuana less than 20 times in a lifetime (except for the Marine Corps) is considered "experimentation," and doesn't require a waiver, or an evaluation.

There must have been some reason that MEPS felt your son should undergo an evaluation. Possibly he told them more than 20 times, possibly they didn't believe him when he said between 15 and 20 times. In any event, if the MEPS psychologist thinks your son has an addiction problem, and that's what the Army's going to go by.

MEPS physicals are valid for two years, so it is doubtful he would be considered again for Army enlistment during that two year period. After that? Who knows? Lot's depends on how bad the Army needs new recruits two years from now.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com