Son lost M.A. rating while in boot camp

[poohbear]

We just received a letter from our son that said he lost his M.A. rating at the beginning of his 5th week of boot camp. The letter said it was lost as a result of having a one time marijuana use. The people at RTC, not sure who exactly,  gave him undesignated.  Obviously he is very upset but is still holding his head up. He is doing very well in training and has been chosen to do special things at graduation.

We called his local recruiter about this information and they said they were dumb founded. They had never heard of anyone being released from an M.A. rating job for a one time marijuana use. They are going to call RQAT on Monday to find out exactly what is going on. They told me they can do waivers at RTC so he could keep his rating. Again, they are not sure why this is not being done.

What we do not understand is if the one time use was an issue, why did he get a signed contract for M.A. in the first place? If it wasn't ok, why didn't they say so and allow him to get a waiver while in DEP?  And for the life of us we can't figure out why they would put someone who had such good ASVAB scores in the undesignated arena.

Is there any Naval official out there who can shed any light on this at all? Why is this happening? What can he do? What can his recruiter do from here? 

[Arwen]

Chief, if you look at earlier posts, you will see that he revealed his pot use at MEPS during his initial enlistment process, not at the Moment of Truth. No one yet knows why they didn't do the waiver at that time.

[EMC (SS)]

Thank you, I missed that while I was reading over the earlier posts. Although, I think I figured out why he wasn't given a waiver though. If he drug use was within 3 years of his enlistment, it is not waiverable for a Master at Arms (MA). Below is the requirements for enlistment requirements that are applicable for MA.

"ASVAB Score Requirement: WK + AR = 100 (minimum of 45 on WK)

Security Clearance Requirement: Secret

Other Requirements:

Must be United States citizen.

No nonjudicial punishement or convictions (civilian or military) within the three years preceding application for MA. Personnel with repeated offenses reflecting unfavorable upon their integrity and/or other offenses concerning moral turpitude are ineligible for the MA rating. Personnel with domestic violence convictions are ineligible (non-waiverable).

Must hold a valid, current state drivers license.

Excellent command of the English language, verbal and written. No speech impediments.

Tested negative on a drug-screening test within the previous 30 days, and have no history of drug use for three years prior to application.

No history of mental impairment or disorder, emotional instability, alcoholism, drug abuse, or any physical condition that impairs the performance of law enforcement and security duties.

Must have normal color perception, vision correctable to 20/20, and have normal hearing.

Must be in good physical condition capable of sustained exertion and meet body fat standards.

Must be worldwide assignable.

No moral turpitude waivers, e.g., alcohol, drugs, indebtedness, or other circumstances that would result in non-screening for the personal reliability program, security clearance granting, or overseas assignment."

I hope that answers the question, but I don't think it helps the situation any, sorry and good luck.

[Arwen]

So why would they give him the job in the first place if they already knew about the pot bust?

[poohbear]

That is a question we have asked many times and can't seem to get an answer. Also, the local Chief of Recruiting here called someone at RTC and was told the one time marijuana use would be waiverable and it would have been taken care of at RTC. The other clause, no criminal violations, civilian or military in past three years is what came into play. Almost three years ago while camping with friends he got a ticket for minor in possession (beer) and he paid the fine. That is a conviction. Even though he only had a couple of months and it would have been outside the 3 year window his job was taken from him. That is our understanding at this point.

So, I have this question:

I have a question and will try and phrase it so it makes sense. As an Undes I understand that as with anyone else you have to take a test to go from E3 to E4. That test is related to your rate for most people. So as an Undes my son is going into the Fireman program but he still wants to become an MA. My understanding is that the test he takes will be related to MA. Something he has had no experience or training in yet he is expected to pass it just as with someone who has already gone to the MA A school and put time in on the job. How is that fair? Isn't that a punishment if you will to an Undes who wants to strike for something different than a job in the Undes program for which they went to school? Seems to me if a Sailor is doing well as Undes, getting good reviews etc and wants to strike for a job they qualify for they should let them.f

[poohbear]

If they must get a rate before making E4, how do they get a rate? And by rate I assume that means a job, like MA, DC, or whatever. I have been told they have to take a written test. The same test and E3 would take to become E4. Is that not true? This is so confusing. Sorry.

[Anti M]

The general way it works: An undes can strike for a rate once he is at a command or ship. That means OJT and studying the courses. All rates have course books available, plus mandatory leadership and general naval knowledge courses. At the beginning, the undes will do a variety of tasks, but will have the opportunity to work with designated sailors and check out many jobs.

After a year, the undes can request an A school. This is done by working with the training officer and their chain of command (I'm generalizing, I know, Hoppi would know the exact procedure). Some rates can be as simple as doing the courses and taking the exam. Other rates require the seat time in A school before taking the E-4 exam. Yes, the variables are confusing. That is why an undes would be smart to work with the training officer, so maximize all avenues of advancement.

If he can't get the MA rate now, he won't be able to have it later either. That's to the best of my knowledge. Hoppi, am I correct about that?

[poohbear]

Hoppi...Thank you. What do you mean you would "nuke" it?

[Anti M]

LOL, I can answer that one! The "nukes" in the Navy are the sailors training to work on the reactors. Their school is notoriously tough, and only the best and most dedicated get through the training process. Nukes are also incredibly smart. To "nuke" something means you know it backwards and forwards, to get it 100% correct each and every time. To "nuke it out" means to figure it out.

My nephew is a nuke!

[BunkerQB]

I have a nuke officer on a sub. Yep, they are smart as can be but just as ORNERY and OBSTINATE! Can't have it both ways. I tried and failed.

[Kimberly]

PoohBear -
My son is a MA - and has wanted to be a cop since he was 3yrs old. He was a Police Explorer throughout High School, joined the Navy as a MA - and when home on leave goes on ride-alongs w/ different departments - and also goes on ride alongs w/ Virginia Beach Police when he's off duty for the Navy. He has been told by multiple Police Departments that he's going to be able to 'walk on' to most police departments upon his discharge from the Navy.
This is b/c of his PRP training, and now his MA experience. He has been putting together a 'portfolio' for job interviews upon his discharge. He volunteers for things all of the time, special olympics, toys for tots, the local VFW's garage sales, has done security for Miranda Lambert, Air Shows, etc. Tell your son to get involved in as many things as he can. My kiddo has gotten awards, certificates, he recently earned the NAM for his volunteer work. He's using the Navy as a stepping stone, but is enjoying his enlistment and making life long friends.
Don't lose hope. He'll find where he fits, and make the best of it! If he wants to be a Forest Ranger, don't let anything stop him! Good luck to you and your Sailor!