Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Lautenberg amendment enlistment

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Expert: - 1/21/2009


Question
Hi-
I am a 22 year old recent college graduated, who is interested in enlisting in the United States Army. However I have a question about if I am able to enlist. In college, my ex-girlfriend and I both had domestic violence restraining order against each other. i dropped mine against her, but hers is still active and set to expire in a year. I have not been convicted or charged with any domestic violence misdemeanor, or felony. With this order however make me unable for enlistment. If so, if the order is no longer active would i then be able to enlist.
Thank you.

Answer
She would have to drop it totally.  This order prevents you by law of having a firearm, even in the military.  I would write her a letter, or whatever you can legally do within the confines of the order and ask to to drop it and tell her why.

Be nice about it.

During the process to enlist, this question will come up, but as long as you are clean as far as charges/convictions, you will be good to go.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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