Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/misdemeanor drug charge

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/16/2009


Question
i received a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge a little over a year ago and i was wondering if that would keep me from receiving a military police job in the army. ive quit smoking and actually want to become a police officer when i get out and i think that would be the best way

Answer
Levi,
Some of the best Police Officers are those who have once broken the law.  They know from experience.

The military realizes that we were all young and dumb once, so minor infractions are usually eligible for a waiver.  In other words, the Army is willing to overlook a small misdemeanor.  It's the major felons that can't join.

See your Army recruiter, be honest with him and he'll help you apply for a waiver.  If you have no other legal or physical problems, chances are good that you'll receive a waiver.

Thanks for wanting to serve.
Colonel H

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

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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