Expert: John L - 6/2/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Sir,

    I realize I can not be awarded a waiver for marijuana at this time to join Army Reserves. I was charged with a very small amount over ten years ago, and I was a juvenile at the time. What do you think my chances are getting this waived this coming Oct.? Does the fact that the MOS I am interested in (68x Mental Health Specialist) is in high demand right now? Will this increase my chances? Also, will my pot charge disqualify me for this MOS?

Thank you

ANSWER: I doubt the Army will grant any drug waivers in the next couple of years.  The pot charge would disqualify you from several jobs, including anything medical and aviation, but the rest are open.  It will not stop you from getting a clearance either since it was so long ago.

You could try the Guard, we can take one pot charge as long as you dont have alot of other issues.

Give them a call and find out your options.  Guard is like the reserves, only better, seriously!

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

QUESTION: "Guard is like the reserves, only better, seriously!"

You have my attention. Could you give me some examples of how the Guard is better? I have read up on the Guard and it seems I can become an officer with only 60 college credits? I am currently enrolled and I have 40 credits, so far. Will the pot charge keep me from becoming an officer?
I have already left a message for a local Guard recruiter to contact me.  

Thanks

ANSWER: The pot charge will not keep you from ocs unless it was really recent.  The guard is better because you get state and federal benefits, rather than just federal.  More units as we are bigger and usually serve closer to home.  

You need 60 hours to start OCS and 90 to commission.

A guard recruiter can show you the rest, if you enlist, the minute you have 60 credit hours, put in your OCS packet.

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

QUESTION: I initially inquired about the pot charge because the regular army told me that's the ONLY thing (out of a few other charges# keeping me from enlistment. In total I have the pot charge and an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge #misdemeanor# from when I was a minor. I went joyriding with someone who actually stole the vehicle. I am now 28. Also, in 2003 I received a public intoxication charge and in July of 2008 I received a DWI...... I would question myself after viewing this record.

And to top it all off, I was charged #not convicted# of Assault with Deadly Weapon when I was a minor. PLEASE NOTE: I went to court and the judge DISMISSED the case. I didn't have to do any community service, pay fines, probation etc. It was %100 thrown out. I lived with my mother and kid sister #I was 17) and my aunt and her boyfriend moved in. He was caught stealing from us and was kicked out of the house. A few months later my girlfriend and I were home alone and the boyfriend shows up. I do my best to avoid ANY type of altercation. I don't answer the door. He ends up breaking into the house and was in the middle of robbing us. I picked up my Louisville Slugger and proceeded to defend my home against an intruder. Afterwards, I call the police and I get arrested..not him. It turns out the boyfriend told the police that was his house and I was causing problems. I went to court and the charge was DISMISSED. So, given the fact I am NOT a convicted felon and the charge was dismissed, will this work against me? Will this come into play at all?

I know I don't look good on paper. I made two dumb juvenile mistakes and two dumb adult alcohol related mistakes. What, if anything, can I do to prove to the Guard I am not how my record portrays me? Am I worth the time and effort? I am speaking with a recruiter over the phone now, and he appears to be working with me on all the charges except the dismissed felony. The Guard recruiter says he is not sure if I'm eligible, but he is looking into it. I have not disclosed the dismissed felony with him, yet.

I realize I just wrote a small book here, and I could not appreciate your time any more than I already do.  
Thanks again

Answer
The assult wont matter only covicted felons or deferred (like classes instead of conviction) matter, but the drunk in public, dwi and possession combined will disqualify you medicaly as well for having issues, waivers can be granted, especially if it was not recent (5 years).  If you need waiver, don't count on OCS either as entry.