Expert: Chris Wagoner - 2/26/2009

Question
Hello Commander Wagoner,

I am very interested in pursuing Law Enforcement employment - specifically assisting with digital evidence recovery.  However, I had some problems early in life due to an undiagnosed "text book case" ADHD condition.

All of my juvenile behavior has been dismissed / expunged and other than a single DUI in 1997, I have been completely "normal".  I am not a felon, and I have a valid CCW permit.

In 1995, I was discharged for "misconduct" from the US Navy with a little over 20 months of service.  However, I was allowed to enlist with numerous waivers for juvenile misconduct and a pending conviction for a felony (which was later expunged post service, in 2008).

Despite these serious marks against me, I was aggressively recruited because of my ASVAB score and sent to A-school to be an Air Traffic Controller.  I receiving an overall score of 89 upon completion and was sent to an LHD (amphibious assault platform) to serve.

Everything in my discharge is correct and factual.  I was however, coerced into accepting the General Discharge by my Chief.  I should have stuck it out.  They had already been denied a request to administratively separate me due to my performance in A-School.  He basically told me to sign it, or he would make my life miserable for the remainder of my enlistment.

I only mention that to indicate that my service was needed, my skill was strong, and that the military actually was not insisting that I be discharged.  I am over those details now, focusing on being thankful that the Chief set me towards the path in life which I am presently on.

Currently, I am 3/4 of the way through a Mechanical Engineering degree, married and a self taught and employed programmer / security, surveillance technician with a strong desire to share my skills with the Law Enforcement community.

I feel that there are three strong options available to me which will precipitate that outcome.

1. Apply for review of discharge, appealing to the board with the diagnosis of ADHD, the psychiatrists records and my behavior as a civilian (along with a multitude of veterans providing recommendations for upgrade to Honorable.)

2. Attempt to Re-enlist with the same supporting documentation as above.

3. Face the challenge of applying to the local Sheriff's Office to work as a evidence recovery technician "as is" (because my computer skills are extensive and well practiced) admitting my discharge information after being granted an interview (kinda risky I know, but not necessarily dishonest or illegal - I don't want them to focus on who I was, but who I am and what I do.)

I know that the review for discharge is difficult, but I believe that I can present a strong case of "error".  That would be on both parts.  

- My not knowing or indicating a pre-existing condition which would have not persisted as long as it did, had I received treatment

- Their discharging me after treatment for alcohol use, which was incorrectly prescribed in lieu of a clinical evaluation of my other than honorable behavior, despite having displayed a pattern of misconduct prior to enlistment (not alcohol related) and an inconclusive in-patient treatment / diagnosis as a juvenile (which was waivered during my enlistment).

2. The second option seems less likely, as I am currently prescribed and taking medication for my condition which allows me to remain as normal as I believe I ever have been (and I am pretty sure that air-traffic control would be out - thus making me less desirable to the recruiters)

3. This seems the best option, but I do not want to do anything that would preclude my employment.  Also, considering the possibility of being processed for a "top secret" clearance - I wouldn't want to give them any indication of dishonesty.

Thank you in advance for any information.

Hoping to serve once more,

GLA  

Answer
Hello GLA,

Well you never really asked a question, but I think I know what you want. :)

You are asking if you have a chance in law enforcement? The answer is yes, your OTH discharge is not an issue. Only Dishonorable are. You would simply explain the OTH to the background Investigator. Your background would be looked at very carefully. You would have to explain why anything that they ask about in a professional and concise manner.

You need to read this : http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109844

I wrote that just for people that are wanting to get into law enforcement.

As for computer forensics, thats what we call it, you will need to go to a few schools either before or after your hired. Many colleges are offering certifications in this topic and degrees also. I teach the core courses for Data Forensics here at SFC.

Read that post then if you still have a question, post a follow-up..

Be well and good luck..