I'm going back. Need advice.

[bison]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

Some of you may remember me (doubtful with the 20 UA/AWOL posts every day) from a while ago. I'm a Marine and I left while in the Fleet Marine Force from my infantry unit, all the way back in June. I finished boot camp as well as school.

Since then it's not been easy. And I'll tell you just like any other person will tell you, if you're thinking about it, don't do it. Not only do I have dreams almost every night about it, or constantly looking over my shoulder, not to mention disgracing everyone back at home (although I have kept it a secret,) but I do kind of miss it. I wish it never happened. But that's in the past, and I want to turn it around now.

Things are really looking bad for me, but I'm actually quite happy with coming to my senses. Not only did I miss a movement from Camp Lejeune, NC to 29 Palms, CA - but my unit is also currently deployed in Iraq. They have been there about a month, with six more to go. That is probably what scares me the most.

So I come to you all for some advice, once again. What are the appropiate steps in getting back? I can not afford a plane/bus ticket. And yes, I know the USMC handles UA cases case-by-case, but what about if the unit is deployed? I have searched the forums (as well as the internet itself) and found nothing.

I left for personal reasons. Being an objector is one of them, but that's not it. I simply could not live up to the demands the USMC Infantry assigned me to. I'm not afraid to say it, I was the one always messing up in the unit. It is to my belief (and other Marines as well) that I would most likely cause more problems in Iraq than if I weren't there. Of course, that is not a good excuse in any way shape or form, but I thought I would just throw that in there.

I'm not pulling out the 'depressed' card, the 'gay' card, or anything like that. Was I depressed? I'd say yes. Not to the extent of suicide, or even suicidal thoughts. I just really hated life and the way it was in the Corps, to the point I couldn't take it anymore and had to leave. I realize now I should have just toughed it out.

I see the phone number in the sticky that Shorty Long posted (who also replied to my original post. Good guy, knows what he's talking about.) If anyone knows any more details on that number and what exactly will happen, it would be greatly appreciated.

I packed all of my cammies and everything. Should I bring them back with me? What about my cell phone? Civilian clothes? Under the number it says they provide you with an airline ticket, so that means I won't be hassled in the airport? What about money for a cab to get back on base, or will the MP's be at the airport waiting for me, once I land? Where exactly would I go once arriving on base if I take a cab to it? What "unit" is this exactly that does this anyway?

Also (yes, I know it is case by case) what are the chances of them sending me to Iraq? Brig time? Other retainment? Some form of discharge? I would not like to stay in the Infantry, however if I could get an MOS change (unlikely, only I could dream) I would love to stay in the USMC. Is this possible? If they did send me to Iraq, what would I do? I missed all of the urban training, including 29 palms & basically all pre-deployment training exercises. I have yet to find a case where a service member comes back during a deployment.

Another thing is, I don't think my Team Leader and the others will be too happy to see me. I feel like I've let them down the most out of everyone, because they were nothing but exceptional to me. I'm a little afraid of my treatment once they return from Iraq or I see them there. But it is my fault for leaving in the first place.

Another thing everyone should know about my unit, there is a Marine who left during my unit's previous deployment to Iraq, and returned when they did. He was busted a rank and they took some pay. That's it. Although he's not treated very nicely. To my knowledge, we still have the same COC. But once again, I'm also aware these are handled case-by-case.

Sorry for the long post, but I would greatly appreciate all the help I can receive. I don't believe this is your usual UA case, because most of them happen at boot/school. All help is appreciated. Thank you for reading.

PS - Rock75, if you're still around, I would like to know what happened to you.

edit: It also says in the phone number post they will give me Straggler Orders? What are straggler orders?

 

[bison]

48 views & nothing? Please everyone, I'm beggin' here.

 

[questionia]

Sorry, no legal advice from me but some support maybe. I've been out of the USMC for almost 20 years now and I would say if you go back now and accept that you made a mistake you'll be fine. You might have to work harder to prove yourself to your team/squad/platoon but you're a Marine. I'd go back, accept the consequences, and make it right. Good luck!

 

[bison]

Shorty? Anyone?

 

[SHORTY LONG]

FOR MARINES WHO ARE UA/DESERTED, CALL COLLECT IF NEEDED: (703)614-3248,
or 2934.

Call, and address everything to them. You know, I know, and others know,
that, sooner or later if you do not return on your own accord freely, and
your are apprehended, then, your six will truly be in a world of dung!

Shorty out!

 

[bison]

That is all the information you have though?

