Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/22/2009

Question
Two weeks ago, I went to MEPS, and took the ASVAB scored a 95 with a GT score of 137 and the full physical. Further, I want to go enlisted with a college degree.  I had a reservation for an MOS, and was planning to get sworn in the following week.  However, that was delayed. I was told from the recruiter, the MSGT wants to see a police report of the aggravated assult charge I had 9 years ago when I was a juvenile.  It shows up in the FBI database as a Aggravated Assault charge, but was dismissed at victim's request.  Thats all the information they have on it.  Both me and the recruiter have been trying to get more information about it, but it has not been successful.  Further, I had a simple assault charge 8 years ago, a fight in school, and reads dissmissed due to lack of prosecution, intake service conference.  The meeting was nothing more than me and the other one involved explaing our sides of what happened, saying sorry and a handshake. SO far, we got the arrest report and I had wrote a letter explaining what happened. I had no convictions in these incidents; however, I am still being delayed. The recruiter is relying on someone to Wednesday to gather more information. I feel I have done everything I can; however, Is there anymore I can do?  Will this require waivers, even though no convictions?  Also, I had my mind set on Imagery Analyst, will this affect my eligibility?

Answer
Jason,
I don't know why the MSGT or anyone else would want to see more details.  The lack of convictions on your record should make him (and you) happy.  No waivers are necessary when there are no convictions.  A waiver for anything will not affect the career field (MOS) you wish to enter.  A waiver just allows you to enlist despite some kind of problem.

Ask them EXACTLY why they need more info.  They should be happy they're getting a trouble-free recruit.  If they give you some run-around BS, try bluffing them and say the Air Force said your record was good enough, but you'd really rather join the Army (or whatever Service you're trying for).  That should make them move.

I wish you luck and thanks for wanting to serve your country in uniform.

Colonel H