I entered the Navy from the delayed entry program in January 2003, having been a DEPer for 5 months. I tested positive on my drug screen for marijuana at Great Lakes, IL. When I decided to enter DEP, I stopped smoking pot. I started getting in shape to prepare myself for the training. I was running, do push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups religiously on a daily basis. I enrolled in the local technical college, and decided to be an LPN. I did that for what seemed like forever, until January 15, 2003 came along. I took a rapid drug screen just before leaving the recruiting station that day, which was negative. I flew in to Chicago, and was transferred to Great Lakes via bus. I took their drug screen at approximately 0400 that morning. The week I was in basic, I was in the best shape of my life. I felt so good, knowing that I was going to be part of the most elite force in the world. I even became the medical yeoman while I was there at basic training, because of my LPN background. Then, the chief gets a call from above saying that I popped on the drug test. The CPO told me not to worry, and that I could get back in if I jumped through the hoops like I was supposed to. I was then sent to Separations for two weeks. While there I spoke with many people about my case. When my case was up for a hearing, I was presented with the formal accusations. The legalman presented the results to me in a hasty fashion, and I saw where the THC level in my system was a very low amount. I was sent home February 13, 2003 via Greyhound bus ticket. I was given my DD 214 prior to being shuttled to the train station. My re-entry code was RE-4. I already knew what that meant. When the information was presented to me, I had no idea of what my options were, due to all of this. Sadly, NOW I do. Had I waited about another week before leaving for Great Lakes, I would definitely still be in the Navy right now. But, I was so naive that I took the Greyhound bus ticket, and came home to an extremely disappointed family.
After I returned home, I got my LPN license. I've spoken with several physicians I know, and all of them basically said that I must have had too much THC stored in my body. I have done a ton of research on that, and I have found that THC is stored in the adipose tissue, or fatty tissue, of the body. When you work out, you burn fat. The fat is broken down by a substance made in the liver called bile. The bile breaks down fats in the large intestine. The large intestine is also responsible for the re-absorption of fluids to maintain electrolyte balance. When broken down fats meet in the colon with fluids, it is reabsorbed, and the kidneys filter the garbage and send it to the bladder. Also,the RE-4 I received could have been listed as RE-3J, which states that "failed entry level drug test, not drug dependent." According to MILPERSMAN 1910-134, Section 9A-1, which states that "recruits must be administratively separated and assigned an RE-3J enlistment code prove they: (1) failed entry level drug testing for marijuana only upon arrival," this is similar to my situation. Honestly, I'm not even sure if this information would hurt me or help me now. So you see, I feel like what happened to me was completely circumstantial and unfair. I've held a professional license from the state of Georgia for 7 years now with no disciplinary action whatsoever. I've become more responsible over the years, as well as a husband and proud parent of two children. I have countless thank you letters and commendations from my employers to prove my credibility. I am soon to graduate in May from college with Associate degrees in both Nursing and Psychology. My plan after that is to attend the local university to obtain my Bachelor degree in Nursing, which should all be complete by May 2012. I would love to be a part of the Navy Nurse Corps more than anything. It has always been a dream of mine to serve and defend my country, and I would love to have the honor to do so.
I have already sent my request for all of my paper work. What are my options at this juncture? Do I have a good chance of having it upgraded, or am I just wasting my time? If there is any way to come out on top in this matter, I'm definitely open to suggestion. Any information you give would greatly appreciated.
