Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/31/2007

Question
I got in trouble in highschool for a marijuana charge, will that keep me from joining the air force?

Answer
Dear Danielle --

Your eligibility depends on the status of your juvenile charges.  If your juvenile record is sealed, and you have stayed out of trouble since, you will have no trouble getting a waiver and joining.  If your record is open, or your actions were a felony, then your chance are smaller.  It is still possible to get a criminal record waived, and join the service.  The Air Force is the least likely of the service to approve such a waiver at this time.  

Good luck to you.