Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/14/2008

Question
i was convicted of being a common nucence as a minor and when i was 18 i was arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia but got it differed and was not convicted but was still charged. will this disqualify me from joining the national guard or the navy

Answer
Dear Josh --

Those offenses will require a morality waiver in order for you to enlist in any service whether active or reserve.  If you are granted the waiver, you are eligible to enlist if you are otherwise qualified.  A morality waiver will reduce your "quality" as a recruit and will limit the types of military jobs you are offered.  There will still be many job types available.

Good luck to you.