Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Changing Dishonrable Discharge

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Expert: - 3/13/2010


Question
Dear Sir

I was in the Navy from 1978 until 1982 I was given a dishonorable for being AWOL several times since then I have not been in any trouble with the law can I get this removed from my record.Thank you in advance for your recommendations.

Answer
Larry -

I wish I could help you, but this is a legal question that is way outside my area of expertise.  I answer questions about Air Force enlisted aircrew careers.  I do know that the military does not hand out Dishonorable Discharges lightly, and it would take a lawyer specializing in military law to review your case and engage the military to have it overturned.  At any rate, I think you are looking at making a much larger financial investment in changing this that getting advice on a free forum such as this.

I'm sorry I can't be of further service to you.

Sincerely,
James Bell

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

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James Bell

Expertise

I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.

Experience

Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager

Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.

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