Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/13/2007

Question
QUESTION: Cynthia Bedell-I recently tried to enlist in the army and was turned away for my criminal history. I took the test and physical at Fort Dix. I accepted JESUS CHRIST as LORD years ago and am not the person I once was. I know I could make my country proud if given the opportunity. My question is do I have any options left to still enlist or should I give up?   Respectfully,  Mike Mattingly
ANSWER: Dear Michael --

You did not say what your crime was, but only a few crimes are waiverable to allow you into the service.  The Army had a very bad experience with waivering limited education and criminal records during the 1970s, and is trying not to repeat that mistake.

You can revisit your criminal record and your enlistment, and see if it is a waiverable offense.  You could also see if the state in which you were found guilty has a means to expunge your criminal record. Once your record was expunged, you could again try to re-enlist.

Be certain that you can control the urges that mislead you before.  An Army at war is a very unforgiving place to work.  

Best of luck to you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Col. Bedell-Thank you very much for your response. If you could still shed some light on my chances. I have no felonies, but I do have extensive traffic(no dui's), shoplifting,joyriding in a stolen,recieving stolen property. All these charges were over 5 years ago,before CHRIST came in my life.I'm in excellent shape and my character today speaks for itself. Everybody's seen the transformation, (my pastor, family, friends, etc.).Having said that, I guess my question is can I continue to try to enlist or should I move on to the ministry? Thank you so much for your advice!!! Respectfully,  Mike

Answer
Dear Mike --

Given the repeated and various nature of your crimes, the military will be very hesitant to waiver your record and allow you to enlist.  This is despite the fact that you have turned over a new leaf, and have been a law-abiding citizen for 5 years.  Military life is very stressful, and could trigger negative behavior in people prone to that behavior.

Since you have no felonies, there is a slight possibility, that you could get a waiver.  I emphasize slight.  There are many ways to serve your nation, your neighbors, and your god.  If you feel a calling to the ministry, that path may have more impact on everyone around you than the military.  Certainly your difficult path from darkness to light could be a lesson to others that are on the same difficult road.

I hope you will search your soul and choose the path that is right for you at this time.

Best of luck to you.