Joining the NG

[margherita_2315]

I have a question concerning joining the National Guard. I have a bad conduct discharge from the Marine Corps dating back to 1994. I tried so hard to get back in for two years to no avail. The discharge is for having gone UA. This has been eating me up alive ever since. I want to correct my past and regain my sense of well-being. Any opinions as to whether I might have a chance of joining the NG, even with this in my background. Also, what is their age limit? I am 30 years old. I know the other US armed forces branches have a 28-year cut off. Does this limit apply to the NG? Thanks for any info!

[TANKMGA8]

As far as joining the NG, you would have to contact a recruiter and have all of your paperwork with you for him/her to look at. Then they could tell you whether or not you could join the NG. As far as the bad conduct discharge, you will probably have some problems getting in but I am not a recruiter and could be totally wrong. They might have a waiver that would allow you to get in, but getting in and doing your time will probably not erase that bad conduct discharge from your record if that is what you are trying to do.

Hope that this helps, :idea:

[margherita_2315]

Hi Harold. Thanks for posting a reply to my question. I'm going to call an NG recruiter today to see if there's any remote chance of me qualifying. I doubt it, but I'll never know unless I really look into it. I know if I even do get into the NG that it won't erase my BCD- that'll be with me my whole life, unless I get it upgraded and even that is remote, considering that I was gone for so long. It sure would look alot better on my record, if I were to get lucky and get accepted to the NG. I believe it would look better for me in the PD hiring panels. Take care, and thanks again for the response!

[ToppDog]

You may even try meeting with one of the CO's of a recruiting station to plead your case. You're right, it will probably never go off your record, but getting back in the Marines (optimal) or joining any other branch whether it be active, reserve, or guard will help during the app process for LE.

[snpusmc]

I can tell you that the MARINES will never take you back active or resv. Being UA for four years and haveing a DD is a kiss of death. What was your MOS?

[margherita_2315]

This reply is to snpusmc: I don't have a DD, but I have a BCD for what I did. I've tried for two years to get back into the Corps. I even wrote the Commandant, and basically they just told me that I was past the 28-year age limit. So that has been a no-go. My MOS was 0311 infantry. I'm trying to see if I can get into the National Guard. I'll see what they tell me. Bye!

[CustomsCop]

You cant get into the Air guard or Air force reserve with nothing less than a honorable discharge

[RoscoeRuhl]

You're going to have to take your DD214 (all copies) to a recruiter for a sure answer. Depending on the RE code, there's a remote possibility that you could get it but it's going to require a wavier. The age limit for military service is 35, with no prior service. With prior service they can take one year off for every year on active duty. Whoever said the age limit was 28 wasn't correct! Again, for specifics you've got to talk to a recruiter and you'll find out if you have a chance. I've got to commend you for trying. Unfortunately, my personal beliefs after 20 years of honorable service is that UA is a foolish act and in some instances is looked at as cowardice, depending on the circumstances. Any career military type who's involved in your hiring decision for either military service or law enforcement position isn't going to vote in your favor. Again, I do think it's great that you're making the attempt but I don't think it's going to happen!

Have a great day!