Expert: John L - 5/15/2009

Question
Hi John,
I've been looking into the military for a while now.  Air Force told me to take a walk, Army is not doing a very good job lying to me (i don't like being blown smoke) and well, I got a great recruiter in the Navy.

Background.  I have a B.S. in Biochem with so-so grades.  I also have a record which  is not bad, but not officer material.  I am a firefighter.  The recruiter is the brother of a fellow firefighter and he is awesome. Flat out honest and helpful.  I feel he is truly working for my benefit, problem is he is new and I worry about his sources of information.

A few questions, he is putting together an OCS package for the OCS recruiter, but he is pretty sure my background will DQ me.  He said however, I could enlist (after OCS gets declined, he wont let me E until they say no to O) and apply for OCS until I get it.  He said that proving myself in the Navy will make my misbehavior as a kid go away and my chances are probably 100% if I have the patience to wait my turn. FYI I got a 95 on the EST pre test.  Letting the navy pay for my MS wont hurt either.

Two, I recently got a ticket while driving.  Fleeing the scene.  Obviously I didn't flee because I got the ticket at the scene.  I could fight it and most definately win, but that will take 2 months and cost $650.  Pleading guilty means freeing me up for the Navy now and only $250.  Will taking the guilty for the sake of time and money hurt me in the long run of OCS, or will that fade with time also.  I plan on submitting a desposition with the guilty saying that we all know I'm innocent, but its just cheaper to plea guilty (small town court, has reputation for bogus tickets to build revenue).

I also have a dog.  I am told I will go in as E-3, can I have a dog on base, or at least get off base assistance.  I will not abandon this dog, and will sacrifice my future for him.  I am his 5th owner, I got him when he was 2.  My best friend will not live in a shelter ever again.  He is a golden ret. so I don't think breed restriction is an issue.

Thanks for your answers.

Answer
OCS probably won't happen due to background, and you cannot join until all fines are paid.  Depending on your charges, there may be a waiting period.  You will go in as an E3, but you will not get housing for your dog unless you are married.  If single, you will live on ship or in bachelor quarters where no pets are allowed.

You have some tough decisions to make, if you are innocent of charges, don't plead guilty, it may hurt you more that help you.

talk to the recruiters supervisor for more in depth help if yours lacks experience.