Son UA

[mom_of3]

What is the name of your state? IN
My son is UA from Marines, he is in deserter status. I have read many posts and understand that it is on a case by case basis on what will happen. He has been to
2 different doctors since going UA which both say he is in depression. That is why he left in the first place. He talked to docs and chaplain while at SOI and felt helpless. Concidered suicide as well. My concern is when he turns himself in, the length of time
it will take. I know he has to face the consequences of his actions and I think it for the best he get out, not just for him but also for the Marines. I am just concerned about his mental state and if it will get worse while waiting to be discharged and what will they do for his depression since they didn't help the first time around.What is the name of your state?

[Shellback]

I was diagnosed with depression in the military and they offered me no help at all. I didn't go awol, instead I turned to illegal drugs to try and ease my depression. I too spoke to the chaplain and told him of my desire to end my life and that I was using drugs. They sent me to the hospital for counceling and to dry out and after I was released from the hospital I was court martialed and given a bad conduct discharge. I guess what I am trying to say is that the military has very little sympathy for the depressed so be prepared for disciplinary action and little or no help with his depression.

[SHORTY LONG]

LOOK at the Sticky at top of Forum Page!

[irql]

the best thing for you and him to do is to take copies of the official diagnosis from the civilian doctors ensure he has a copy for himself, for the command where he returns too, and a copy for JAG. keep that line of communication connected, ensure that the civilian doctors are kept in the loop and make sure that they stand behind their diagnosis as someone from JAG or Military doctor may want to talk with them.

based on the feedback from the AWOL assistance in the "sticky note" do what they suggest. the one thing that you can do to help is depending where they advise him to return to the Marines, you can contact the JAG office and ask to speak with a JAG officer. JAG officers in the Navy/Marines are professional and will offer their assistance-advice (fingers crossed). it cant hurt and you can give your son an extra eye to watch over him. but one thing to remember is that JAG represents both the Marines/Navy and the individual Marine - so they have a duty to both sides and they need to find the best outcome for all parties involved.

oh one more bit of advice: your son is not a criminal, but he should NOT seek for pitty openly and he should be reserved in his emotions around general company. he's still going to be held to the Marine's perception of acceptable conduct and appearance. if he truly has clinical depression, they will handle his case accordingly. if he's depressed simply because he wants out - they may make things harder for him before releasing him from his obligation. who knows, he may want to end up completing his enlistment. oh onelast thing really - once he is on his way back to the Marines, you should contact the Chaplain that he talked to as well, update them on his situation and ask for their aid - as they may darn well want a voice in what is happening and they will appreciate your call.


i spent 6 years on active duty in the Army, so, this is just based on my experience. but i missed a NtlGrd movement, evil forces were at play...


best of luck!

~irql