enlisting in air force with past records?

Question

I was a minor and a navy dependent and was charged with auto theft. this was about 5 years ago. 

Two years ago I wanted to join the Army and they said that the minor incident wouldn't be found out since it was at a Navy military installation and was sealed. But i backed out.

Last year I went to the Navy to enlist and TOLD them about the incident and they said i would be able to get in still but when i talked to the NCO he declined my application. They told me to try the Air Force but don't tell them anything.

Now i'm joining the Air Force and I haven't said a word about anything. And i'm set to leave in May. But about a year ago i also joined a cruise line which gave MMD (Merchant Mariner's Document) Cards which i think is part of the Coast Guard. Anyways I was caught with possession of ice. They told me to give back the MMD and it would be a closed case.

What are the chances of me getting in and what are the chances of them finding out both of those? Should I tell them?

Gabriel · Accepted Answer

Without even going into an "Integrity" speech, I will mention I was a Security Manager for about 1 year.  With a SECRET clearance (which you will apply for and will be investigated for) it could turn up anyway.  With a TOP SECRET (based on your job) involving a Single Scope Background Investigation, the odds of it turning up increase yet again.  I read several personnel files in my year there which involved crimes committed while the individual was a minor.  

Don't ask don't tell is not a policy, rule, law, instruction, regulation, or suggestion in reference to what we are talking about.  Let me be very clear.  What a couple people are telling you to do is called Fraudulent Enlistment and it is a crime.   I have seen two persons kicked out for Fraudulent Enlistment.  One under General Discharge, the other Dishonorable.  Dishonorable is the equivelant of being a convicted felon.  Both times it had nothing to do with how much money and training was already invested.  It is based on one of a hundred different things:  Who finds out about it?  What is their level of integrity is (yours is already established as faulty at that point), how many memorandums can you get submitted by fellow armed forces members in reference to your personal character and why they should not charge you and kick you out, what the Commanders Intent is, do they think you are worth saving etc.  

Long story short, if you are going to say something, say it before you are actually part of the military.  Once you are an Airman, it is a crime.

Donald T · Answer

I agree with the last post. Be honest, otherwise you will get kicked out anyhow. If you were caught in possession of ice do you think that you are ready to join the armed service? Stay off of drugs and be honest is the best answer I can give you. Good luck.

Anonymous · Answer

Don't ask, Don't tell applies here. Behave yourself and complete your term. If found out later after training you probably will be given a cussing and told get back to work- they spent money training you and want a return on investment. Worst would be general discharge for convenience of service. Don't mess up and if later need a security clearance interview respond truthfully to specific questions, maybe tell Gunny/Sergeant Major you did a few youthful wild things but don't have a record.

AviationMetalSmith · Answer

Do you understand the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy?

Don't say anything about it unless they ask.
If you tell them, they have to kick you out.

Trending News

enlisting in air force with past records?

4 Answers