Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/DUI and joining air force??

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/25/2009


Question
I recieved a misdemeanor DUI in October 2008 and was wondering what effects this would have on a military career?  I am 23 and will be graduating college in may 2010 with a BS in Civil Engineering, and a minor in Business Admin.  I was hoping to join the Air Force and get into OTS.  I don't know if it matters, but i was planning on choosing the 13DX AFSC. Will the DUI prevent me from being accepted, and if not will I still be able to obtain the top secret clearance level?

Answer
Jared,
If you have only ONE DUI it will not hurt you.  Plus, the more time that has elapsed since you got it is in your favor.

In all the hundreds of questions I've answered, you're the first to say he'd like to enter the 13DX Control and Recovery career field.  I believe that's because most people don't know much about it or they'd realize how exciting it can be.

Advice:  When you're in your senior year see your AF recruiter and tell him your intentions.  That way he can start the paperwork and you can minimize the waiting time for an OTS class start date.

Be careful celebrating your graduation next year, you don't want another DUI.
Thanks for wanting to serve your country, especially in the AF.
Colonel H

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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