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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/do i qualify?
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Question
Hello sir, I recently tried joining the military a couple of months ago. Here is my situation:
I was 19 when I caught a battery charge against my brother and I was put on probation for that. About 7 months later I couldnt afford the program that I was assigned to so my probation officer violated me and I spent two months in jail. Ever sine then I havent gotten into any trouble and I have 30 hours of college credits. Do I qualify for the U.S. Army and if so, what process do I have to go through.
Calvin,
Short Answer - Yes, you probably can get into the Army, but not right now.
You will need to apply for a waiver to join the Army. An Army recruiter will help you process an application for a waiver, and since it wasn't a major offense Army headquarters will probably approve it.
Here's the catch. The Army has already given out all the waivers they are allowed for this year. On October 1st they will receive their new quota of waivers, so you want to be first in line to get one. I know October sounds like a long wait, but it's only 3 1/2 months and you want all the odds in your favor.
So on October 1st go see an Army recruiter and apply for a waiver. You should be OK then.
Colonel Howell
PS. I hope you beat your brother good, to make it worth all the trouble it caused.
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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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