Expert: Howard Lorenz - 12/18/2007

Question
Hello,
     I am a 25 yr old student currently trying to pursue a career in the Air Force. Problem is that I have 5 misdemeanors on my record and require a waiver (all charges occurred 5+ years ago). 3 are traffic charges, 1 is a FTA, and the other is an underage possession of alcohol. My recruiter has been a big help in giving me info but I feel like he does not want to put time into helping me. I was wondering if you could give me any insight into what I should do/expect? thanks in advance.

Answer
John,

Sounds to me like you have a recruiter that is following the advise of his flight chief. In months where these guys are struggling with goal, the flight chiefs will direct them to work the"sure things" first. Most recruiters dont like to do waivers. They take time and they are not a sure thing. What they dont realize is that Waivers will help them to make goal. It just takes time to get them done or they have a commander that doesnt play or something. My advise is to tell your rrecruiter that you are ready to do what ever it takes to get this waiver done. if he doesnt want to play then find a recruiter that will help you. Try a recruiter in another city or even out of state. You basically have to have these guys work for you...problem is finding one.

When I did waivers I had conditions. 1 A waiver is an exception to policy. So if I had to do all this paperwork, you take any job they offer you. Remember, you are not qualified so you need to play this game. 2 You will take any ship day I can get you in. Grads are hard enough to get jobs at this time of the year, so this may be another reason he is somewhat avoiding you. Recrutiers need bookable assets this time of year as well.

If you still have a problem after a few weeks....say after the first of the year, Let me know who your recruiter is, where he is located, and his email address and telephone number Ill find you a recruiter that will write the waiver...

HW