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I'm wanting to enlist in the Washington NG... I'm 20 years old, and I feel like I'm running out of time. The unit which would be stationed to leaves to Iraq in February of 2007. I want to go with them. I know to do that I need to get to basic very soon. Heres my problem: I have a very long traffic ticket history, 15 infractions to date, most in the last year and a half. And one possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle. I did to days in jail for driving on a suspended licence. None are felonies. Is there hope?
Also I have fines. Id hate to put it like this, but theres no way I can pay them all off to go. Can I lie? I know if I'm caught Ill be discharged, and I know they do a background check at MEPS. I can have someone pay on them monthly while I'm away, but can I sneak it buy?
Moses:
First and foremost (lecture) STOP DRIVING LIKE AN IDIOT. There, now that that is out of the way...
To begin with, the gun charge is probably the biggest issue you'll have. IF it's a misdemeanor and you just have it on your record, it's possibly waiverable.
Second, likely you won't get your license back until you take care of the fines, correct? Well, then, DON'T DRIVE. Or, you'll get locked up, again, and probably never be able to enlist into anything.
Lying is never a good idea. If you are on some kind of payment plan, talk to the courts/state attorney, and tell them your situation. Tell them you are leaving for army boot camp and trying to do the right thing, get your life together, all that, see if they will waive the rest of the fines, so long as you complete training. See if they will give you a period of probation, (without seeing a probation officer) contingent on you completing your training and being on your way to a successful career. Many times they will work with you on this.
The bottom line is, you may not get caught at MEPS, but it's likely you will get caught eventually, and they can and will discharge you (after jailing you) for "Fraudulent enlistment", which will also get you a bad conduct discharge and a reenlistment code that keeps you from EVER entering any branch of the military no matter what it is. Furthermore, it will pretty much mean that for at least the next ten years, (possibly longer) the only job you'll be able to get will be the poor guy who sucks the crap out of the 'portajohn' with a long hose. Or plucking chickens, cleaning dumpsters, and things like that.
Jason
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you. Ive been trying to get my life back together, and let me tell ya, its a long road. To think, if i would have went with all my friends after high school, id have almost 3 years of service, and none of these problems... Live and learn right. Thank you for your help and advice, i havent had any yet, and i found this site, and its has been my biggest source of guidence so far... Im not going to give up, thank you again... | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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