 

[skyf]

Why is it that there are no posts from Marines/Former Marines that went UA and came back? Marines-Marines.. not recruits. It makes one wonder. Are they serving brig time.. are they back with their units..? Maybe it's just the difference between the Army and the Marine Corps. I have seen a lot of posts about Army personnel and their week long ticket home. It sounds somewhat ridiculous that the Army handles it that quickly. Almost shocking. With the Marine Corps.. it will always be a Mystery. All half truths and assumptions. I know there is Marines out there that regret it. Have dreams every night about the Corps. It haunts you. Not all Marines that are UA/Deserters do it because they don't want in. A few do it because they feel like they need to get away at all costs. I know some of you have your opinions about these Marines.. but that's all on you. You do not fully appreciate something until it is gone. And the Marine Corps for some UA's/Deserters.. is something they wish they still had. In good terms, that is.

What is the point of all this and why am I posting it on here? I don't know. I just felt like sharing my opinions just as you all do. Some UA's never deserved to be given the title. For some.. things just didn't go as smoothly. I believe that if the Marine knows that he/she screwed up big time and is willing to redeem himself/herself by any means and admits it.. I think that they should be welcomed back with arms wide open. Treated differently, sure. But robbed of the chance to face the music and make things right.. it's the most horrible thing that could happen. Although it seems as if that is what they deserve.. it makes them a better person knowing what they did was wrong and are willing to make things right. Everyone deserves a second chance. With the Marine Corps.. I believe if you are willing.. there is a way.. no matter how much backlash you will get...

Bison, brother, I wish you the best of luck. I know that it is hard.. hard to go back. You think about it constantly about every minute of the day. "I need to go back.. I need to go back". You play scenarios in your mind.. about if things go this way or that way.. and you just feel like your whole life is on standby until you do something. You feel ashamed at the same time and wish for everything to be alright when it's all over. From a fellow grunt brother.. I totally know what you are going through.

Stragglers orders are orders you get from that hotline unit.. basically it's like regular orders.. only.. "bad" orders.. they give you a plane ticket and all that.. which I don't know if it's a helpful thing or not.. one never knows if you will leave the San Diego Airport in cuffs... But you will never know unless you go for it.. it's your call.

As for letting other people down. Either way you think of it. It's already done with. The Marine Corps' motto is Honor, Courage, and Commitment. We must live up to it. Even though what you and many other Marines did was bad.. we're all still Marines. We all have to have the courage to do what is right.

You want to stay in.. but get another MOS? Unlikely. I mean, you did what you did.. and I believe that you will be the luckiest dude in the world if they let you stay. I, myself, would cry of happiness. People mess up.. we're only human. And the military should allow us to redeem ourselves.

Bison, This is a little too forward and I don't want to get too personal/informative ESPECIALLY here.. but if you need someone to accompany you.. I'm there.

It is time for a change... this forum needs our help. As silly as that sounds. Marines that are out there need to know what might happen/go down in facts.. not guesses. It's case by case.. well.. this is one case they will know. I don't know how we will do it.. if your up to it.. but if it's possible.. I know I would feel a million times better knowing I still had a fellow brother by my side.. when all others are turned away...

To the moderators/knowledgeable former service members on this site.. this is surely something different. I haven't seen one post about something like this being mentioned or thought of. I don't want to be used as an example but if it will help others inthe future.. I am all for it. I don't even know if this will be deleted or anything.. but I amtrying to make things right and help out a fellow devil dog...

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Andy104]

Sounds like you are growing up

Heres the deal in the Army, and it should be the same for other services:
You stated:" Another thing is, I don't think my Team Leader and the others will be too happy to see me. I feel like I've let them down the most out of everyone, because they were nothing but exceptional to me. I'm a little afraid of my treatment once they return from Iraq or I see them there. But it is my fault for leaving in the first place."

Yes they will not be happy, and your life will be hard, but they should not be abusive. You stated you wanted to stay in, When you get back tell them that. Tell them your reason for leaving. If you get brig time, or what ever serve it and do your best to prove to them you want to stay in.
I had a soldier who went awol, was gone for over a month. Went to Sill, when we found out we had him flown up here with an escourt. He was courts martialed. Got 45 day in jail, reduction to E-1 and loss of pay. He is still in, his life is a little hard now. Which is fine however he is one of the better soldiers because he is starting to see, he caused his own action/cercumstance. If he continues to work hard and prove himself i have no problem going to the command and asking for him to make E-2.
He learned a hard lesson, so will you but yours is going to be less painful i do believe due to your acceptance of the situation and the knowlege of the fact that you caused the reaction.
Please let us know how it goes as your post is one of the first ADULT sounding awol post i have heard.

