Am I disqualified from serving in the military?

[augustus]

I live in Tennessee and I'm currently working on my Master's in Social Work at UTK. I graduate in May 2010; I have a 3.9 GPA and I had a 3.4 in undergrad. I'm 26, 6'1" and six pounds over the weight limit. My father is a retired lt. colonel from the air force where he served as a chaplain. I'm very interested in joinin either the army or USAF as active duty and I would also consider the guard. The problem is that 7.5 years ago I got in some trouble. I was 18 and I was charged with DWI, paraphenalia, and implied consent law. The DWI and paraphenalia charges were unconditionally dismissed. I had no adverse sentence; no fines, no community service, no cour fees. The implied consent law was automatic guilty. I lost my license for a year and paid a fine. Since then I've remained clean, and I've done very well for myself. I've never been fired from a job and I've had only three speeding tickets. Prior to 2002 I used numerous drugs including marijuana, mushrooms, cocaine, exstacy, and LSD. Is there any chance I'll get into the military as a commisssioned officer being honest about my past?

[stephon14]

Can you get by without telling them? Honestly, maybe. But, before you sign the paperwork, just above your signature there's a paragraph stating that you swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information you've provided is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. You're signature is below that paragraph. So, if it ever is found out... like in a security check... or if you ever have an LSD "flashback"... you could be in serious trouble... perjury and fraudulent enlistment. And, even if they never find out, you'll know that that landmine is out there waiting to go off.

Now there are people who might tell you, "It's ok, kid. If they don't find out, you're ok. Just don't tell them." Some will tell you that it's a "sure thing," or that it worked for them. A few might even be recruiters. Their names aren't below that paragraph. They have nothing to lose. All they have to say is, "He never told me about that." Just an idea, but dealing with recruiters use E-mail with return receipt. That way you have proof you told them.

Another thing to think about... starting your career (however brief) in service to your country with a lie.

It's your decision to make. You can take a chance. Or you can accept the consequences of your past mistakes like an adult. Or you can pretend they didn't happen... and hope nobody finds out that they did.

In answer to your question, while maybe individually some might be able to be waived, together they indicate some inclination to act rashly without regard to consequences... not qualities any branch really wants in its officers. I would seriously doubt you could make it in even as enlisted. Now, that's MY judgment based on 25 years in the Navy... of which about 20 was as an officer. You're not going to know unless you ask a recruiter. And you're not going to know for sure until you make a full disclosure.

ADDENDUM:

Since you made a full disclosure, it sounds as if you've done the right thing. You're a good man. The full disclosure, and the length of time since the incidents, and the fact that you're working on a Masters degree (on your own, i.e., without ROTC) could well be mitigating. I honestly hope everything works out for you.

[aviya]

Honestly no. It is one thing to say that you tried marijuana once but lsd and the other stuff is a definite stopper. You should speak to a recruiter for more information but I would say no, especially trying to be an officer.

[atworth49]

The hard drug use is an automatic disqualifier. And lying about it will get you in even more trouble after they find out about it when you background is investigated for your security clearance.

[avikar76]

Officers are expected to be within the weight limits and have knowledge about how to use the spell checker.

[nicolas]

to be honest, no, if you tell them anything like that they'll tell you to walk out of the office =/ sorry mate

[fionnbharr]

No Fing way dude.

[ned]

sorry buddy. but it sounds like a no.

[kienan]

You have an advantage over a lot of other applicants trying to enlist with your past. You haven't been in trouble since you was 18 and you have bettered yourself since with almost getting your Master's degree. Even if you had a charge that completely disqualified you the fact that you haven't been in trouble for over seven years and will have your Master's in a few months would probably get you granted an exception to the policy in accordance with AR 601-210, Chapter 4-36. It's something your recruiter may or may not know about but it allows pretty much anything get waived in extremely meritorious situations.

As for your charges, you're good if what you say is accurate. Charges that are completely dismissed don't count against you, although you still need to reveal them and get a suitability review. Since you got an implied consent conviction, I'm guessing you refused the sobriety test, something that's pretty common in most places. You may not even require a waiver, it depends on whether or not the Army looks at your implied consent conviction as a DWI or not.

As for your past drug use, I can't tell you what will happen there. I won't tell you to lie but I willl tell you that drug dependence is a permanent disqualification for enlistment. You may still be able to get in since it's been so long since you used and didn't have to go to court-ordered rehab but I can't guarantee you will be able to get a security clearance right off of the bat. Even if they don't give it to you, you may still be able to join and you can apply for OCS later in your career.

As for your weight, your fine as long as you meet body fat standards. We measure you at your neck and waist if male and your neck, waist and largest part of your hips if female.

[benon]

Self disclosure of the hard drugs will automatically get you disqualified. The mild criminal history may preclude you from coming in on an OCS option but you could enlist and then apply later. I think you ought to talk to a recruiter. Be completely honest with the recruiter and see what he says. Nothing you tell a recruiter disqualifies you but he may decide not to work you. It's when you start telling stuff to MEPS that you're done.