Expert: Dick Rogers - 10/11/2011

Question
I am a Military Police Officer in the U.S Army and ETS next month on an Honorable Discharge. I have applied to mulitple agencies and awaiting testing. About 6 1/2 years ago I was investigated for Misappropiation of Government funds. The investigation was closed unfounded due to no intent found which was accurate. The matter was then turned over to my company to deal with as they saw fit. They still initiated a company grade Article 15, suspending all punishment decisions. This incident occured in Iraq. I was informed this incident would not follow me but of course I am still going to disclose the information for background investigation purposes. How much would this matter weight on employment given the situation? Thank you for your concideration.

Answer
Todd, one thing is sure, if there is even a small cloud in one's background, and it is not disclosed, that would be enough to pass over a candidate.  Given your description of the result obtained by the investigators, that is, that the charges were unfounded with no intent found, I can see that as easily explained.  Oral boards provide the opportunity to clear up any cloudy background details.  You might even prefaced your statements regarding this incident with, "Although this information is probably not available to you, I feel it necessary to provide you with an explanation in order to be transparent about my past."  The tendency for oral boards to pass over someone usually involves non-disclosure rather than full disclosure.  There is always a counterpoint to the original point.  Good luck