 

[bison]

Thanks everyone.

I've decided to head back in January, just so I can spend Christmas here, and I also wouldn't really want to come back and cause more stress work for my unit around the holidays, they already have enough going on.

I'll be sure to come back and let everyone know how it went, by detail.

There is one more thing though, should I pack up all my uniforms? Just throw all my Marines stuff in a seabag? And come back with the appropriate haircut?

edit: My cellphone too, should I pack that along?

 

[bison]

Well I've decided to pack up all my cammies and everything. What's the worst that can happen if I bring them anyway?

I'm still interested in if I can be assigned to a new unit or not. Keep in mind my current unit is deployed, I would think they would want to re-assign me so they could just get me out of the way? Or would they send me to Iraq? I have no idea.

I know it's handled case by case but I'd like to hear someone's opinion on the matter, and what is most likely to happen (possibly.)

Thanks.

 

[Hohenstein11B]

Same boat

What is the name of your state? Michigan

Some of you may remember me (doubtful with the 20 UA/AWOL posts every day) from a while ago. I'm a Marine and I left while in the Fleet Marine Force from my infantry unit, all the way back in June. I finished boot camp as well as school.

Since then it's not been easy. And I'll tell you just like any other person will tell you, if you're thinking about it, don't do it. Not only do I have dreams almost every night about it, or constantly looking over my shoulder, not to mention disgracing everyone back at home (although I have kept it a secret,) but I do kind of miss it. I wish it never happened. But that's in the past, and I want to turn it around now.

Things are really looking bad for me, but I'm actually quite happy with coming to my senses. Not only did I miss a movement from Camp Lejeune, NC to 29 Palms, CA - but my unit is also currently deployed in Iraq. They have been there about a month, with six more to go. That is probably what scares me the most.

So I come to you all for some advice, once again. What are the appropiate steps in getting back? I can not afford a plane/bus ticket. And yes, I know the USMC handles UA cases case-by-case, but what about if the unit is deployed? I have searched the forums (as well as the internet itself) and found nothing.

I left for personal reasons. Being an objector is one of them, but that's not it. I simply could not live up to the demands the USMC Infantry assigned me to. I'm not afraid to say it, I was the one always messing up in the unit. It is to my belief (and other Marines as well) that I would most likely cause more problems in Iraq than if I weren't there. Of course, that is not a good excuse in any way shape or form, but I thought I would just throw that in there.

I'm not pulling out the 'depressed' card, the 'gay' card, or anything like that. Was I depressed? I'd say yes. Not to the extent of suicide, or even suicidal thoughts. I just really hated life and the way it was in the Corps, to the point I couldn't take it anymore and had to leave. I realize now I should have just toughed it out.

I see the phone number in the sticky that Shorty Long posted (who also replied to my original post. Good guy, knows what he's talking about.) If anyone knows any more details on that number and what exactly will happen, it would be greatly appreciated.

I packed all of my cammies and everything. Should I bring them back with me? What about my cell phone? Civilian clothes? Under the number it says they provide you with an airline ticket, so that means I won't be hassled in the airport? What about money for a cab to get back on base, or will the MP's be at the airport waiting for me, once I land? Where exactly would I go once arriving on base if I take a cab to it? What "unit" is this exactly that does this anyway?

Also (yes, I know it is case by case) what are the chances of them sending me to Iraq? Brig time? Other retainment? Some form of discharge? I would not like to stay in the Infantry, however if I could get an MOS change (unlikely, only I could dream) I would love to stay in the USMC. Is this possible? If they did send me to Iraq, what would I do? I missed all of the urban training, including 29 palms & basically all pre-deployment training exercises. I have yet to find a case where a service member comes back during a deployment.

Another thing is, I don't think my Team Leader and the others will be too happy to see me. I feel like I've let them down the most out of everyone, because they were nothing but exceptional to me. I'm a little afraid of my treatment once they return from Iraq or I see them there. But it is my fault for leaving in the first place.

Another thing everyone should know about my unit, there is a Marine who left during my unit's previous deployment to Iraq, and returned when they did. He was busted a rank and they took some pay. That's it. Although he's not treated very nicely. To my knowledge, we still have the same COC. But once again, I'm also aware these are handled case-by-case.

Sorry for the long post, but I would greatly appreciate all the help I can receive. I don't believe this is your usual UA case, because most of them happen at boot/school. All help is appreciated. Thank you for reading.

