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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/AFROTC
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Question
I just had orientation for AFROTC today and on the drug abuse section I answered that I had experimented with marijuana in 07/2007 twice. I am really nervous about this. Like what if my explanation of the reasoning was not good enough, what will happen, and will i need a waiver. I've tried to look online for answers but it just seems that the people asking the questions had used a lot more than I had so I feel as if I can not find an answer.
Billy -
ANY drug use is grounds for rejection to join the Air Force, especially into the officer corps. Although it would not be under their jurisdiction to take legal action, they would be well within their scope of authority to merely deny entrance into the military.
I know this isn't the answer you want to hear, but in the 24 years I served, drug abuse was always taken very seriously. I have seen people kicked out for testing positive on a random sweep for smoking one joint. This isn't something the military -- especially the Air Force -- gives waivers for. They don't even want to deal with it.
As far as your explanation for the experimentation, short of being a part of an official medical study group, the military does not consider ANY reason justifiable. Now you will just have to wait and see what they determine.
I'm sorry I couldn't provide you with more positive news.
Sincerely,
James Bell
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Answers by Expert:
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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