Does having a misdemeanor from 14 yrs ago prevent me from going into the National Guard as an Officer?

Question

I've been thinking about joining the National Guard at the age of 33. I'll be finished with college in about 6 months. I was told by a friend that if I finish my degree first, I could go in as an officer. However, after talking to a recruiter, he says that I can not be an officer because of two misdemeanors from my younger years. At 19, I was busted with pot. First time drinking at 21, got a DUI. Never been in any trouble since. Married a long times, good kids, same job for a long time, excellent school record, GPA, etc., actively participate in the community volunteering at the Y. Is it actually possible that these dumb mistakes from my teenage years can still effect my future? I don't get it.

Answer 1

im in the army.im a pfc.my friend joined with 4 misdemeanors. which is the max.so dont get into any more trouble !!!!!im 18 and im a E-3 paygrade.it supports me fine.and the benefits are great.but i cant support a family right now.and depending on ur job u might be taking a step down.cause the highest u can enter is as E-3.but its a pain in the *** to try.most enter as an E-1(nothing).i entered as a E-2.private.but yea if u have college experience you can enter as an E-4.or you can try to be an officer.but im sure you good to enter.

Answer 2

Unfortunately you are going to have to answer yes to questions on paperwork that for an officer is nearly impossible to overcome. The fact that they were adult misdemeanors and involved drugs and alcohol is a very unfortunate combination. The boards that convene to choose officer candidates will have that information prominently displayed for them to see immediately in your package. My guess is that you would be hard pressed to find an officer recruiter that would even put a package together to submit for you. They know that the pressure is to get guys to enlist and that is where they will waive all sorts of mistakes to get someone a chance. The officer ranks rarely see a shortage of applicants so a criminal record waiver is almost unheard of. Now officers that get DUIs when they are already in is a different story....quite a few of those. I'm not saying it couldn't happen for you but I have never heard of someone with a drug and alcohol record being commissioned. Good luck.

Answer 3

Ask a judge and see if he'll overturn them for good behavior. Or write your congressman. Worth a shot if you really want to serve your country.