Expert: Chris Wagoner - 5/18/2008

Question
Hello,Commander Chris

I served honorably in the USAF as an SP for six and a half years. during that time I served over four years of my enlistment overseas, South Korea and Iraq to name just a few. Those two tours probably had the most positive effects on me both, personally professionally as an NCO. But, they weren't without their stumbling blocks. First, in Korea I was apprehended by town patrol for curfew violation. no article 15 or paperwork was ever handed out for that foolish mistake. Second, in Iraq my primary duty was daily IED sweeps of our convoy routes, needless to say it wasn't all fun and games, lives were taken ( thankfully none of ours ) Upon return from Iraq and separation from the USAF I haven't gotten a job, I've been collecting unemployment and taking a  break. I hope that is enough background for you to give me informed answers you may give My questions are as follows:

1.Do you think that my incident in Korea will seriously hinder me in any way during the hiring process?

2.After I came back from Iraq and separated from the USAF, I had a tough time readjusting to civilian life. I did nothing illegal, but I did go to the VA for some counseling, where we talked about our feelings(play violins LOL)and I don't know what the VA wrote down from my many musings on the direction of my life. When they conduct a background check, will they look into my VA medical records?

3. Like I said earlier in my little bio, I am currently unemployed. I joined a gym when I came back and tried to cancel my membership soon after i joined up but it has been a pain in the butt playing phone tag, and through nobody's fault but mine, I've let the membership continue without making anymore payments. I am in the process of squaring away this issue as we speak, I would like to know if this is  a deal breaker? I have had no previous problems with my credit. thank you.

Answer
Hey Rick,

Go start applying would you please. Your background is fine. LOL Your incident in Korea will not show anywhere and is actually so minor I would not even mention it.

As for you VA Medical Records, background investigations do not include medical backgrounds. Your VA medical records are private and they will not get them or even attempt to get them for a background. Plus what you described is the out processing that all vets go through now. SO no worries there. You also get veterans preference points at most places!

And your gym membership is your only credit issue? Then don't worry about it. Get it squared away and then you will be fine.

All of the things you mentioned are VERY minor by normal police hiring and background standards. We need ex-military men and women in law enforcement. If you not adverse to moving what about North Florida? We have a great VA Medical Center here (I know I am a disabled vet myself) and the area is beautiful.

Get off your butt and get going before you let to much time lapse and you get soft and "civilian" on us again. Your military experience will help you greatly in the academy, since its para-military in nature. You can  read more about applying here i Florida if your interested at: http://www.policecareers.org/ .

Good luck and thank you for your service to our great country!!