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I'm not entirely up to speed on current stuff, i've been out for a little over 2 years now.

I can tell you that it's getting more difficult to get into the military these days. Unless I am mistaken, all the branches are downsizing (I know Marine & Navy are for sure). An occasional joint wouldn't get you DQ'd, but a history plagued by consistent drug use will. As far as the tattoo--it can be hidden, so I'm betting it will be at the discretion of a MEPS officer. With drug/drug paraphernalia on the tattoo, they will not be happy with it.

31 on the ASVAB is pretty low. Any techie jobs are going to be a no-go with that score. I could tell you more if I were to have his entire score. Here is a link you can follow to see what minimum scores are for a particular job in a particular branch of service.

http://www.military.com/ASVAB/0,,ASVAB_MOS.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Drug use will get you kicked out in a heart beat. Depending on your command, you can get anything from a Dishonorable, Other Than Honorable, or Medical discharge. OTH & Dishonorable are terrible--I don't think I need to go into detail. I can tell you for certain that it is a heck of a lot easier to get kicked out of the military now than it was 30--or even 10 years ago. Things like DUI/DWI, multiple write ups, and Domestics will result in immediate discharge for most commands. The economy is terrible, and the military is downsizing. This means that the Mil can be a lot more selective & strict in who they hire/keep. The Navy is looking for a reason to kick you out right now.

Just because he is small doesn't mean he can't be a warrior. I'm 5'6, and was only 135 lbs when I joined. I beefed up quite a bit quickly. In battle, heart & tenacity go a lot further than size or strength. I will agree with the above--SOCOM is the way to go--if you can cut it. Going SWCC was the smartest thing I ever did in the military. Becoming part of an SO organization sets you apart from the rest. I would never bash the infantry guys -Marine or Army- cuz those boys got stuff done. But I will say that discipline & quality of your brothers gets better in the SO Community. Not to mention, SO communities get to play with all the cool toys.

In short, I support anyone who joins the military for the right reasons. At the same time, I despised those that joined for the wrong reason. There is absolutely NOTHING worse than getting stuck in a gunfight in a Sunni Slum with someone whose heart isn't in the fight. They are a dangerous liability, and drag down the reputation of our Armed Forces. Tell him I said good luck, but he better be in it all the way. If he isn't, he will have 4 years of the worst misery he could imagine.