How do I keep serving after an OTH?

2018-05-21T22:28:37-04:00

Long story short, i served in the USMC from 2008-2011. 3531/3533 (basic motor T then advanced schooling for LVS operator) hit the fleet with clr-1 and took the first deployment offered with clb-15 on the 15th MEU. A years worth of work ups and a 7 month deployment later i get back and things are finally winding down, go back to my parent unit (clr-1) and i go and f' things up for myself and get bagged with spice. maxed out on NJP and an OTH'ed one week shy of my 3yr mark. Before you say it, yes im one dumb mother f'er and i promise there aint a thing anyone can say to make me feel any worse about it than i already do. but the question is, what can i do now. im not talking about for me or to make my situation better but to make good on that blank check i wrote that bounced. How can i help my brothers and sisters that come next to not make the same stupid mistakes that i did? currently i live close to fort leonard wood where i did mos school, who could i contact to see about maybe coming up for a libo brief and giving the old "hey dont be a f'up like me..." speech? my Colonel did say he wanted to make an example out of me, should i take that as an order? how can i keep giving back to the Marine Corps that i still owe? if for nothing else but my own peace of mind. There's nothing i can ever do to take back the mistakes i made but if i can talk some sense into at least one thick skulled kid like myself itll be worth it. my dad always taught me "Its not the mistakes that make the man but how he makes amends." ???

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2018 10:44 PM

2018-05-21T22:44:19-04:00

Pvt Ben Carr I am glad that you own your mistake. With the serious drug problems that our country has, I am sure that you can find some outlet to share your experiences. Good luck.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2018 11:55 PM

2018-05-21T23:55:13-04:00

It was a costly lesson, but you won't do it again, because you learned from it. You've already done the adult thing by accepting responsibility for your actions. Take the training you received while in and put it to good use. Try to be a model citizen and help others when you can. Your debt has been paid in full, due to your discharge. This is just one of the many pitfalls in life. Don't let this ruin the many opportunities that lie ahead. So tighten your pack straps and continue to march.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 22 at 2018 12:34 AM

2018-05-22T00:34:26-04:00

Right now, you aren't getting in. You messed up and they don't want you. Find something else. Until there is a huge build up they aren't going to be waiving that kind of stuff.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made May 22 at 2018 3:17 AM

2018-05-22T03:17:31-04:00

You may not be able serve in the military, but if you really want to serve your community and help them during times of emergencies then check out this website. One of my co-workers was in the Georgia Defense Force.
https://www.missouridefenseforce.com/about.html

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MISSION: THE MISSION OF THE MISSOURI DEFENSE FORCE OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI IS TO HAVE A WELL TRAINED COMPANY IN EVERY COUNTY. THE HEADQUATERS OF EACH COMPANY WILL BE BASED IN THEIR COUNTY...

Response by Pvt Ben Carr made May 22 at 2018 3:52 PM

2018-05-22T15:52:22-04:00

I've actually started looking in to them if I recall correctly they're actually starting a new unit in my town

Response by GySgt Bill Smith made May 22 at 2018 4:45 PM

2018-05-22T16:45:12-04:00

In all reality when does a young pvt or pfc listen to anyone. You can hold formations all day and say do not drink and drive but Marines will still drink and drive. The best thing you can do is move on and find a new purpose in your life. Don't let this hang over your head for the rest of your life. You fucked up once so what. Move on Marine.