Expert: Rod Powers - 10/4/2009

Question
Hi Rod,

I am very eager to enlist in the service, the Marines more than anything, But about 2 years ago I caught a few charges (Domestic disorderly, Domestic vandalism, assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest) ALL MISDEMEANOR'S. I was put on a filing and sentenced to attend Domestic Violence class . I was considered a technical violator because i did not finish the classes within the filing period (1 Year). I was then placed on supervised probation for 1 year that will be completed February of 2010 and domestic classes again for not completing them the first time . well I finally finished the domestic classes , and hardly ever see my probation officer. I think she know's I'm not much of a trouble maker but i just wanted to know could I still enlist being on supervised probation if my probation officer gave the ok ?  if i stood before a judge and asked permission, could the judge give me a pass ? WHAT DO I DO ? I want to become a real man i know the marines wont do that but they sure will show me the way . well thank you again and I'm Lookin forward to what you have to say.

-Ryan-

Answer
Hi Ryan,

You cannot enlist in any branch of the US Military while you are on supervised probation. You will have to complete the probation before you are eligible to join.

If a judge terminates the probation early, you are eligible. However, if the judge makes joining the military a condition on ending the probation, you are still ineligible to join. In other words, if the judge says, "The probation is ended early on the condition that you join the military," you are still ineligible to join, until the original probation period is up. For details, see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/joinprison.htm).

Once the probation is ended, you are going to require a waiver to join the Marines (or any branch of the service). For details, see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/moralwaivers.htm).

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my US Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com