PS - Rock75, if you're still around, I would like to know what happened to you.

edit: It also says in the phone number post they will give me Straggler Orders? What are straggler orders?

Yours and my story are almost identical except im army infantry and your usmc and my reasons for leaving were that of family. My unit is deployed and i also have my own private attorney on this for me as well but he advised me seeing as how i want to stay in and go back to my unit to call the Rear Detatchment 1sg or gunny in your case for your unit. I called mine and he was willing to listen to my story. Maybe yours will do the same. The USMC is particularly strong about their UA's compared to Army AWOL's so i think your chances on staying in are greater than mine. Most of the advice seen here from what i can tell is "by the book" punishments . I was on rear detatchment for 2 months at Fort lewis and saw near to 700 people everyday who didnt deploy for one reason or the other ( awol, drugs, ect ) and to be honest the commanders (at least where i was) didnt want to **** with any serious punishment on anyone. A 4-time drug test failee from my actual unit was given a general discharge for patterns of misconduct. It may not be as bad as you think it will be. Remember , the people that arent deployed with your unit arent staying in the rear for their stellar soldiering. Theyre most likely brokedicks, insubordinate or something along those lines ( even the high ranking ones ) . They'll probably help you as long as you arent telling them you want out or you think the war is wrong ( probably the worst answer anyone could possibly give) Just say you had alot of **** going on, ellaborate and exaggerate your story some and poof. Oorah infantry. (they wont reclass you, too much money to spend on a UA, and too much paperwork for them)

Just telling you this as an "Assistant to the Chapter NCO" for my unit .

Give them a call ( you can probably google it ) and say you want to stay in and you already have a plane ticket back ( even if you dont ) ect. and if you can deploy. The only way i see it working out for you is the same way its going to for me. Deploy to iraq and make it right.

Best of luck and Godbless

 

[bison]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to pack light. Desert Cammies, hygeine gear (razors, deoderant, etc.) I'm going to bring my cell phone and charger just in case. I've decided to leave all my dress uniforms at home, I don't think I'll be needing them. I'm pretty sure they don't pack those along to deploy.

But let's say I'm retained and put in the brig, what happens to all the stuff I brought? I'm sorry but there's just so much bull**** running through my mind and I still can't believe I was dumb enough to put myself in this situation. I'm thinking they're just going to lock me up until my unit returns from deployment, would make a great load of sense to me (if they don't deploy me. Again, if I'm deployed, I'll probably be working in the chow hall or something. I can't see them sending me out on patrols and whatnot, I missed almost all the pre-deployment training exercises.)

If I could rewind time and never leave I would in a heartbeat. Hell, if I knew I was going to die if I deployed I'd still go back in time and deploy. That's what Marines do, sacrifice themselves for their brothers. And here I am, sitting in my warm cozy home drinking a mountain dew watching football on Sundays with my friends. I'm pathetic.

I've disgraced everything I've ever stood for. I really do hope I can make this all work out for the better. None of you even know who I am and I'm still ashamed to show up and post on these boards. I just wish the other awol/ua/deserters felt the same way.

I know life's going to be rough if I go back and they keep me in the same unit (if they keep me I think this is the most likely scenario to happen?) Everyone's going to be giving me the stink eye. I'll have 2x the work as everyone else. I can basically say goodbye to my rank and paychecks for a while. But I have to accept that and just try my hardest to prove I can do this, that I can be a good Marine. I'll train for our next deployment, and when that time comes I'll do it all the right way. Hell, I don't even know if my best friend from boot camp that ended up in the same unit as me is even going to talk to me, and I feel like I know him more than friends I've had since elementary school, or most of my family.

Sorry for typing my thoughts out loud, haha. I'll stop now. But I will throw in a few more questions; After I call (703)614-3248 should I call my unit and inform them of who I just called and I'm coming back, etc? Or just kind of show up? I was thinking of calling them anyway and asking them what to pack up...

The day is coming within the next 15 days that I make that phone call. I just have to find the right time. Right now is way too rough on me and I just can't find the gut to do it. But I've vowed on everything that I will be back before the 25th. Hell, I might call tomorrow. It's coming.

Thank you so much for reading everyone. Once again, when this all gets taken care of I'll be sure to return as soon as possible and let you know everything in detail. There's not many cases like mine.

Oh figured I'd throw this one in too, what are my chances of being able to re-enlist?

 

[skyf]

I've set MY goal to leave before February 1st.

It gives me a little less than 2 weeks to get my sh*t in order....

This is it, I am feeling it.

I'm tired of talking to my brothers with awkwardness.. my Marine brothers. They always ask what/how/where i'm doing or am.

