Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/29/2011

Question
Sir,

I had a question about claims that a single misdemeanor is disqualifying for Coast Guard entry.  Unfortunately, I was charged with a DUI in 2004.  I did all that was required of me without problems.  

I am a former active USAF EOD Technician (Bomb Squad).  I was honorably discharged after 6 years of service.  I am looking at getting commissioned into the Coast Guard Reserves as it's relevant to my long-term professional goal (DHS Employee).  I will be completing my bachelors in Homeland Security in January, 2011.  My current GPA is 3.92.  I will be immediately starting a Masters in Homeland Security at Penn State University.

I have spoken to a recruiter, and the farthest we got into joining was that I missed the window for package submission for commissioning recruits.  My next chance is a year away (Fall 2012).  It is supposedly my last chance as I'll be 37 the following year (2013) when the board convenes.

I have been trying to research the misdemeanor issue and actually came across an excerpt from a Coast Guard manual that contradicts this absolute claim about a misdemeanor in your record.  The table listed what the Coast Guard considers misdemeanors as well as timelines and criterion that would constitute a disqualification.

In your honest opinion, is merely having a misdemeanor disqualifying?

Is it worth my time to wait for the next window?

Lastly, do you believe if it came down to it that a letter directly to someone with significant authority in the Coast Guard would influence my chances?

I apologize for the length, but I've nowhere else to look.  I look forward to hearing from you.

God bless, and stay safe.

Respectfully,

Tafiaina N. Suani

Answer
Tafiaina,

With that name you sound like a Pacific Islander, am I right?  Just wondering.  

You and he are both somewhat correct.  He just didn't explain it well.

Did you talk to him before 1 Oct 2011?  If so, he was correct.  However, I'm surprised he didn't tell you to come back after 1 Oct.  New waivers begin again on 1 Oct every year.  So talk to him NOW.

If you did talk to him after 1 Oct, then he just doesn't want to fool with you.  Waivers are time consuming and some recruiters don't like to process them.  
Some types of criminal activity, like a felony, are clearly disqualifying; other cases like a misdemeanor merely require a waiver, wherein the Service examines your circumstances and makes an individual determination of qualification.  Your recruiter processes the paperwork for a waiver request.

The USCG WILL consider a waiver for a single misdemeanor. A simple DUI is no problem. However, there are a very limited number of waivers allowed to be submitted by each recruiter.  Also, you are considered a "re-enlistment" and not a new recruit, and he is given a very small quota of re-enlistments.  Also as a "reenlistment" he receives $0 for you.

If you feel he is being short, impatient, or impolite, go to another USCG recruiter in another city.  It's perfectly legal to go "recruiter shopping" until you find one you like and will work with you.  A recruiter is in your town just for your convenience.

Good luck, and thanks for your Service.
  Colonel H