Expert: Rod Powers - 10/9/2007

Question
Grettings, Mr. Powers

First of all I've been using your articles on usmilitary.about.com for about a year now. An excellent resource to say the least.

Down to the point, I am a 22 year old male about to graduate with my bachelor's degree in engineering. I have been very active at the university, I have even been president of several student organizations. Unfortunately, I have a retail theft charge and possession of stolen property from when I was in high school. Also underage drinking when I was 18.

So I been to many recruiters and after about a year of research am looking to join the air force through OTS. I am working on my waivers right now and I know of the air force downsizing and how they are highly selective. Not quite sure how I'll fair. I've also been looking into the navy and or enlistment as an option. I kinda of think of it as a waist of my degree to enlist but it would give me an opportunity to learn something new.

Frankly I am having a great deal of trouble making a decision I took the ASVAB and scored a 97. I know I could make it as an officer. But I am also interested in learning something new through enlistment.

I guess just some advice would be nice. I would be happy to clarify anything.

Thanks, Brandon

Answer
Hi Brandon,

All things being equal, you would probably be much happier as a commissioned officer. Pay is much greater, and junior officers have more authority and responsibility than junior enlisted members.

On the negative side is your criminal history. While the charges you listed would almost surely be waived for enlistment, the standards for commission are significantly higher.

On the positive side is your degree in engineering, especially if you have a relatively high GPA. The services (all the services) like it when their commissioned officers have technical/scientific degrees.

One possibility is to enlist first, then apply to attend OTS/OCS after a period of time as an enlisted member. Assuming you have a good service record after two or three years enlisted (which would allow you to do something new), this should help negate the significance of the previous criminal offenses.

In any event, only you can make this decision. I wish you the best of luck.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com