Expert: Rod Powers - 8/13/2006

Question
Okay, I will do this, but first can you tell me does/could this affect my son’s enlistment rights into the Navy?  The last thing my son needs is military prison or a dishonorable discharge.  As his parents we want to support our son, but we also need to do the right thing for him.   
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Followup To

Question -
My son is a senior this year and is in the DEP.  Several weeks ago he went for his physical and all was fine.  He plays football at his high school.  Several days ago, during practice, he sustained a second grade concussion. This means it took him more than fifteen minutes for his mental state to return to normal.  Although he is on the road to recovery with his memory in tact, his recruiter has advised us not to tell anyone about this.  He stated that it could keep my son from enlisting for 10 years.  I have two questions.  Should we follow his advice, or should we find another recruiter?



Answer -
Hi Leigh,

No, you should not follow the recruiter's advice.  For details, see my article about False Statements for enlistment at: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup/a/falsestatements.htm.

Want to test it? Ask the recruiter to sign and date the following statement:

"I (recruiter's name) certify that I have officially advised (your son's name) to withhold information concerning his recent injury. I take total and complete responsibility for this advice, as his recruiter."

I bet you anything he would refuse to sign such a statement (because he knows it could send him/her to military prison). He/she would much rather your son risk military prison or involuntary discharge, than him/her.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my military information website at: http://usmilitary.about.com.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com


Answer
Hi Leigh,

One *cannot* be criminally prosecuted for false statements while in the DEP (Delayed Enlistment Program). However, if he goes onto active duty, based on false statements, he can be prosecuted, or administratively discharged (possibly with an "Other than Honorable") for false enlistment.

"Coming Clean" while in the DEP *may* mean disqualification for enlistment, but that's not the same thing as a court-martial or administrative discharge.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com