Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/13/2009

Question
I am a 29 year old civilian with a recent bachelor's degree in information technology. I am considering enlisting in the Army and applying for OCS, but I have a couple of blemishes from my past that I am concerned about. About ten years ago I was denied entry into the Marine Corps when I tested positive for Marijuana at MEPS. More recently (five years ago) I received a misdemeanor DUI alcohol conviction. I now have two children, am married, and have put my former lifestyle behind me. What are my chances of still being accepted into OCS?

Answer
William,
Both the legal problems and your age may cause you problems.
Normally you must be no older than 29 at time of entry but applicants ages 30-34 may request a waiver.

Requirements for commission are much more strict than the normal enlisted person's requirements. In general, an applicant for commission must have no convictions by civil or military courts. (This does not apply to minor traffic violations with a fine or forfeiture of $250.00 or less).  An applicant must not have been judged to be a juvenile offender.  This applies even if the court sentence, or any part of it, was suspended or withheld, or such conviction was in any way removed from court records by satisfactory completion of a period of probation.  This also applies to adverse juvenile adjudication. (Note: Some convictions can be waived).

Where your problem lies is that you need 2 waivers, one for age and one for legal.  I don't know if the Army is accepting 2 waivers right now.  You'll have to talk to your local recruiter.

The MEPS drug test is so old it's not a problem because you could've retested again in 45 days.  I wouldn't even mention it.

You've got a good plan.  Don't give up hope.
Please let me know how it goes for you.
Colonel H