Expert: Howard Lorenz - 7/8/2008

Question
Mr. Lorenz,

I am a 21 year old male and am extremely interested in joining the coast guard.  I am a dedicated person and consider my self physically and mentally qualified to serve. I will receive my two year degree in business in a few short months. However I am fearful that coast guard will prohibit me from enlisting.

I have made mistakes in the past and unfortunately am on probation in the city I reside in until April of 2009.  The only criminal offense I have ever received has been for underage drinking (3 times) and have not been arrested in over 2 years.  My probation does not require that I meet with a probation officer or prohibit me from going anywhere.  The conditions of my probation only state that I must not commit any crimes and partake in random drug testing; I have never failed a drug test.

From what I have read on the Internet the coast guard is and extremely difficult branch of the military to get in to.  I my self am having difficulty getting ahold of a recruiter.

My questions to you are:

1. Is the status of my probation going to prohibit me from joining and if so will I be able to join once I am off probation?

2. If there is still a chance I can get accepted do you have any advice for me as to how I can convey to the coast guard that I am a qualified candidate?

3. Will my college degree help in this regard?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
The status of your probation will but only slightly, you are required to wait to enlist 90 days after your probation end date.

The degree will help emensely...

The drinking underage is nothing more than a minor in possesion, you might need a waiver but I think that you are at the limit...stay out of trouble....you should be fine