Expert: Rod Powers - 11/7/2009

Question
Hello Mr. Powers,

I wrote to you a couple of months ago regarding my 17 year old son who was told to lie at MEPS regarding 22 days in juvenile hall and 1 year of probation. The recruiter had him lie about these things to avoid having to process a moral waiver for a juvenile felony possession of a controlled substance conviction. The charge was expunged from his record a year later and my understanding is the recruiter was trying to make it look like he was charged, went to court and the judge dismissed it. Since I last asked a question, my son on the recommendation of the Doctor at MEPS has to go for a psych exam this weekend to determine whether he has a pattern of misconduct (due to 2 curfew tickets ans 1 tobacco ticket 1.5 years ago). While we were waiting for the date to return for the Psych exam the recruiter admitted that he forged my son's name on a paper and sent it back to MEPS. We are not sure what the paper was for, the recruiter said it was a page my son forgot to sign while down at MEPS and he sent it back. My son wants to go for the Psych exam and tell the whole truth - taking personal responsibility for his choice to lie, make clear that HE DID NOT LIE TO THE RECRUITER and the question is.. When he admits the truth will he be automatically disqualified? If so, will he be eligible to attempt to get in any branch of the service at a later date? How would you reccomend he go about making the full truth known? The recruiter WILL NOT correct the paperwork or help in anyway. Your prompt response would be very appreciated.
Thank You,
Chris

Answer
Hi Devon,

It won't be an "automatic" disqualification, but if he admits to any items that are otherwise disqualifying factors, it will require a waiver (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/moralwaivers.htm). Whether or not a waiver will be approved is anyone's guess.

One thing I should mention: Don't expect the recruiter to get into trouble over this. When it all boils down, it's your son's word against the recruiter. So, the military has to choose whether to believe some 17 or 18 year old kid with no military service and a history of criminal misconduct, or a recruter with (probably) 8 years or more of honorable milltary service. Guess which one they are likely to believe?

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
About.com US Military Guide
http://usmilitary.about.com