Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/8/2011

Question
Mr. Howell,

"Hello and thank you for taking time to view and answer my concerns. I am in hopes of joining up with the ANG, AFR. My main concern involves my acceptance into the unit. I am currently 32 years of age with a strong employment history, letters of reference from a Major in the US Army and one detailing my time involved coaching youth sports in my local community. Unfortunately I have skeletons in my closet that have haunted me on paper for the past 13 years. One is a possession of marijuana. The other involved me being in possession of stolen property-this infraction occurred 14 years and 3 months ago. These were decisions involving very poor and immature judgement on my part. I have overcome these troubles to be a responsible father of two with a strong and steady work history. Ultimately, I am hoping that the individual I am today coupled with relevant work experience will outweigh my past faults and the Air Force would give strong consideration to a waiver. Your thoughts or
experiences with similar circumstances is greatly appreciated."

Answer
Glenn,
So are you considering the Army?  Hopefully, because they are the most lenient.  You'll have to get a waiver, and the waivers are all used up this year.  Wait until October when the new quota of  waivers comes out and you shouldn't have any problem then.
Good luck,
Colonel H