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Question
My 18 year old son was caught shoplifting when he was 17 years old, he was not arrested, he did community service and paid a fine of $60.00. He also paid for the clothes he was shoplifting $123.00. He wants to join the air force and was talking to a recruiter. When he told the recruiter about the shoplifting, the recruiter told him that he was not eligible to apply for the air force because of the shoplifting. Is this true?
In short, yes.
What he actually should have said is that your son could normally apply for a waiver (which is usually granted for such a minor offense), but the Air Force is currently accepting NO waivers at all. He should be eligible for any of the other Services, he just picked the wrong one at this time. Each Service has their own rules when it comes to accepting waivers. For example, the Marines will not accept waivers for any drug-related offense. Other minor offenses are allowed.
If he's not dead-set on the Air Force or nothing, then he has a chance with the other Services.
I appreciate his willingness to serve and wish him well in whatever he chooses.
Colonel H
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Answers by Expert:
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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