Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/6/2009

Question
Dear Sir,

My son (20) has recently decided that he'd like to join the Air force.  He has never been in trouble with the law, had done very well in high school and is an all-around good kid.

When his father and I divorced he took it very hard and withdrew.  His dad ended up having terminal cancer and he literally watched him wither away and die. (He passed away in December 08) During that time he stated hanging out with the wrong kids and took pills to "numb" the effect of watching his dad die.  Being on drugs made him do and say things that he normally wouldn't do. He voluntarily went into rehab for 4 days.  A couple of months later he had a relapse and voluntarily signed himself into rehab for 8 days.  He has been completely clean for over a year.  Even with the death of his dad he did not lapse.

My questions are:  Does he even have a shot at getting a waiver?  Can he even join any branch of the Armed Services?  Is there anything that he can do to show that he is not a risk?  Will letters from prominent military personnel help?

Please don't suggest lying, living with a secret that holds a Felony charge is not the solution.

Thanks for your help and insight into the matter.

Jen


Answer
Jen,

First of all my condolences on the loss of your husband.

It really depends upon the type of drugs your son was using.  "Soft" drugs like marijuana are easily waived, but "Hard" drugs like cocaine are not waivered.

I'm glad to hear he has remained clean for over a year.  You're correct about encouraging him not to lie, that can get him into worse problems.

The best thing your son has going for him is if he's never been arrested for using illegal drugs.  You didn't mention any legal problems so I'm assuming he's OK there.

I suggest he talk to a recruiter of his choice and be completely honest with him.  There's no penalty for just talking to him.  However, don't go see a recruiter until after October 1st.  Right now all the Services have reached their recruiting goals for 2009.  The new quotas for 2010 are released on October 1st and the recruiters will be begging for people.  If the recruiter thinks your son has a good chance, he'll process the waiver for him.

If he's not choosy, his best chance will probably be with the Army.

I wish him the best of luck,
Colonel H