Question on joining the military. Please help.?

Question

Well, I am interested in joining the military but I have a small problem. When I was in the 8th grade I was kind of starting to hang with the wrong crowd and was smoking some marijuana. More experimental and peer pressure than anything. Well I had some at school and was arrested by the police. I was put on diversion for 6 months and my case manager or whatever they are called said it will be off my record after i'm done. Now I am wondering if this will stop me from entering the military. It is something that I have been wanting to do for a long time. Kind of like my dream. I will also say that I am now a Junior in High School. My GPA is over 3.7, and I am in very good standings with the school( no behavioral problems or anything), and I wouldn't even think of ever messing with them foolish drugs again. Please somebody help me.

Answer 1

Tell your recruiter. He will give you paper work to sign. Problem solved.

You can still get any job you want, and a bonus, etc.

Too easy.

Answer 2

Trust me half the people in the army have records, I don't think there going to judge you by one small accident when you were in 8th grade, you should probably start talking to a recruiter now, they'll help you and answer all your questions for you.

Answer 3

make sure you tell your recruiter. do not keep it from him and he will help you out.

go Marines if you haven't decided yet

:)

Answer 4

You should have no trouble enlisting at all. Call any recruiting office and they can confirm this. Your record of drug use was probably expunged when you reached 18. But this is not a bar form joing in todays military even if it were to show up. However, if you LIE about it it can keep you out.

You can find out if you still have a record on file just by askin the clerk of court where you live, they will either know or know who has that info for you.

Answer 5

be honest with the recruiter first off, dont show up at MEPS to test positive. they will ask you if you have smoked within the last 6 months. just be honest with them that way they have no excuse not to enlist you. shouldn't be a problem though since you have not used in quite some time.

Answer 6

You shouldn't have a problem joining the military. Just be upfront with a recruiter and tell him exactly what you said here in regards to the situation. You'll most likely need a waiver for it but that's the recruiters job.

Answer 7

More than likely no.  The marijuana use as experimental is not really an issue.  You might, depending on which branch you join, have issue with what is called a morals violation for the legal trouble you got into.  As long as you are off of probation and have been for 3 months and have not had any trouble since....you shouldn't have any issues.  Your recruiter should be able to attempt a waiver for the violation.  

Remember, for the military nothing is ever off of your record.  Your background when joining the military is considered a matter of national security.  Therefore even if they told you it was sealed, expunged etc the military will find it.  The big thing is don't lie about it.  Tell your recruiter and let then try to run a wavier.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

Tell you what I'd do.

See if you can look up your case manager and get a letter from him/her explaining the situation and his/her assessment of you now.

Talk it over with your high school counselor and Dean/Principal, and try to get letters from them also assessing you as a student and as a person.

Armed with some current and positive evaluations, go to the Recruiter. Whatever you do, do not lie... do not withhold information that might be damaging. When you go for a security clearance -- anything beyond Confidential, it'll come out. Then you'll have to sweat the consequences of that. Almost everybody has, in their youth, done stuff for which they are ashamed and have learned from the experience. The military knows that.

I've seen some posts that "it's no big thing... don't mention it." I've also heard there are recruiters who suggest the same. When you sign your contract, just above your signature there's a paragraph that says that you swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information you provided is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Your signature is below that paragraph. Theirs are not.

Besides, do you want to begin your dream on with a lie?

Answer 9

Talk to your recruiter.  The military has learned that experimenting with marijuana is rather common in youth and if the military denied everyone who ever smoked it they would be much shorter of recruits!  

Recruits are allowed youthul indescretions.  When you fill out your secruity clearance you will have to admit to your past juvenile record as that will come up in a background check.

You will be surprised how many military personnel have made stupid youthful mistakes and have developed into fine leaders.  You may be the next.

So, be honest with your recruiter.  You will sign a contract promising you will never do that stuff again.

I respect you for joining our fine military.  Be safe out there.

Answer 10

i really dont think its gonna be a problem.just tell your recruiter when you talk to him.do your homework,say your prayers,obey your parents,and maybe,just maybe,you can be one of us.........the few,the proud,THE MARINES.

Answer 11

If the army turns you down, try the Foreign Legion.

They were glad to have me and I didn't even have to use my right name.