Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 9/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: Ok I've always wanted to join the military and planned to when I turned 18 because I was a lost and very immature 18 year old hanging with the wrong crowd. My family talked me out of it and shortly after I was dared to break into an apartment and like an idiot I did. I stole an xbox and got caught. The judge felt I was no threat to society and gave me 3 years probation and house arrest and I only paid about $400 in fines. I later had the charge expunged and my probation terminated early. This is my only run in with the law and I've turned my life around dramatically. I got married, attend college, became a Christian and actively serving at my church and serving God,and don't even have a parking ticket.I spoke with an army recruiter and told him my story and he said he feels I could get a moral waiver. i just want to get some input on what you guys think as far as if I can get the waiver and if I enlist would I possibly have a chance of getting a "confidential clearance" and maybe what type of jobs I would qualify for. I take full responsibility for my crime but I want to fight for a second chance at a real career, I've always wanted to do military police so I'm keeping that in prayer, I just can't go on with life without trying. I can handle getting a NO but I can't handle not trying.Well I just spoke with my recruiter he was really helpful. He said his supervisor was going to let me enlist however they don't have permission to give moral waivers at this time. He told me to keep checking in every two months because the recruiters find out through an email whether the army is giving moral waivers.I understand October 1st is the start of the new fiscal year for recruiters so do you think the army will be granting moral waivers then to meet recruiting goals? Any info will help thanks ahead and God Bless.

ANSWER: You stand a great chance of getting a waiver, in my opinion. You have to realized the Army doesn't generally issue 'Confidential' Clearances anymore even though the regulation does say that's the standard for MPs. You'll have to qualify for 'Secret' but that still shouldn't be too hard. Check September/October timeframe for the end and beginning of the fiscal year.. that's when your chance in the near term is going to be greatest. I would check with your recruiter and call another one just for a second opinion. If you really want to be an MP I think you'd be wise to just keep talking with the recruiter and it will work itself out. Be warned, we deploy as much or more than any other force out there so life as an MP isn't the easiest.. but it is rewarding.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the information. I took the asvab and didn't do well, I scored  a 39. My recruiter said I didnt need to study he told me to just score above a 31. Will my score affect me getting a waiver? and do you know what the waiver process is like? I'm waiting to take my physical and I also have two letters of recommendation from good people I know with 20 plus years in the air force. Again thank you and God Bless you.

Answer
Your ASVAP score won't necessarily preclude you from getting a waiver, but it will limit the types of jobs you can get when entering the Army. If you think you can do better, there is no harm in asking the Recruiter to re-take the test; it's probably easier to do it now than later. I don't know what the waiver process is like, but I'm sure most of it takes place in paperwork channels back at recruiting command. This means it will take time and patience. I wish you luck.