Expert: John L - 9/9/2008

Question
Dear Sir--Could you please help me with this important question.  My 23 yr old nephew applied to the U.S. Coast Guard in March of 2008.  He was brought to Baltimore, Md and given a written test and physical--which he passed.  He advised his recruiter that he had been charged with breaking and entering with the intent to assault, his senior year in high school (5 yrs prior).  The charge was immediately amended in court to a misdemeanor and he agreed to 2 yrs probation.  The charge was dismissed in court and he has no record.  A record check of state and F.B.I. shows the charges as dismissed.  The recruiter told him he would supply my nephew with an "in house waiver" since it was back in high school.  He advised my nephew to take some college courses, which he did in May and June of 2008.  He then went back to his recruiter and the recruiter gave him five letters of recommendation to be   filled out by his references.  He got the letters written and returned to his recruiter, at which time his recruiter said "oh--you didn't need five so I'll pick the best three".  Five months have passed by this time, when the recruiter said let me check everything out and I will get back to you.  When my nephew didn't hear from him within a few days he called him.  The recruiter advised he was looking at getting him into the next recruit class at the end of Sept or early Oct.  My nephew continued to call once a week for the past three weeks at which time his recruiter advised he was not going to let him into the Coast Guard.  My questions are--Why didn't the recruiter advise him NO six months ago?  Are there national standards to refer to?  Is there an appeals process and if so---who can he contact?  Is it possible for him to join the Coast Guard and/or Air Force?  Thank you in advance for any and all help you can give me.  Thank You, June Boyle

Answer
The Coast Guard is the smallest branch and their pool of recruits is large, so they can pick and choose the best.  he was probably on the back burner and was going to be used only if numbers came up short.  His recruiter should have told him to talk to other services.  His charge in school will have an effect on getting certain jobs, but will not stop him form enlisting and serving any other branch.

There is recourse however, he can ask to speak to his superior and find out if his recruiter is lazy, incompetent or just a liar.  He may be qualified.  If he wants it bad enough, go higher up the chain of command.  If you get no results, call your Congressional office, then results will happen, maybe not the way you want, but you will get a final disposition.