Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/14/2009

Question
Mr. Lorenz-
       I recently spoke to a recruiter at my school from the Air Force about the TDSP program they have. I am very interested and am looking to join. I am married and have two children so I see this being very beneficial for me and my family. I set up an appointment to meet with him this monday, but while thinking over the weekend about what could possible disqualify me for this program I started to remember how I got a DUI about 4 years ago. I know this isn't a minor offense at all especially when seeking to be a commissioned officer for the Air Force, but a lot has changed in my life since this event. I am married and have two children and am working on a B.S in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology. I want to know if I'm wasting mine and the recruiters time by going in to talk to him about this program. Thanks for you help and I look forward to hearing back from you

             -Dan

Answer
Dan,

As you already know the Air Force has a zero tolorance policy to alcohol abuse of any kind. The fact that you have some time since your DUI and youhave somce continuing education to go with that time is on your side. This DUI will still require a waiver, but the information about time and education will make the commanders decision about granting you that waiver will be an easy one for him to make. Since you will be going on active duty before entering the program, the DUI wont be that much of a factor once you are on active duty. Be sure that you have all documentation for the recruiter so that the process will be quick. The documents needed are the following:

Birth Certificate (Original), College Transcritps (Official un opened) ,Drivers License and Social Security Card.  

You will also have to under go an ASVAB test,credit check becasue you are married and a dependancy waiver. Its alot to under go but its all worth while for the end result.

H