Expert: Rod Powers - 4/13/2007

Question
I am interested in joining the Navy/Air Force/Coast Guard and working in Intelligence. I am a first year college student, and want to leave to join the service during this time. During college, an old friend of mine came over and had some marijuana that I did not know about. He proceeded to smoke it and I made him put it out but panicked and tried to cover it up but the police came. I was arrested by the University police, but my friend eventually claimed it was all his and told them I had nothing to do with it. I have no court summons or any other consequences other than to write a paper for my resident hall adviser, but have recently found out I may be placed on academic probation by the school, not the local/federal law enforcement agencies. I am wondering if this will be revealed to the recruiter, and if so will I be in trouble? I have never smoked marijuana, and would be willing to take a urine test for it (Which I will have to in basic if I am correct?). I am wondering what to do and if it will effect my chances at enlisting.  

Answer
Hi Dan,

First of all, the "academic" sanctions won't mean a thing.

However, as part of enlistment, you must report all arrests, and convictions.

Because you were actually arrested for it, you'll have to report it. However, because you weren't convicted of the offense, nor had any "adverse sanctions" for the offense from the courts, it will likely not be a problem getting a waiver.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com