Collin Gosselin’s ambition to serve in the U.S. Marines hit a snag due to a significant chapter in his past. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight on August 13, the 20-year-old candidly revealed that his previous institutionalization prevented him from completing Marine Corps training.
“I was discharged,” he shared, “just as I was nearing graduation.” He explained that after examining his records, the Marines learned about his time in an institution and decided it was grounds for discharge, despite his almost successful training completion.
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
The son of reality TV personalities Kate and Jon Gosselin, Collin’s childhood was filled with challenges, leading to his institutionalization in 2016—a choice he claims was made to safeguard his mother’s image. Reflecting on that unsettling time, he recalled, “That was the most scared I’ve probably ever been… I didn’t even say goodbye [to my siblings].”
Determined to keep moving forward, Collin is currently appealing his discharge and focusing on academics. He plans to study finance at Pennsylvania State University.
His complex family relationships remain a challenge. Residing with his father Jon and sister Hannah, Collin feels estranged from many siblings and attributes this to their perceptions, which he believes are influenced by their mother. “I love my siblings very much… I would never hurt them. I think if we really knew each other, we’d be great friends,” he expressed.
As he maneuvers through these intricate familial dynamics, Collin is also considering a comeback to reality TV. “There’s a good possibility I might return,” he noted, suggesting he could leverage his past experiences while re-entering the public eye.