Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: How long does MEPS hold on to records? Example: An applicant who failed a UA at MEPS and was unable to continue processing?

ANSWER: Dear Javier --

Expect that the military can look up that UA failure by your social security number in the digital records into to the far future.  Is that true in every case?  No.  However, since the digital age has arrived, records are virtually permanent.  If you had a failed UA, you will need to petition for a morality waiver.  Unfortunately none of the services are offering those waivers right now.

Good luck to you.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you see waivers being accepted in the 2010 fiscalyear?

Answer
Dear Javier --

If the job market improves, I expect a few waivers will become available each month.  However, from April through July high school graduates flood the recruiters so those months will have few waiver opportunities.

If you check early each month, you may find a month when they need recruits and are willing to work a waiver with you.

Good luck to you.