I'm tired of all the guilt and shame I have put on myself and the Corps itself.

This is definitely a burden that no one should ever bestow upon themselves.

My sister says, "Go back. I want you to still be able to be in. I want my brother to still be a Marine, I want to be proud of you.".

It's hard.

For most of you.. you read these posts.. think it's ridiculous, throw in your opinions, and just plain hate. But you all have no idea how it feels to do what we have done. To regret every single minute of the day. Every day.

Most people come on here and try to find ways out.. This is not a case of the pot calling the kettle black.. I have messed up pretty darn badly.. but I will not claim insanity or objection.. no way. I will try to do anything I can to redeem myself. For that is all I want more than anything.

I know that times are going to be extremely rough after I go back. I'll get ridiculed, hated on, and well.. I don't care. I will be an example and tell my story time after time.. to help fellow Marines get the clue that this is not the road to take.

I used to hear and see Marines go UA all the time. Never, ever thought of doing it myself. But.. well.. stuff happens.

I'm terrified. But heck, I'm a Marine.

This does not change that fact at all. I earned the title and I will fight tooth and nail for it.

This forum needs some updates and well, looks like Bison and myself are the ones to be giving them in the near future...

I don't know if you guys even want to touch this topic any more.. apparently there's unanswered questions from bison..

I guess we'll both find out those answers as they happen.

Anyone think it's harder/easier to be kept if you have yet to be placed in a unit as oppose to it being harder/easier of being kept with already being in a unit?

 

[SHORTY LONG]

I've set MY goal to leave before February 1st.

It gives me a little less than 2 weeks to get my sh*t in order....

This is it, I am feeling it.

I'm tired of talking to my brothers with awkwardness.. my Marine brothers. They always ask what/how/where i'm doing or am.

I'm tired of all the guilt and shame I have put on myself and the Corps itself.

This is definitely a burden that no one should ever bestow upon themselves.

My sister says, "Go back. I want you to still be able to be in. I want my brother to still be a Marine, I want to be proud of you.".

It's hard.

For most of you.. you read these posts.. think it's ridiculous, throw in your opinions, and just plain hate. But you all have no idea how it feels to do what we have done. To regret every single minute of the day. Every day.

Most people come on here and try to find ways out.. This is not a case of the pot calling the kettle black.. I have messed up pretty darn badly.. but I will not claim insanity or objection.. no way. I will try to do anything I can to redeem myself. For that is all I want more than anything.

I know that times are going to be extremely rough after I go back. I'll get ridiculed, hated on, and well.. I don't care. I will be an example and tell my story time after time.. to help fellow Marines get the clue that this is not the road to take.

I used to hear and see Marines go UA all the time. Never, ever thought of doing it myself. But.. well.. stuff happens.

I'm terrified. But heck, I'm a Marine.

This does not change that fact at all. I earned the title and I will fight tooth and nail for it.

This forum needs some updates and well, looks like Bison and myself are the ones to be giving them in the near future...

I don't know if you guys even want to touch this topic any more.. apparently there's unanswered questions from bison..

I guess we'll both find out those answers as they happen.

Anyone think it's harder/easier to be kept if you have yet to be placed in a unit as oppose to it being harder/easier of being kept with already being in a unit?

That dammed Jeannie went AWOL from our magic Lamp, and then had the audacity to steal our Crystal Ball. So, what is your question or question?

 

[skyf]

That dammed Jeannie went AWOL from our magic Lamp, and then had the audacity to steal our Crystal Ball. So, what is your question or question?

L-O-L!

Except not.

Good one though, really.

This place pretty much has knowledge and well.. everything irrelevant to the Marine Corps.

What I really want to know is why, why, why?!

That will change pretty soon.

All there is here is half-truths and assumptions.

Hmph.

Plus, this place gets flagged like no other.

Last time I posted a topic.. I got a call stating that they received knowledge that I wanted to go back and they would help me.

People put too much info on here and i'm sure that every one knows about this particular website.. hello.. GOOGLE. It's the only forum that has several/many topics on the subject. It's no wonder they could/would look at this to see which people are coming on here...

What I would do if I were looking for someone.. I would read their post.. see where they're from.. which branch.. where they were at.. and well.. you can pretty much come up with a name or a list of names...

People, be careful.

Don't be naive and believe everything on here nor put too much info... because.. most likely.. this place is probably cited and flagged.

That is all.

P.S.

All the questions that were asked.. well.. again, we'll find out ourselves. Pointless to ask the wall.