Expert: John L - 6/1/2010

Question
When I was 14-15 I made a lot of stupid mistakes. I was charge with petty theft, tresspassing, assault. I was also charge with battery(2x) but the charges were dismissed. I since graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelors degree. I spoke with my recruiter and he told that I would need a waiver from USAREC and his 1st sgt USAREC is not giving waivers out. My recruiter suggest that I enlist and he told they would most likely in basic training try to get me to change my contract and become a 2nd LT. I don't mind enlisting if what he said was true. I just don't want an enlisted career. I am currently 24.

What is your take?

What do you recommend?

Is what my recruiter said about enlisting to become an officer true?

Would i be contacted by someone in basic to try to turn me into an officer?

If I get denied once for a waiver can I apply again?



Thank you for your help

Answer
His 1SG is not a wiaveer approval authority, sounds fishy.  You may need a waiver, but make him put in one and if you smell something fishy, run like the wind. Waivers ay be hard to getr right now, but if you wantg OCS, go OCS, you may also want to look at the guard for their OCS option, look at both and weigh the two, and choose the one that is right for you.

Once denied a waiver, you cannot apply again.