Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 1/30/2008

Question
Ma'am..i am currently in the Air Force and was recently convicted of a felony in a military court...however i have received tons of character statements from my commanders and senior NCOs and First Sergeant, attesting to my true character and not what i did,and i can definitly say i am fully rehabilitated...now i am currently an E-1, an obvious consequence of my wrong doing.. do i have a chance at becoming an Army Warrant Officer on the leadership side?

Answer
Dear Leviticus -

You will not be eligible for officer status in any service until you complete an enlistment with no wrong doing.

The fact that the Air Force busted you back to E-1, but did not jail you or discharge you, means they believe you have a chance at rehabilitation.  Demonstrate that you are rehabilitated by completing your current enlistment in an professional and honorable manner.  Then, before you are discharged, apply for a a blue-to-green transfer, and request warrant officer school.  Understand that if you do not pass warrant officer school, you will have to complete your new Army enlistment as an enlisted Soldier beginning with the rank you accepted when you took the blue-to-green transfer.

If you can demonstrate full rehabilitation in this manner, you have a chance at becoming a strong leader, and a warrant officer.  It will take a lot of dedication and hard work on your part to do so.

Good luck to you.