Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/ROTC scholarship felony restrictions?

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 11/16/2010


Question
Dear Sir,

I am a SGT in the Army, and I have a friend back home who is considering pursuing an ROTC scholarship.  Due to my military background, he has turned to me for help, but I don't know much about ROTC issues.  His concern is that due to a number of possession misdemeanors as a minor and one felony he is currently fighting, he may not be eligible.  He has outstanding grades and is an honor student who has demonstrated that he has put that part of his life behind him, so academically, he meets the criteria.  He wants to know if his criminal record (particularly his felony) will disqualify him from an ROTC scholarship.  Any assistance on what to tell him would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Matthew,
With the background he described it's highly unlikely that he'll be admitted into ROTC.  It may be possible for him to enlist with waivers, but I've yet to see them allow an officer candidate with a felony.  But it can't hurt to try.
Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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