Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Marijuana possession charge

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 12/23/2009


Question
Hi my name is Michael and I am now 21 years old. Back when I was 18 I was charged with a useable amount of MJ (court valued to less than 2 dollars). I am in the process of joining the Coast Guard and I am waiting to hear back from a recruiter. Will this charge keep me from getting into this branch or is there a good chance that this could get waived ?

Answer
Michael,
Most of the Services will waive such a minor misdemeanor.  However, since so many people are joining, the Services can afford to be picky and so no.  It's really a "try it and see" deal nowadays.  I'd say your chances are good.
If you're not having any luck with your local recruiter, go to another one.  It's perfectly permissible to go "recruiter shopping" until you find one you like.  The one in your town is just there for your convenience.  Before you spend the time driving to another town and another recruiter, I suggest you consult this website:

http://www.gocoastguard.com/get-the-answers/find-a-recruiter

You can talk to a recruiter by phone and ask if they're granting waivers right now.

Thanks for wanting to join,
Colonel Howell

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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