Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/15/2008

Question
Dear Col. Bedell,
I 26 years old, have a B.S. from UC Berkeley, and am finishing my 1st year of law school at a top tier law school. I have ASVAB tests in the 90%'s.

I'm interested in the Judge Advocate programs, as well as exploring other opportunities in the military.

However, I have used anti-depressants and had counseling in the past, and dabbled with an eating disorder (not severe) in college after a traumatic sexual assualt. I am 100% healthy now, I spent several successful years in the work force before law school.

I have no doubt I would pass the MEPS test, but I don't want to conceal anything in my past. I understand there's a waiver process, as well as background interviews.

Will they be able to see my college health records? I would prefer to keep that private.

Also, who exactly do they wish to speak to in their background check? I have a complicated family background, and my mother is 100% against any military service, it would not surprise me if she would exaggerate my adolescent angst into the most extreme version she could imagine so I would get disqualified.

What sort of documentation would I need to provide to qualify for a waiver. Is a waiver possible or am I disqualified?

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Mariana


Answer
Dear Mariana --

In order to qualify for a waiver, you have to reveal the truth about your past, and then document why it will not affect your future.

You would have to reveal that you have had psychiatric problems, been treated and no longer have issues.  You would not have to reveal that your eating disorder was a reaction to a sexual assault, but you would have to reveal you suffered from an eating disorder.  You would then document why you no longer have that problem.

Complicated family histories are not unique.  They will check your background and your family members' backgrounds, but they will not interview your mother about your psychology.  Your references are more likely to be asked if you have unusually nice things that you could not normally afford, or whether you have unusual debt, drug habits or belong to organizations that want to overthrow the government.  

The doctors that review your waiver application may need to see your health records.  This would be no different than other doctors getting your records.

This is a long way of saying, if you are willing to provide the needed documentation, you have a good chance of getting a waiver and joining the JAG Corps.  However, if you need to keep your past private, you will not be able to get the desired waiver.

I wish you the best of luck finishing Law School and in whatever you choose to do once you graduate.  Thank you for considering military service.