Expert: John L - 3/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: Mr. Lewis, I am a prior service (e4) vet who recieved an honorable discharge (2005). I am currently unemployed (laid off) and I have a family to think about.  I graduated from U of MD in 2008 (Magna cum Laude, 3.9 GPA).  I am considering going back into the military, but am wondering whether I can go OCS or not.  Shortly after I got out of the military in 2005(before my family), I "tried" pot twice.  I admitted to it when applying for a law enforcement job in 2007, so I am afraid that when they do a clearance check it will come up. Would very limited pot use, 5 years ago, keep me from re-enlisting or going to Army OCS?  

Secondly, if I am just looking for a job skill; such as intel, should I just enlist?

Lastly, I have been talking to a National Guard recruiter, but I still cannot find a job.  I don't want to go away to OCS, AIT, or any other training and still come back not able to find a job.  Would you recommend AD for a few years until the job market picks up?

Thanks for your time...

ANSWER: Ok, need alittle bit more info.

How old are you?
What was your MOS
What branch were you in?


Pot twice not an issue.

AD really deoends on you, but AD isnt taking much prior service nowadays, but is possible.  

get me the info I need, I can better answer your questions.

thanks

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply... I am 27 years old, i was in a special duty assignment in the Air Force; USAF Honor Guard (no actual AFSC or MOS as the army calls it).  So, basically, I am a prior service vet with no job training in the military except carrying coffins at Arlington.

Answer
You could enlist under the OCS option in the Guard, but you would have to go to a 5 week bootcamp to learn Army stuff.  However, you would not be a good candidate for OCS since you do not have prior Army experience, but that may or may not matter.  its about 50/50 on success rate of non army candidates.  

If you wish intel, just enlist in the guard in the slot you qualify for, you will go to the boot camp, then to Intel school.  May give you the stuff you need to be competetive in the civilian world.