Expert: Rod Powers - 3/4/2007

Question
Mr. Powers,

Browsing through previous questions you seem to be extremely knowledgeable on military subject matter.  This question may seem somewhat repetitive, but I could not find a past one quite like it; so I appreciate your time in answering.

I am 24 years old, prior-enlisted Air Force Active Duty 1C151.  As much as I loved being in the Air Force, I just could not get the technical degree I wanted while active duty, so after 4-years and much thought I decided not to re-enlist (honorably discharged, flawless service).  Now I am two-years away from a degree in Electrical Engineering with a great GPA, and am considering a Navy Commission.  I'd go back into the Air Force, but the Navy has the demand for nuclear engineers (which I am planning to master in).  The GI Bill has been very helpful in my education, but will run out around grad school.  I read your article on Navy Commissions but did not quite see the program I have been eyeing listed there (I’ve seen fliers posted around campus for it).  Apparently for engineers if you are within a year of your BS or MS degree, they will pay your tuition and pay you something comparative to active-duty pay while in school; provided you sign with them to serve upon graduation.  Sounded kind of like the Air Force bootstrap program (I think it was called that).  My wife is pretty excited about it too.

My ASVAB score was 96 (7 years ago, but I’m sure I could repeat it), so I am sure I'd qualify there.  Of course as with all these questions, there is a catch.  Just after I left the Air Force I was convicted of a DUI.  Believe me, I loose a lot of sleep over it still.  Otherwise perfect record, I blew it. I talked to a lawyer about my plans, and he assured me I'd never get security clearance for nuclear engineering and suggested I "just drop out of school and work at Wal-Mart."  Is there hope, or is he correct?  I truly miss serving my country, and want nothing more than the chance to prove that although I made one mistake, I still have a lot to offer.

Very Respectfully,
Justin Horrell  

Answer
Hi Justin,

I'm not sure I've heard of the program you're talking about. It seem like maybe ROTC? In any event, you should probably talk with a Navy Officer Accession Recruiter, who will have the latest info.

The lawyer you talked to, simply doesn't know what he's talking about, when it comes to Security Clearances. It's entirely possible to get a SECRET or even a TOP SECRET security clearance with a DUI on your records. The key is to be honest when completing the security clearance application. For details, see my Security Clearance article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/security.htm

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Website at: http://usmilitary.about.com